New categories have been announced as the Northern Ireland Beauty Excellence Awards 2023 have launched.
The NI Beauty Excellence Awards, sponsored by West Coast Cooler and supported by Belfast Live and the Daily Mirror, return this May with organisers announcing six new categories.
The awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the success of the aesthetics, beauty and hair industries in Northern Ireland.
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The award categories, which are now open, are free to enter and are open to any beauty, hair salon or aesthetic clinic, training school or business within the Northern Ireland beauty industry. Entries will close on Friday, March 17.
The awards officially launched on Thursday night, January 26, at Café Parisien in Belfast and welcomed past winners, event partners, local beauty entrepreneurs and content creators. The 2023 event marks the third year of the awards.
Following the popularity and growth of the Awards, there are now twenty-five categories that will showcase the talent and innovation evident within the thriving beauty industry here, which is growing year on year.
The six new categories will include Skincare Clinic of the Year, Beauty Business of the Year, Salon / Clinic Interior, Salon / Clinic Team of the Year, Mobile / Home Business of the Year and the West Coast Cooler People’s Choice Award which will be chosen by a public vote and will celebrate those working in the industry who have gone above and beyond for their clients.
Returning categories include Hair Salon of the Year, Beauty Salon of the Year and Aesthetics Clinic of the Year. Plus, one industry specialist or business will be awarded the Outstanding Contribution trophy for their years of dedication to growing the local industry.
The awards, which are once again hosted by Pamela Ballantine, will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast. Paul Stafford, multi-award-winning hairdresser and owner of Belfast’s Stafford Hair, will return to oversee the esteemed judging panel.
He will be accompanied by make-up and skincare specialist Katrina Doran, Medical Director at Woodford Medical Dr Mervyn Patterson and owner of Pearl Beauty, Elanna McGowan.
New to the panel this year is nail expert and Renew Beauty, BioSculpture and Elim Educator, Ingrid Graham, Dr Martina Collins, Principal Dentist and owner of Martina Dental & Skin Clinic and last year’s winner of Overall Contribution to the Industry, founder and former CEO of Vita Liberata, Alyson Hogg MBE.
Speaking of the success of the awards to date, Katrina Doran said: “It is a demonstration of the continued growth, diversity and success of the beauty, hair and aesthetics industry in Northern Ireland that we are adding more categories to our awards list this year. The NI Beauty Excellence Awards is an opportunity to acknowledge the breadth of phenomenal talent in this sector and to showcase our collective entrepreneurial spirit and I can’t wait to return with my fellow judges as part of the panel.”
Event organiser and Director of Weir Events, Sarah Weir said: “We are thrilled to return for another year of celebrations with the NI Beauty Excellence Awards. The beauty, hair and aesthetics industries in Northern Ireland are constantly evolving and we feel that it is important to align with this.
“Our new categories are specifically designed to celebrate how the beauty industry is constantly meeting its users’ needs. The West Coast Cooler People’s Choice Award will celebrate those individuals who have gone above and beyond for their clients, while the Beauty Business Award will look at Northern Ireland entrepreneurs who have taken the leap and started their own beauty brand or business.
“We are living through difficult times, where luxuries are often the first compromise with consumers when it comes to budgeting, however we also know that visiting the hairdressers or getting our nails done can bring comfort and consistency and help us feel better. It’s also a chance to have a good chat and bring the world to rights with our stylists and therapists, which are important and are all talents and expertise that should be celebrated and rewarded.”
Laura Shiels, Brand Manager for West Coast Cooler, said: “We’re excited to be back as the headline sponsor for the NI Beauty Excellence Awards for a second year. An iconic brand since the ‘80s, West Coast Cooler unveiled its own new look last year, with the launch of our new-look cans and bottles, and we’re looking forward to bringing a little extra sparkle to the gala awards night in May.
“We’re also proud to support the launch of the new West Coast Cooler People’s Choice Award, which is an exciting addition for 2023. We’ve all had those beauty SOS moments, where someone has stepped in to save the day, so this is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty saviours we just couldn’t live without.”
The awards are proudly supported by title sponsor West Coast Cooler, media partners Belfast Live and Daily Mirror, and event partners BF Mulholland, MED FX, Shop Beautiful, Pearl Beauty, Dermafrac and Design NI.
Beauty Excellence Awards 2023 Categories
- Aesthetics Clinic of the Year
- Aesthetics Clinic to watch
- Skincare Salon / Clinic of the Year (NEW)
- Barbers / Male Grooming Salon of the year
- Beauty Salon of the Year
- Beauty Salon to Watch
- Day Spa / Boutique Spa of the Year
- Cosmetic Dental Practice of the Year
- Hair, Beauty or Aesthetics Educator / Training Provider of the Year
- Hair and Beauty Retailer or Supplier of the Year
- Hair Salon of the Year
- Hair Salon to Watch
- Hair Loss Specialist of the Year
- Hair Extension Specialist of the Year
- Brow / Lash Specialist of the Year
- Makeup Studio / Artist of the Year
- Nail Salon of the Year
- Salon or Clinic Interior Design (NEW)
- Semi or Permanent Makeup Specialist of the Year
- Specialist Salon or Clinic of the Year
- Mobile / Home based Business of the Year (NEW)
- Team of the Year (NEW)
- Beauty Business of the Year (NEW)
- West Coast Cooler People’s Choice Award (public vote) (NEW)
- Outstanding Contribution to the Industry (non-entry)
For further information, award entry and tickets, CLICK HERE or visit www.nibeautyexcellence.com.
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