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NZ Herald
10-06-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Introducing The 30 Viva Beauty Awards Winners 2025, As Voted For By You
Discover every winning brand, person and product from this year's Viva Beauty Awards 2025. 'Bigger, better and more beautiful than ever' was the tagline attached to this year's Viva Beauty Awards. And they were. Presented by Glow Lab, this year's Viva Beauty Awards received an overwhelming number of votes – no small feat considering the new timeframe for the awards meant we had little over six months between our inaugural launch to roll out the second instalment. Our mission has always been clear: to celebrate the people, products and processes that have made a significant impact on our local beauty industry. From the time-honoured classics to the next generation of category disruptors, the Viva Beauty Awards are a reflection of the best in the business of beauty. From high-performance skincare to suit every stage of life, through to signature scents that defy convention, this year's cohort of skin, body, hair, fragrance and makeup heroes look set to transform beauty rotations with their impressive formulas, modern textures and innovative blend of active ingredients. We were blown away by the industry's response when nominations opened on May 2, with hundreds of entries across the two-week nomination period. Our six expert judges had their work cut out to narrow down the finalists before we handed the baton over to you – our valued Viva readers – to crown the winners. In some cases, the difference between winner and runner-up came down to only a handful of votes – a few categories were incredibly close. To everyone who took the time to craft a nomination, sat on our judging panel, or cast their all-important vote at thank you. These awards would not be possible without you. Without further ado, discover all 30 winners from this year's Viva Beauty Awards below. Brand Founder Of The Year Winner: Emma Lewisham Massive congratulations for Emma Lewisham, who has been crowned the Brand Founder Of The Year in the Viva Beauty Awards for the second year running. The entrepreneur and founder of her eponymous beauty brand has had another stellar year in business, continuing to expand her reach in global markets spanning Australasia, the United States and Britain with her selection of evidence-backed, plant-based skincare. Emma continues to push the limits of possibility when it comes to formulations that are active yet natural, including the December 2024 SPF relaunch, which was eight years in the making. Unlike other SPF formulations, the Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF50 Mineral Face Creme was formulated to comply with strict Therapeutic Goods Administration and Food and Drug Administration certifications. It bridges the gap between sun protection and skincare by providing broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with 20% zinc oxide while boosting skin longevity with ingredients that target collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis within the skin. Not to mention the sensorial element – a subtly tinted formulation that absorbs quickly into skin and won't leave a white cast (a tough ask for many mineral-based SPFs). This launch paved the way for two others to follow – an SPF 50 Mineral Body Creme and SPF50 Mineral Glow Serum, which was launched at Australian Fashion Week on the Beare Park runway last month. New Zealand Beauty Brand Of The Year Winner: Pure Mama Four years ago, frustrated by the lack of high-quality, pregnancy-safe products to help nurture her growing bump during her first pregnancy, Lara Christie sought to create her own. What culminated was Pure Mama and its line of pregnancy skincare, designed to help nourish expectant parents from their first trimester through to post-partum and beyond. Together with sister Yasmin Shepherd, Papamoa-based Lara has been dutifully building the brand, cementing partnerships locally with independent retailers and day spas including The Facialist and Hana, before expanding into the US with retailers including Erewhon, Nordstrom, Macy's, Revolve and Goop. Pure Mama's first-ever product, a belly and body oil, remains a best-seller today and gained the brand international attention when Kourtney Kardashian publicly endorsed the brand on her website, Poosh. In 2023, Pure Mama became one of the first brands Mecca onboarded to help establish its new Family Wellness pillar. Products aside, Pure Mama has used its social media platforms as a catalyst for change, fostering important conversations around pregnancy, surrogacy, adoption and birth. Runner-up: Emma Lewisham Innovation Award Winner: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Few SPF products have amassed a cult following quite like La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+, so it was with much surprise that the brand revealed it was reformulating the best-seller. The reimagined take on the original included an innovative new filter that targets longer wavelengths of UVA rays (which sit between 380 and 400 nanometres). Turns out, these longer wavelengths are the ones to be wary of, considering the depth at which they penetrate the epidermis can lead to free radical damage that impacts the skin's collagen stores and stimulates its pigment production, leading