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Emerging Spotlight Applications Now Open
Every year, a handful of the industry's most promising emerging brands earn the rarest thing in beauty: a live stage, a room of 1,200 attendees, and a panel of investors deciding who's next.
No cold outreach. No gatekeepers.
Just your brand, your story, and the room that matters.
We're now accepting applications for the Emerging Spotlight- welcoming applications from emerging brands only of less than $20m.
Application Deadline: Friday, August 28th, 2026
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Why This Stage Changes Everything
More Than Just Applause
While you're pitching, the room is watching, and it's not just spectating, it's shaping the future of beauty.
Past finalists haven't just walked away with applause. They've walked away with:
- Retailer partnerships that moved products onto shelves
- Investor introductions that moved deals forward
- National visibility through the entire Beauty Connect ecosystem
1,200 attendees. One stage. 6 finalist slots available.
The brands that get on stage this year will be the ones everyone's talking about next year.
The only question is whether you're pitching, or watching someone else take the spot that could've been yours?
Judged by Leaders who Have Built the Industry
Tina Bou-Saba
Founder and Managing Partner
CTX Investments
Richard Henry
Partner
Sandbridge Capital
Deborah Benton
Founder & Managing Partner
Willow Growth Partners
Maggie Sellers
Founder
Hot Smart Rich
Chris Hobson
President and CEO
Rare Beauty Brands
Akemi Ooka
CEO
Independent Beauty Association
Perry Leon
Principal
TZP Group
Sirine Benjaafar
Vice President
Humble Growth
Kristina Lee
Principal
Monogram Capital Partners
Past Winners
Ten years of breakthrough founders have taken to the emerging spotlight stage.
Our past winners, including 2025 winner SARELLY and 2024 NYC winner Hey Jupiter will be returning this year to share how the Beauty Connect Emerging Spotlight accelerated their growth journey, whilst also crowning this year's winner.
Submit your brand before August 28th. This opportunity only comes around once a year. Make every second count.
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