Latest news with #LucySlight
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.
NZ Herald
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Viva Beauty Awards 2025: Discover The Full List Of Finalists & Vote For Your Favourites Now
Our expert judges have decided the finalists across all 30 categories, now it's over to you to crown the winners. Now in its second year, the Viva Beauty Awards 2025, presented by Glow Lab, shines a spotlight on those who uplift the beauty industry on a local and international scale. From the beloved beauty stalwarts who have been around for decades, to the category disruptors who breathe new life into the industry, these awards serve to recognise and celebrate the top products, people and practices across both beauty and wellness that continue to put Aotearoa on the map. To say this year's awards have levelled up would be an understatement. In little over two weeks, Viva received a staggering amount of nominations – more than double the number received in 2024. Not to mention an improved calibre of submissions that highlighted the impetus of the many brands, agencies and founders who entered. After the nomination phase ended on May 2, the judging panel snapped into gear – methodically working their way through nominations across all 30 categories to determine the finalists. Judges Lucy Slight (beauty and lifestyle journalist), Stacey Fraser (cosmetic chemist and Design Practice Teaching Fellow at the University of Canterbury), Danny Pato (award-winning hairstylist and co-founder of D&M Hair Design), Sarika Patel (freelance makeup artist and shade matching expert), Jane Joo (beauty influencer and content creator), and Ashleigh Cometti (Viva beauty editor) pored over entries and offered their honest feedback. In many cases, some submissions were so strong our ratings were tied, so in many of the categories below you'll see more than five finalists. Now it's time to have your say. Voting is open now until May 28. Discover our finalists across all 30 categories below, and scroll to the bottom of the page to cast your all-important vote. It'll only take you five minutes (promise). Plus, everyone who votes is automatically entered into the Glow Lab prize draw, with a chance to win 1 of 3 Glow Lab prize packs, valued at $200 each. Terms and conditions apply. Keep your eyes fixed on for updates, and be sure to pick up your copy of Viva inside the New Zealand Herald on June 11, where we'll reveal the full list of Beauty Awards 2025 winners. Brand Founder Of The Year Tanne Snowden, Tronque Rodney Wayne, Rodney Wayne Lara Henderson, Pure Mama Jackie Smith, Caci Katey Mandy, Raaie Frances Shoemack, Abel Emma Lewisham, Emma Lewisham Chloe Zara Munro, CZE Hair Innovation Award Dulese Natural Deodorant Noody Calm Balm Prologic Probiome Serum Abel The Apartment EDP CZE Hair Trico-Dermis Beauty La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ YSL Libre L'Eau Nue Dyson New Zealand Beauty Brand Of The Year Pure Mama Raaie CZE Hair Antipodes Emma Lewisham Embodyme Sustainability Award Emma Lewisham Aleph Beauty Lush Kaea Skincare Abel Ecostore Breakthrough Brand Of The Year Milou Beauty Noody Bonnie Melitta Skincare Bowie Makeup Artist Of The Year Gabrielle Houghton Sarika Patel Kiekie Stanners Liz Hyun Lochie Stonehouse Hairstylist Of The Year Sean Mahoney, Colleen Lauren Gunn, Colleen Newton Cook, Rodney Wayne Kelly Manu, UNA Danny Pato, D&M Hair Design Beauty Therapist Of The Year Bex Hunt, Saint Beauty Emma Hughes, Saint Beauty Adrienne McDermid, Beauty Pod Jordi Brooks, Caci Isa Varga, Numa Skin Club Caitlin Fredericks, SO/Spa Best Base Product Guerlain Terracotta Le Teint Healthy Glow Natural Perfection Foundation Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation YSL All Hours Foundation Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Best Pop Of Colour Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint Karen Murrell Lipstick in Magenta Moon Clinique Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey Ashley & Co. Tint Me Lip Punch with Pink Beet Youngblood VividLuxe Blush Stick Best In Glow Hermes Plein Air Radiant Glow Powder L'Oreal Paris Lumi Glotion Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder Jane Iredale Glow Time Blush Sticks MCo Beauty Super Glow Bronzing Drops Best For Lips