to sagging, wrinkling or dark spots. In response, La Roche-Posay carefully developed a filter, named Mexoryl 400, across 10 years to help defend against such rays. La Roche-Posay's patented technology launched across Europe, South America, Southeast Asia and South Africa in 2022, but only landed on our shores in late October 2024. Sustainability Award Winner: Ecostore Since 1993, Ecostore has been delivering its eco-friendly range of household cleaning products, laundry, body care, skincare, baby care and oral care to the world. Founders Malcolm and Melanie Rands wanted to extend their personal mission of living a clean, green lifestyle to all by building a range of refillable personal care and household products that were efficacious, but without any unnecessary chemical ingredients. What started with an Auckland-based flagship store in 1997 quickly expanded into supermarkets across the motu, before going global with launches in Australia and across Asia. The brand changed hands in 2013 and is now under the stewardship of Pablo Kraus, who steered it towards refreshed packaging crafted from renewable sugarcane, which promises a lower carbon footprint, not to mention being 100% recyclable. There are almost too many milestones to name across Ecostore's 32-year history – plastic return programmes, in-supermarket refill stations, and B Corp certifications included. Today, Ecostore products continue to be manufactured in Aotearoa at the brand's Toitu Net Carbonzero facility. Runner-up: Emma Lewisham Breakthrough Brand Of The Year Winner: Noody It's hard to miss Noody on the shelf, what with its brightly hued illustrations of characters dancing and cartwheeling their way off the tube. The all-natural children's skincare line is the second range founded by holistic skin expert Ashleigh Scott and husband Scott Glacken, following in the footsteps of The Facialist's efficacious selection of cleansers, serums, moisturisers and more. Noody first launched at the end of 2023 with a tight edit of three products that had been tested on Ashleigh and Scott's children to ensure safety and efficacy in treating skin conditions like eczema or sensitivity. Each plant-powered formulation harnesses the best of New Zealand native ingredients and prebiotics to make skin health top priority, soothing itchiness, irritation and redness – all without the need for steroids. The most recent addition to the range is Bedtime Bestie, a sleep support spray that can be applied to feet or backs to help lull little ones to sleep. Runner-up: Milou Beauty Makeup Artist Of The Year Winner: Gabrielle Houghton To say Gabrielle Houghton is booked and busy would be an understatement. The Hamilton-based makeup artist and educator specialises in luxury and destination weddings, often winging her way around the world to make over brides for one of the cornerstone moments of their lives. When she's not wielding a makeup brush at some of the world's most glamorous wedding destinations, she's bringing up the next generation of budding artists at the GH Makeup Academy with two intakes of four students annually to ensure quality of care and tailored feedback. More than just a masterclass, Gabrielle offers mentorship programmes and social media coaching modules to ensure budding artists are provided with all the tools they need to establish a successful career in the industry. And with more than a decade in the industry, she's developed long-standing relationships with her loyal clientele, having created makeup looks for special occasions, editorials, events, runway shows and more. Runner-up: Sarika Patel Hairstylist Of The Year Winner: Lauren Gunn, Colleen It seems only fitting to celebrate award-winning hairstylist Lauren Gunn as she prepares for the 10th anniversary of her Karangahape Rd salon, Colleen. In just shy of a decade, she's built a loyal clientele and attracted some of the city's top hairstyling talent to work alongside her at the basin, including fellow Hairstylist Of The Year 2025 nominee Sean Mahoney. She's worked on countless fashion campaigns and magazine editorials over the years (including an ultra-bright, Barbie-themed shoot in Viva with former fashion editor and creative director Dan Ahwa in 2023). Not only is Lauren known for her professionalism, creativity and technical execution, she's also one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. If you've had the pleasure of working with Lauren or been lucky enough to sit in her chair, it's likely not an experience you'll forget in a hurry. Beauty Therapist Of The Year Winner: Jordi Brooks, Caci She's been the shining star at Caci's Palmerston North clinic for more than nine years and now Jordi Brooks has taken out the top spot as Beauty Therapist Of The Year. Caci recognised Jordi's talent from more than 400 team members nationwide, nominating her in this year's Viva Beauty Awards for performing 2500 treatments in the last year alone (250 of which were advanced skin treatments). Her ongoing commitment to excellence in-clinic has seen her earn a net promoter score of 97 out of 100 (a measure of success conducted by Caci that factors in client feedback and satisfaction). 'Jordi consistently acts in the best interest of her clients by prioritising their needs, understanding their goals, and providing tailored solutions that align with their long-term skin care needs,' her nomination read. 