UNiDAYS, the world’s leading verification-enabled platform for students, has announced the winners of the UNiDAYS Beauty Awards 2026. Sponsored by LOOKFANTASTIC, the awards celebrate the most popular beauty and wellness products as voted for by students, offering a unique snapshot of Gen Z’s favourite brands and products.
This year, almost 20,000 votes were cast by students in the UK and Germany across eleven categories, providing fresh insight into the products, brands and trends shaping Gen Z’s beauty and wellness routines in 2026.
Among this year’s winners, e.l.f. has emerged as one of Gen Z’s favourite beauty brands with its Power Grip Primer taking first place in the “Face + Base Product” category. Meanwhile, MAC’s Lip Pencil topped the “Best of Colour Cosmetics” category, reinforcing its position as one of the beauty industry’s most iconic brands.
Beyond beauty brands, Silk’n’s Facial LED Mask was recognised as “Best Tech” product, Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 62 Hair & Body Perfume Mist won the “Fragrance Favourite” category, and The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner was voted “Best Skincare” product.
The awards also revealed Gen Z’s favourite haircare products, with Dyson’s Airwrap winning the “Best Hair Tools” category, while the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Hair Oil was voted the overall “Best Haircare” product.
As health and wellness continue to play an increasingly important role in student life, the awards also revealed the products students are choosing to support their wellbeing. Students voted PureGym as “Best Fitness” brand for the second consecutive year, Oura Ring 4 took first place in the “Best Health & Nutrition” category, and the Stanley Cup – which has become a viral Gen Z favourite – was voted “Best Personal Care” product.
The announcement comes as UNiDAYS continues to invest in the future of the beauty industry. Last month, it unveiled the second cohort of its Student Beauty Shadow Board, a mentorship and grant initiative created in partnership with the British Beauty Council to support and spotlight the next generation of beauty industry leaders.
Jessica Hewitt, global head of beauty and wellness at UNiDAYS, said: “Gen Z isn’t just following beauty trends – they’re defining what’s popular and shaping the future of the industry. With almost 20,000 votes cast, this year’s Beauty Awards offer a powerful snapshot of the products earning genuine loyalty from today’s students. From cult favourites to viral social media sensations, the results reveal what matters most to the next generation of beauty consumers, and provide brands with invaluable insight into the products and behaviours shaping the future of the industry.”
Caterina Signori, senior affiliates manager at LOOKFANTASTIC, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor this year’s UNiDAYS Beauty Awards, which offer a unique look into the products and brands that are shaping Gen Z’s beauty and wellness habits. We’re thrilled to see a number of our brand partners recognised by students this year, reflecting the quality and value that matter most to this audience.”
