Makeup Competitions 2027

Makeup competitions reward creativity, speed and a steady hand. Artists compete in categories such as bridal, fantasy, special effects, editorial and permanent makeup, working live on models or entering photographic work judged by industry panels.

Skills competitions are a big part of the calendar. The WorldSkills UK SFX Makeup for Film and TV National Final and the Beauty Therapist final are held in Cardiff in November 2026, WorldSkills Australia comes to Adelaide in June 2027, and WorldSkills Aichi 2028 will bring the world finals to Nagoya. Live artistry contests run at Queen's Night UK and Ireland in Coventry in October, BEAUTY DUSSELDORF in April, Beauty Days in Warsaw in September and Beautyworld Middle East in Dubai in October. The Global Talent Beauty Cup tours several countries, with Zwolle hosting in November 2026, and the AHIA Creative Awards in Sydney in June include creative competition work. To enter from anywhere, try the Global Makeup Awards, the International Beauty Industry Awards or the OSCARS online competition for permanent makeup.

Every makeup competition is listed below with dates, venues and who can attend, so you can choose your category and start preparing.

Preparing to compete

Read the brief and judging criteria closely, plan your look on a face chart, then practise it on your model to the time limit. Photograph every practice run so you can see what to refine.

Choosing your competition

• Students and apprentices: WorldSkills events in the UK, Australia and Japan focus on training and skill.
• Live artistry: Queen's Night, BEAUTY DUSSELDORF and Beauty Days put you on a stage with an audience.
• Permanent makeup: WULOP Canada, BMCI in Hong Kong and online PMU competitions judge brows, lips and eyeliner.
• Online: photographic awards let you compete without travelling.

Competing abroad

Check whether your model needs to be registered in advance and what products are allowed. Pack your kit carefully, follow liquid rules for flights, and arrive early to set up calmly.