'She takes the time to listen carefully to each customer's concerns, ensuring a deep understanding of their skincare goals and concerns. By offering honest, sound advice, Jordi helps customers make the right decisions that are best suited to their specific skincare journey.' Best Base Product Winner: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup It's long been a makeup artist favourite and for good reason, Estee Lauder's cult-favourite foundation helps to even out skin tone and conceal imperfections with its buildable, medium-to-full coverage formulation that stays in place for up to 24 hours continuous wear. It's resistant to sweat, heat and humidity, promising a matte finish but without caking, streaking or settling into fine lines or pores. The best part? It's available in 60 shades in three different undertones (cool, neutral and warm), and is said to not appear ashy or grey on deep skin tones. Best Pop Of Colour Winner: Ashley & Co. Tint Me Lip Punch With Pink Beet A wash of pink can brighten up even the most grey winter days, and New Zealand beauty brand Ashley & Co. promises just that with its beeswax-based Tint Me Lip Punch. It's coloured with a hint of pink beet to lend a perfectly pinky tint to lips, while a blend of plant-based oils and flower extracts helps to nourish and hydrate pouts. Plus, it's subtly scented with a blend of vanilla, orange blossom, mandarin peel, citrus oil and almond to elevate the experience of smoothing on the balmy formula even further. Best In Glow Winner: MCo Beauty Super Glow Bronzing Drops Last year, Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops was awarded runner-up in this category and now its dupe has won this year. Viral dupe brand MCo Beauty continues to democratise beauty by offering similar formulations to the original at a more accessible price point, which includes these Super Glow Bronzing Drops that lend a warm bronze tint to complexions. The multi-purpose skin tint can be worn over bare skin for a healthy glow or under makeup to help create a glowing canvas for the makeup steps to follow. Either way, we're happy to have saved some hard-earned cash in the process. Best For Lips Winner: Pure Fiji Lip Balm Pure Fiji has always done an excellent job of highlighting the unique ingredients found in the tropical island paradise, including dilo oil, which features heavily throughout the brand's range of scented body care. Its Lip Balm is no different – it contains a cocktail of coconut milk, dilo oil, macadamia oil, castor oil and beeswax to help hydrate and restore lips, leaving them feeling soft, comfortable and nourished once more. The fatty acids contained within these oils are known to help regenerate or repair dry or damaged lips, making it a must to smooth on during the drying winter months. Best For Lashes Or Brows Winner: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Taking out the top spot for the second year running is Maybelline New York's viral mascara, which is renowned for sending lashes skyward with its lengthening and volumising formula. The unique flex tower wand helps reach even the smallest lashes, promising even distribution of the bamboo extract-infused fibres from root to tip. Lashes appear full and fanned out, without flaking or smudging. Best For Cleansing Winner: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser This wallet-friendly cleanser was awarded as runner-up in the Best For Cleansing category last year, so it's exciting to see CeraVe take out the top spot in 2025. The drug store favourite shines brightest during the second cleanse, helping to cleanse and hydrate skin all without interrupting the skin's delicate moisture barrier. It does so thanks to MVE technology, which helps maintain hydration levels in the skin for up to 24 hours (yes, please). The non-foaming formula is brimming with a blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which attract moisture to the skin's surface and keep it there. Best For Hydration Winner: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ A cure-all for cuticles, cracked, chapped or chafing skin, this multi-purpose hydrator helps to soothe a multitude of skin ailments. The therapeutic cream is said to offer relief from common skin conditions, including dermatitis and eczema, by supporting the natural skin barrier and locking in hydration. It does so thanks to key ingredients, including glycerin, centella asiatica, panthenol and shea butter, which work to restore and replenish thirsty skin. Best For Overnight Winner: CeraVe Renewing Night Cream The chemist brands continue their reign with CeraVe's regenerating night cream crowned the Best For Overnight. As with all products in the CeraVe range, this one is formulated with three essential ceramides and a peptide complex to help refresh a tired-looking complexion as you slumber, leaving it plump and firm-looking by morning. It harnesses the brand's MVE technology to support healthy moisture levels in the skin for 24 hours, alongside hyaluronic acid for barrier support and niacinamide to reduce redness. Best For Mature Skin Winner: Antipodes Jasmine Flower Menopause Facial Cream It's one of the newest products to land on shelves from New Zealand natural skincare brand Antipodes, but it's something the category has needed for some time. Formulated with the unique needs of menopausal skin in mind, this facial