Balkan Makeup Awards 2026

Balkan Makeup Awards has four competitive categories. Participants competing in two or more categories will also contend for the Grand Prix title (based on total points)   

Participation fees:  

Participation in 1 category - 100 EUR  

Participation in 2 categories - 150 EUR   

Participation in 3 categories - 200 EUR  

Participation in 4 categories - 250 EUR  

The participation fees are payable by bank transfer within 10 days after registration in the competition. Payment details are sent by email to each participant.  

CATEGORY BRIDAL GLAM MASTER

Working time: 60 minutes

Category dedicated to the art of creating bridal makeup. The competitors have to demonstrate high level technique, sense of style and ability to highlight the natural beauty of the bride, creating harmonious, refined and photogenic look.  

The participants must bring: - their own set of cosmetics, tools, and brushes; - a model with a clean face, without makeup; - a hairstyle that corresponds to the current trends; - the model’s outfit must match the theme of the category.

Working conditions:  

• the makeup must correspond to bride’s styling; 
• the use of any professional cosmetic products and techniques is allowed.  
• the use of additional makeup accessories (lashes, stones) is permitted;  
• use of light elements (up to the brow line) of alternative graphic is allowed;  
• the overall look must be harmonious, clean, and suitable for photo and video sessions.  

Prohibited: - the use of stencils; - models with permanent makeup or eyelash extensions.

Maximum number of participants: 24 participants

Judging criteria:   

• cleanliness and technique of makeup application;  
• harmony of the color palette;  
• compliance with bridal style;  
• precision and durability of the makeup;  
• overall aesthetic look of the model.

Awards:  

Balkan Champion Title (1st place)  

Diploma for participant/winner in Balkan Makeup Awards  

Winner’s medal – Balkan Makeup Awards (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)  

Cash prize (1st place)  

Gift sets of cosmetics (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)  

CATEGORY RED CARPET GLAM

Working time: 60 minutes

Category dedicated to creating a striking evening makeup look suitable for the red carpet. The look should convey the atmosphere of Hollywood glamour, elegance, and impeccable style. The makeup must appear luxurious and be appropriate for social events, photoshoots, and red carpet appearances.  

A mandatory element of the makeup is the classic eye line, which enhances the expressiveness of the eyes and creates the signature Hollywood look.   

The participants must bring: their own set of cosmetics, tools, and brushes; - a model with a clean face, without makeup; - a hairstyle that corresponds to the Red Carpet style; - the model’s outfit must match the theme of the category.

Working conditions:   

• the makeup must correspond to the Red Carpet style;  
• eyeliner is a mandatory element of the makeup;  
• the use of any professional cosmetic products and techniques is allowed.  
• the use of additional makeup accessories (lashes, stones) is permitted;  
• use of light elements (up to the brow line) of alternative graphic is allowed;  
• the overall look must be harmonious, elegant, and suitable for photo and video sessions.  

Prohibited: the use of stencils; models with permanent makeup or eyelash extensions.

Maximum number of participants: 24 participants

Judging criteria:  

• cleanliness and technique of makeup application;  
• quality and symmetry of the eyeliner 
• harmony of the color palette;  
• flawless base (foundation)  
• quality of blending and detailing; 
• compliance with the Red Carpet Glam style;  
• overall aesthetic look of the model.  

Awards: 

• Balkan Champion Title (1st place)  
• Diploma for participant/winner in Balkan Makeup Awards  
• Winner’s medal – Balkan Makeup Awards (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)  
• Cash prize (1st place)  
• Gift sets of cosmetics (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)  

CATEGORY BEAUTY ART BATTLE

Working time: 60 minutes

A dynamic creative battle in which the boldest ideas and the brightest makeup looks are born. Beauty Art Battle — A creative makeup improvisation competition in which participants demonstrate their imagination, speed, and artistic skills.

The theme is announced exactly 5 minutes before the start, making the competition a true challenge for makeup artists.  

The aim for the participants is to create a unique creative look within limited time, developing the set theme through color, shape, texture, and artistic makeup elements.  

The originality of the idea, artistic execution, technique, overall look, and the ability to work under improvisational conditions are evaluated.

Participation requirements for the Beauty Art Battle category  

Participants must bring: 

• their own set of cosmetics, tools, and brushes;  
• a model with a ready hairstyle that fully exposes the face (ponytail, bun).  

Model requirements: neutral black outfit. clean face (no makeup);   

Provided by the organizers:  .   

A set of accessories is given to each participant before the start of the competition.  

Terms:  

• The creative makeup theme is announced 5 minutes before the start;  
• Number of participants — 10 participants  

Additional conditions:  

all tools and techniques are allowed, including the use of stencils, airbrush, and decorative elements (covering no more than ¼ of the face). 

Awards:  

• Balkan Champion Title (1st place)  
• Diploma for participant/winner in Balkan Makeup Awards  
• Winner’s medal – Balkan Makeup Awards (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)  
• Cash prize (1st place)  
• Gift sets of cosmetics (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)  

CATEGORY FASHION AVANTGARDE

A category dedicated to high fashion makeup, inspired by the aesthetics of Haute Couture runway shows and the iconic makeup of John Galliano for Maison Margiela. Participants must create a bold fashion look reflecting artistic courage, theatricality, and conceptual expression in the style of contemporary high fashion. The main focus of the look is the Glass Skin effect—perfectly smooth, radiant, almost mirror-like skin that creates an impression of transparency and moisture. The makeup must be in harmony with the model’s modern look and follow the concept of a fashion show. Inspiration comes from the makeup aesthetics of John Galliano for Maison Margiela,

Participation requirements  

Participants must provide:  

• a fully prepared model with a complete makeup look and overall image;  
• a fashion look including outfit and accessories;  
• clothing in Haute Couture style, matching the high fashion concept.  

Working conditions:  

• the look must be presented fully completed — makeup and the entire preparation for the look must be done in advance;  
• the participant has 5 minutes before judge evaluation for final touch-ups on makeup, outfit, and accessories; 
• the Glass Skin effect is a mandatory element;  
• the look must align with fashion aesthetics and high fashion standards;  
• the use of any professional cosmetic products and techniques is allowed.  

Judging criteria:  

• quality and expressiveness of the Glass Skin effect;  
• artistic concept and originality of the look;  
• compliance with Haute Couture / Fashion Show style;  
• harmony between makeup, outfit, and accessories;  
• cleanliness and professionalism of technique;  
• overall visual impact and runway presence.  

Awards:  

• Balkan Champion Title (1st place)  
• Diploma for participant/winner in Balkan Makeup Awards  
• Winner’s medal – Balkan Makeup Awards (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)  
• Cash prize (1st place)  
• Gift sets of cosmetics (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)