Creativity, ingenuity, and technical precision took center stage at the Be+Well Beauty and Wellness Show New York, where nail and makeup artists from around the world put their skills to the test during the Global Beauty Talent Cup .
Making its New York debut, the live beauty competition kicked off the first of the three-day event at the Javits Center, formerly known as the International Beauty Show.
With the clock ticking, industry pros raced to complete intricate nail designs and bold, high-impact makeup looks while judges scrutinized each detail. By the end of the day, standout artists were celebrated during an award ceremony before a packed crowd at Be+Well’s Glam & Glow Stage.
Founded by Viktoria Kysil, a Ukrainian-born nail educator and international judge, the Global Talent Beauty Cup provides a competitive platform for beauty professionals to showcase their skills in nail art, makeup, lashes, and brows.
“I decided to organize the competition to help people grow,” says Kysil, an event organizer and one of the contests's main judges. “When you’re preparing and competing, you’re doing your best and really working hard to achieve a goal.”
Throughout the event, competitors created detailed nail artistry and bold makeup looks as judges circulated around their stations, scribbling notes as they eyed the contestants' move. Judging criteria included trending techniques, precision artistry, product innovation, overall presentation — and taking creative risks, says judge Hirsch Hunty
“Winning entries really stand out,” says the North Carolina–based nail artist and educator. “They take the theme each competitor is given and go above and beyond, rather than staying safe.”
The competition unfolded on rows and rows of work stations as show attendees gathered around to watch the transformations take shape. At the conclusion of the event, several artists were crowned for their standout work.
The competition’s highest honor, the Grand Prix Cup, was awarded to Ukrainian-born, New York City-based nail artist Anna Koliesnichenko of Anna K. Project. Her work impressed judges with its creativity, technical skill, and overall execution. “I create designs based on my life and my kids,” she says. “I’m excited because it’s my first championship in the U.S., and it’s very important for me.”
Milas Beauty Lab & Academy, represented at the show by award-winning Washington D.C. makeup artist Alexander Kodak, took the trophy for Best Team.
Best Trainer went to Chicago-based makeup artist Julia Brik. Most contestants, she says, start training for a competition two to three months in advance to get used to the limitations of technical requirements.
"Trainers are important because we have strict rules —what the model should be, the type of cosmetics used, and the condition of the skin," Brik says. "You definitely need a good trainer."
Up next on Be+Well's Glam and Glow Stage: the two-round Master the Mic Barber Competition on Monday and Tuesday, March 9-10.
Tatiana Pile also contributed to this article.