cream helps alleviate visible signs associated with menopause, including redness, severe dehydration, hormonal blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles. Designed to follow women from perimenopause to postmenopause, the hormone-free cream is formulated with known anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients, like organic oat extract and manuka honey, alongside peptides, fermented jasmine flowers and New Zealand avocado oil to envelop skin in silky, cooling moisture. Best SPF Winner: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Okay, we lied. There aren't 30 people, products or brands on this list – technically, there's only 29, because this clinically-proven sunscreen appears twice. It took out the top spot for the Innovation Award, but was also voted as the Best SPF for its dermatologically-tested formulation that's also non-greasy, suitable for sensitive skin and won't leave a white cast in its wake. The shake to activate technology helps dispense freshly blended invisible fluid every time, which is crafted with La Roche-Posay's signature Thermal Spring Water to help nourish skin, while protecting against the various wavelengths of UVA and UVB rays. Powered by Mexoryl 400, it helps defend against deep cell damage, prevent DNA lesions and pigmentation. Best Shampoo & Conditioner Duo Winner: CZE Hair Silk Wash & Silk Condition Two cornerstone products in CZE Hair's selection of Trico-Dermis beauty include Silk Wash and Silk Condition, the shampoo and conditioner duo that work double duty to strengthen and nourish hair. Silk Wash is enriched with a blend of vitamins and antioxidants that promote scalp and hair health – gently cleansing the scalp while strengthening and fortifying dry or damaged hair. Its companion product, Silk Condition, offers mid-lengths and ends a dose of nutrients and hydration to leave hair soft, silky and manageable. Runner-up: L'Oreal Professionel Metal Detox range Best For Your Scalp Winner: Kerastase Genesis Serum Weak, dry or damaged strands have met their match with Kerastase's anti-hair-fall serum, designed to help anchor hair at the scalp for minimised breakage or shedding while boosting hair health. The jelly-esque formula is enriched with aminexil, edelweiss native cells and ginger root to foster an optimum environment for hair growth, and is said to work its magic in as little as six weeks of continued use. It's also suitable for use on all hair types. Best Hairstyling Product Or Treatment Winner: Kerastase Nutritive 8H Night Repair Serum Another gold for Kerastase, recognised as the top hairstyling product or treatment for its Nutritive 8H Night Repair Serum. It's a fan favourite for a reason: smooth on this nourishing overnight hair serum before you sleep and allow the blend of iris root extract, niacinamide and five vitamins to help reverse daytime depletion. Not only will it detangle hair and boost manageability, but the hydrating formula penetrates deep within the hair fibre to restore hair to its soft, hydrated best over an eight-hour period. Best Hair Tool To Try Winner: Dyson Airstrait Rather than use extreme heat to tame strands, Dyson harnesses powerful, directional airflow to smooth hair – taking it from wet to naturally straight without compromising hair health. The Airstrait projects air downwards at a 45-degree angle, creating the tension needed to straighten hair leaving it smooth and shiny, with ample volume but zero frizz or flyaways. It's equally effective when used to refresh dry hair, helping straighten strands but keeping hair strength and colour intact. Runner-up: GHD Chronos Max Best Body Wash Winner: Pure Fiji Shower Gel Pure Fiji's selection of Shower Gels pair coconut milk with one of nine infusions – ranging from the moreish coconut milk and honey through to the zesty citrus of coconut lime blossom. Every pump bottle is loaded with natural coconut and sugar cane to gently cleanse the body, while skin-loving oils leave skin hydrated and nourished – never stripped or dry. Best Body Moisturiser Winner: Pure Fiji Hydrating Body Lotion It's a three-peat for Pure Fiji, which also takes out the top prize for its Hydrating Body Lotion in the Best Body Moisturiser category. In the same way that Pure Fiji's Shower Gel is available in a suite of infusions so, too, are its hydrating lotions. The award-winning formulation combines fresh coconut milk with cold-pressed virgin coconut, dilo, sikeci and macadamia oil with hyaluronic acid to not only leave skin hydrated, but boost firmness, elasticity and improve skin texture. Best For Hands And Nails Winner: Ashley & Co. Soothe Tube in Gone Green Treat hands on the go with Ashley & Co.'s non-greasy, no-nasties cream. It's brimming with essential oils, including organic borage oil, shea butter and camomile extract to help restore and soften dry or dehydrated hands and cuticles. The gently scented cream is fragranced with black tea, elemi, cedarwood, lemon citrus, patchouli and more, which lingers lightly on skin after application. Runner-up: Ecostore Vanilla Bean & Coconut Handwash Best Signature Scent Winner: Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Cologne It's the scent synonymous with pear orchards in springtime, and now Jo Malone London's iconic cologne is officially top of our list. The timeless floral highlights top notes of luscious King William pear, a floral