The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm Hermes Rosy Lip Glossy Enhancer in Rose Confetti Karen Murrell Moisture Stick Pure Fiji Lip Balm YSL Loveshine Lipstick Best For Lashes Or Brows Lily Lolo Big Lash Mascara The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara MCo Beauty Xtendlash Tubing Mascara LiLash Purified Eyelash Serum RevitaLash Advanced Lash Conditioner Best For Cleansing The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Raaie Golden Nectar Manuka Honey Enzyme Cleanser Glow Lab Ceramides Oil Cleanser CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser La Roche Posay Effaclar+ M Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser Maryse Enzyme Refine Cleansing Balm Best For Hydration The Facialist Perfect Cream Raaie Cocoon Ceramide Cream TWYG Revive & Brighten Antioxidant Facial Serum La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Emma Lewisham Supernatural Face Creme Riche Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Best For Overnight Mukti Organics Queen Of The Night Creme Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair PowerFoil Mask Tailor Restore CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream Best For Mature Skin Veletta Youthful Glow Intensive Hydrating Treatment Antipodes Jasmine Flower Menopause Facial Cream Osmosis Renew MD Environ 3DSynerge Filler Creme Elizabeth Arden Prevage 3-in-1 Reset Serum Best SPF Raaie Sun Milk Drops SPF50+ Melitta Skin Glowguard Avene Sunsitive SPF50 range Image Skincare Daily Prevention Advanced Smartblend La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF50 Best Shampoo & Conditioner CZE Hair Silk Wash & Silk Condition Glow Lab Shine Shampoo & Conditioner Aveda NutriPlenish Light Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner L'Oreal Professionel Metal Detox range Essano Exper+ise Growth + Volume Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner Best For Your Scalp The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for Scalp Act + Acre Cold Pressed Stem Cell Scalp Serum CZE Refine Scalp Serum Kerastase Genesis Serum Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator and Massager Best Hair Styling Product Or Treatment Crown Affair Texturizing Air Mousse Garnier Fructis Hair Food Mask Matrix Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Treatment Kerastase Nutritive 8H Night Repair Serum Dyson Chitosan Post-Style Cream Best Hair Tool To Try Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High Velocity Dryer Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb Straightener & Smoother Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System Dyson Airstrait Ghd Chronos Best Body Wash Aesop Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Shower Oil Ashley & Co. Wash Up All-Over in Tui & Kahili Pure Fiji Shower Gel Essano Blood Orange Body Wash Best Body Moisturiser Tronque Triple Action Body Milk Bonnie Glow Gradual Tan Mixa Urea Repair+ Body Milk Pure Fiji Hydrating Body Lotion Kiehl's Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream Embodyme Nurturing Body Oil Best For Hands & Nails Soap & Glory Original Pink Hand Food Mixa Urea Cica Repair+ Hand Balm Paume All-in-One Cuticle & Nail Cream Ashley & Co. Soothe Tube in Gone Green Ecostore Vanilla Bean & Coconut Handwash Best Signature Scent Abel The Apartment EDP Tom Ford Ombre Leather EDP Maison Francis Kurkdijan Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia EDP YSL Black Opium Best Home Fragrance Scent Ashley & Co. Bonberry Waxed Perfume Becca Project Toffee Candle Diptyque Baies Candle The Virtue Castro Boxed Incense Circa Mandarin & Neroli Alchemy Outdoor Candle Ecoya Plug-In Diffuser & French Pear Fragrance Flask Best Supermarket Buy Glow Lab Coconut & Sandalwood Body Wash L'Oreal Paris Magic Retouch Root Concealer Spray MCo Beauty Xtend Lash Essano Vitamin C Brightening Micro Dart Patches Ecostore Vanilla Bean & Coconut Handwash Best For Your Handbag No Bad Days Himalayan Pink Salt Facial Spray Betty Bars Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil Burt's Bees Lip Balm in Strawberry Lemonade Nu Butter Best In Wellbeing Nomu Matcha Noody Bedtime Bestie Two Islands Electrolyte^4 Pure Mama Magnesium Body Rub Honuka Liposomal 1000 Vitamin C + D3 Manuka Honey Blend Snaps Bhone Beauty 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.