heart of white freesia and rose, with rich, sensual base notes of quince, rhubarb, patchouli, amber and white musk. Not to mention it's perfect for layering with a fragrance from Jo Malone London's wardrobe of scents – Viva loves it paired with Peony & Blush Suede for a warming, floral element. Runner-up: YSL Black Opium EDP Best Home Fragrance Scent Winner: Diptyque Baies Candle It's easy to see why Diptyque's Baies Candle has been welcomed into Mecca's Hall Of Fame – the iconic home fragrance scent is a timeless take on berry with its juicy blend of vine-ripened blackcurrant berries and roses in bloom. It's available in five different sizes depending on the room you're scenting – a miniature 70g votive for small spaces, through to a 1.5kg extra large vessel with considerable scent throw. Baies has received more than 500 five-star reviews on Mecca's e-commerce site and the classic 190g size is often sold out in-store. Best Supermarket Buy Winner: Glow Lab Coconut & Sandalwood Body Wash Glow Lab's soothing blend of coconut and sandalwood has taken out the Best Supermarket Buy category for the second year in a row. This cosseting body wash is proving a go-to for busy household shoppers to add to cart during their milk and bread run. It's affordable yet effective – the New Zealand-made formulation contains shea butter and essential oils to hydrate and nourish, pro-vitamin B5 and betaine to strengthen the skin barrier, while vitamin E and argan oil defend against environmental damage, leaving skin soft and supple. Best For Your Handbag Winner: Burt's Bees Lip Balm in Strawberry Lemonade This category was easily the broadest of all, with a number of nominations spanning protein bars and facial sprays through to hand creams and lip balms. Burt's Bees was awarded for its strawberry lemonade-flavoured lip balm, which contains the brand's signature beeswax formula, said to moisturise and soften lips with just one swipe. Its summer-ready scent offers the perfect dose of escapism on grey winter days, too. Best In Wellbeing Winner: Pure Mama Magnesium Body Rub It's the peppermint-scented body rub that recently earned its spot on Goop's Wellness Edit, and now Pure Mama's Magnesium Body Rub has officially been crowned as the Best In Wellbeing on our list, too. Despite its moniker, the physio-approved formulation isn't solely reserved for aches and pains linked to pregnancy, but can be used by anyone to alleviate discomfort, aid muscle relaxation, support skin suppleness and promote deep sleep. It does so with its blend of magnesium and SyriCalm, and can be easily massaged into skin to ease cramping, carpel tunnel, joint pain or muscle tension. CREDITS Photographer | Guy Coombes Fashion and creative director | Dan Ahwa Beauty editor | Ashleigh Cometti Hair and makeup | Leisa Welch Models | Shangdi Sun and Alaina Grainger from Unique Models; Yali Cottan from Super MGMT. With special thanks to Season Gallery.
NZ Herald
10-06-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Are Ceramides The Missing Link In Your Skincare Routine?
It's the hero ingredient that's long been the superpower of many skincare formulations, and now it's readily available in the supermarket aisle. Ceramides are known as the building blocks of skin - the hardworking lipids which help to rebuild the skin barrier and provide long-lasting hydration. These lipids (or fatty acids) occur naturally in the skin, helping protect it from dryness and defending against infection. The buzzy substance is coming for your skincare routine, too, having reached cult status globally for its ability to boost your skin barrier, leaving it better equipped to fend off the harmful effects of environmental aggressors like pollution. Now, best-selling New Zealand skincare brand Glow Lab is tapping into the skin barrier boom by unveiling its new dermatologically tested, fragrance- and cruelty-free Ceramides Skincare range, a four-strong selection of products designed to offer deep hydration to dry or sensitive skin types. Formulated to restore and repair the skin's natural barrier and promote a healthy skin microbiome, Glow Lab's Ceramides range is brimming with active ingredients including triple ceramides, hyaluronic acid, postbiotics, cica and pro-vitamin B5. The result? A complexion that appears radiant, and skin that's more resilient to whatever the day throws at you. The primary role of ceramides in skin is to help retain moisture and dodge any pesky germs that threaten to enter the body. They do so by supporting optimum skin barrier function – or the body's first line of defense against external stressors like pollution or toxins. Thanks to technological advancements in the realm of skincare, we're now able to replenish our skin's ceramide stores by applying the ingredient topically, in the form of moisturisers, creams, serums and essences which can help top up ceramide levels. What can ceramides do for your skin? In the same way that our collagen stores deplete as we age, so too to the ceramide levels in skin. This can often lead to dryness, redness, and irritation, or can manifest in the form of skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis. This is where Glow Lab's unique triple ceramide complex steps in, helping to replenish any lost moisture levels, support a healthy skin barrier once more and soothe any surface sensitivity, meaning skin appears plump, smooth and healthy. Beyond these benefits, using topical ceramides can also help to improve the health of skin cells, and slow the effects of ageing by keeping skin moist and supple. 'Supporting the skin barrier is one of the most important skincare steps, with dryness and sensitivity being the number one skin concern globally. We wanted to create a solution that makes healthy skin accessible to everyone,' says Glow Lab head of marketing, Nic Guise. 'With clean, derm-tested formulas and powerful hydration, our Ceramides range gives your skin the strength it needs—without the hefty price tag.' How to incorporate ceramides into your skincare routine A fusion of nature and science, all four products in Glow Lab's Ceramides range work to replenish and restore, leaving skin feeling soft, supple and comfortable (a must for those with sensitive skin). Start with the Foaming Oil Cleanser, $17.99, a lightweight oil-to-foam formula which helps to gently remove makeup and impurities without leaving skin feeling stripped or dry. A nourishing blend of triple ceramides, squalane and betaine helps to cleanse skin and leave the skin barrier intact. Next, apply one pump of the Replenishing Facial Serum, $29.99, and allow the silky and lightweight formula to soothe irritation, lock in moisture and boost the skin barrier. It does so thanks to a blend of triple ceramides, hyaluronic acid and cica – promising instant comfort on sensitive skin types, not to mention a dose of long-lasting hydration. Lock in all that goodness with a pea-sized amount of the Daily Moisturising Lotion, $17.99, which absorbs quickly into skin (good news for regular makeup wearers). The deeply hydrating lotion is supercharged with a blend of ceramides, cica and SymRelief100 (a patented ingredient comprised of ginger root and bisabolol). Together, this soothing skin cocktail is scientifically proven to reduce redness by up to 49% in just two days. On the days when you need to call in the reinforcements, consider the Ultra Repair Cream, $24.99, and allow the rich, creamy texture to alleviate the symptoms of dryness or skin that's prone to redness or discomfort. It combines triple ceramides, niacinamide and squalane with SymReboot L19 (aka probiotic Lactobacillus ferment) to boost the skin's moisture levels while strengthening the skin barrier to help protect it against environmental stressors. The best part? As with all of Glow Lab's range of nourishing skincare, hair care, baby care, body care and home fragrance, the Ceramides range is made right here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
NZ Herald
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Viva Beauty Awards 2025: Judges Share What Excites Them Most About The Future Of Beauty In Aotearoa
Their diverse experience and backgrounds made them an excellent cohort of experts to help narrow down nominations in this year's Viva Beauty Awards, presented by Glow Lab. Below, all six judges share what keeps them passionate about the future of beauty in Aotearoa. The votes have been cast and the finalists have been announced, but who were the experts who helped narrow down nominations? With experience spanning hair styling, cosmetic chemistry, beauty journalism, makeup artistry and more, our judges brought with them a unique perspective on what's worth celebrating in the realm of beauty. It was no small feat to have them pore over hundreds of nominations and cast their vote on each, with only the top products, people and brands moving through to the next round. Below, we asked judges Lucy Slight, Stacey Fraser, Sarika Patel, Jane Joo, Danny Pato and Ashleigh Cometti what excites them most about the future of beauty in Aotearoa. Lucy Slight Freelance beauty and lifestyle journalist Few lifestyle journalists have carved out as successful a career in the field of beauty like Lucy Slight, whose work has been published in some of the country's most prominent fashion and beauty magazines. She's spent the past 18 years working across print and digital, and is a regular contributor to the likes of Viva, Fashion Quarterly and FashioNZ today. Beauty aside, Lucy has recently completed a qualification in personal styling and regularly posts outfit inspiration, styling hacks and shopping tips on her TikTok and newly minted Substack, The Glossary. 'What excites me most about the future of beauty in Aotearoa is the bold innovation coming from our local industry. New Zealand brands are not only pushing the boundaries with unique formulations and cutting-edge ingredients, but they're also leading the way globally when it comes to sustainability,' Lucy says. 'It's equally exciting to see more major international names launching here, proof that the world sees Aotearoa as a dynamic and influential beauty market. There's a sense of momentum: our homegrown brands are stepping up, and Kiwi consumers are embracing new ideas with open minds and a willingness to try something different.' Stacey Fraser Cosmetic chemist and design practice teaching fellow for the School of Product Design at the University of Canterbury As the silent force behind some of Aotearoa's most impressive brands, Stacey Fraser has consulted on everything from the formulation to the packaging for the likes of Tronque, Raaie, CZE Hair and Embodyme. Not one to sit still, Stacey spends the other half of her time working as a design practice teaching fellow for the School of Product Design at the University of Canterbury. Her skills and experience in the field prove invaluable when educating the next generation of product designers and future brand founders. It's a busy life, but a good one, and Stacey says the balance between working with established brands and up-and-comers keeps her passionate about the pillar. 'The future of beauty in Aotearoa is bold and bright – established brands are evolving with purpose, while new players are bringing disruptive design and innovation that positions New Zealand as a global creative force,' Stacey says, adding she's been working on a handful of inspiring projects recently. Sarika Patel Freelance makeup artist After cutting her teeth at the M.A.C beauty counter, freelance makeup artist Sarika Patel forged a successful career creating spellbinding beauty looks on magazine editorials and for special occasions. In 2024, Sarika launched three personalised shade matching experiences to embolden clients with the knowledge and confidence to discover their proper foundation shade. Inspiration came for her new business venture after working with a number of clients (especially those with deep complexions) who would struggle to find the right foundation shade at their local makeup counter. Now, Sarika runs her shade matching business in conjunction with workshops and special occasion bookings. To say she's booked and busy would be an understatement. Looking ahead, Sarika says she feels hopeful about the future of brands that understand the differing needs of a diverse group of people. 'What excites me about Aotearoa's beauty future is seeing brands develop thoughtful formulations that prioritise both sustainability, specialised results and luxe quality,' Sarika says. 'Brands that place the customer at the core of their brand, understanding individual needs of different groups and their beauty and wellness challenges, while caring for the planet. It's exciting to see NZ brands are standing confidently alongside global names.' Jane Joo Beauty influencer and content creator Few people can wear so many hats with relative ease as Jane Joo, a beauty influencer, content creator, Pilates instructor and sustainability project engineer. The young creative has just shy of 90,000 followers on Instagram, and 217,000 followers on TikTok, who flock to her pages for inspiration on all things skincare, makeup, wellness and fashion. The demands of her busy lifestyle means Jane is hyper-organised and often shares a snippet of her day with get ready with me (GRWM) or time-stamped day in the life (DITL) videos. Jane provides a discerning take on how brands engage with social media and a fresh perspective on sustainability. 'Beauty products and services are more accessible today than ever before. Social media definitely makes sure a good product doesn't go unnoticed,' Jane says. 'I'm excited to see how we can use science and innovation to further develop sustainable packaging.' Danny Pato Award-winning hairstylist and co-founder of D&M Hair Design For years, we've teased that Danny Pato needs more room on his mantelpiece for the incredible number of awards he's accumulated, ranging from Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year through to International Hairdresser of the Year. Specifically, he's won 14 international hairdressing awards and remains an eight-time winner of the esteemed New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year award. He brings his expert eye and natural talent to his work at D&M Hair Design, the Ponsonby salon he co-founded 11 years ago. Danny's books are full and for good reason, he's adept with everything from lived-in colour through to dynamic cuts, and is a regular on the editorial scene for his creative approach to directional styles. In December 2024, Danny was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) by King Charles III. But what drives him most is witnessing the next generation in hairstyling, and his unbridled passion for passing on the baton to the second coming of stylists. 'What excites me most about the future of beauty in Aotearoa is the incredible homegrown talent driving it forward,' says Danny. 'From world-class innovators launching global brands to the dedicated professionals transforming lives every day in salons and studios across the country – these are our unsung heroes, and the future is theirs.' Ashleigh Cometti Viva beauty editor It was Ashleigh Cometti's childhood dream to become a beauty editor, and from age 8 she was often spotted creating collages and moodboards from fashion magazines. Fresh from her honours degree at age 21, Ashleigh made her start in the magazine world with NZ Weddings magazine, where she worked as an editorial assistant and later, a beauty writer. For the past 14 years, she's written about the business of beauty for top titles across the country, finally securing her dream job as Viva 's beauty editor in 2020. With the Viva Beauty Awards now in its second year, Ashleigh is passionate about the opportunity it provides to shine a light on the local and international brands and practices that propel the industry forward. 'In 2025, consumers are more discerning than ever before, which has seen beauty brands respond with a more conscious take on product development and design. There's been a seismic shift in the industry over the last five years, which has radicalised what consumers have come to demand from the products they choose to invest in,' Ashleigh says. 'Today, there's a call for greater transparency with a product's INCI list; the need for a brand to engage in sustainable practices that carry through from formulation through to packaging; and for marketing strategies to connect with consumers in ways that feel both genuine and authentic. We are constantly in a state of levelling up, improving practices and growing our stakes in the global beauty landscape. I'm so proud to be able to share the stories of those who have had such a lasting impact on the industry and call it work.' The Beauty In Starting Over: Three Entrepreneurs On Why They Rebranded In 2024. For these successful brand founders, there's power in the pivot.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Zealand's Favourite Beauty Awards Make Their Return
Press Release – NZME. Across two weeks in April, beauty industry professionals were invited to submit their nominations for the best products and brands across various categories. Voting is now open and people have until 28 May to pick their favourites across multiple beauty Viva has partnered with Glow Lab for a second consecutive year to present The Viva Beauty Awards 2025, celebrating excellence in skincare, haircare, and cosmetics across New Zealand's beauty industry. Across two weeks in April, beauty industry professionals were invited to submit their nominations for the best products and brands across various categories. After receiving hundreds of nominations across 30 categories, Viva Beauty Editor Ashleigh Cometti and an esteemed panel of judges decided on the finalists. Voting is now open and people have until 28 May to pick their favourites across multiple beauty categories via the Viva website. Winners will be announced on 11 June on and in Viva magazine in the NZ Herald. Stephanie Holmes, NZME's Editor – Lifestyle Brands, says: 'Viva's beauty content is market-leading, showcasing the best brands, products and the people behind them, empowering our readers to feel confident in their purchase decisions. The Viva Beauty Awards are an extension of our regular beauty content, giving industry experts the chance to celebrate and acknowledge their peers, and our readers the chance to have their say on the best of the best. It's fantastic to be able to bring the awards back for a second year, with the support of Glow Lab to help bring it all to life.' Ashleigh Cometti, Viva Beauty Editor, says last year's Viva Beauty Awards were a huge success and she couldn't be happier to be leading the charge again for a second year. 'This year's awards have levelled up – with five new categories that help broaden our approach to celebrating the many facets of beauty. It's an honour to be able to recognise the people, brands and products that have not only revolutionised our beauty routines but continue to impact the wider beauty industry as a whole. 'I'd also like to thank our awesome panel of judges for giving up their time to review hundreds of nominations and decide on the finalists – this was no easy task given the quality entries we received across all categories,' she says. The judging panel included:
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Zealand's Favourite Beauty Awards Make Their Return
Viva has partnered with Glow Lab for a second consecutive year to present The Viva Beauty Awards 2025, celebrating excellence in skincare, haircare, and cosmetics across New Zealand's beauty industry. Across two weeks in April, beauty industry professionals were invited to submit their nominations for the best products and brands across various categories. After receiving hundreds of nominations across 30 categories, Viva Beauty Editor Ashleigh Cometti and an esteemed panel of judges decided on the finalists. Voting is now open and people have until 28 May to pick their favourites across multiple beauty categories via the Viva website. Winners will be announced on 11 June on and in Viva magazine in the NZ Herald. Stephanie Holmes, NZME's Editor – Lifestyle Brands, says: "Viva's beauty content is market-leading, showcasing the best brands, products and the people behind them, empowering our readers to feel confident in their purchase decisions. The Viva Beauty Awards are an extension of our regular beauty content, giving industry experts the chance to celebrate and acknowledge their peers, and our readers the chance to have their say on the best of the best. It's fantastic to be able to bring the awards back for a second year, with the support of Glow Lab to help bring it all to life.' Ashleigh Cometti, Viva Beauty Editor, says last year's Viva Beauty Awards were a huge success and she couldn't be happier to be leading the charge again for a second year. 'This year's awards have levelled up - with five new categories that help broaden our approach to celebrating the many facets of beauty. It's an honour to be able to recognise the people, brands and products that have not only revolutionised our beauty routines but continue to impact the wider beauty industry as a whole. 'I'd also like to thank our awesome panel of judges for giving up their time to review hundreds of nominations and decide on the finalists – this was no easy task given the quality entries we received across all categories,' she says. The judging panel included:
