MUA Portfolio Awards 2026 | Sign Up Now

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How the MUA Portfolio Awards Work

Brand New & Launching for this Summer - ‘The MUA Portfolio Awards’ gives the opportunity for MUAs to gain recognition for their recent Portfolio Work.

These are a little different to our other Awards & are all about celebrating the standout images already sitting in your portfolio - no new shoot, no set brief.

Simply choose the image or images you’re proud of and upload them through our Online Portal.

The work you submit can be from client work, bridal work, styled shoots, editorial-style shoots, creative beauty, soft glam, natural or any makeup look you feel has strong portfolio value for you.

You do not need to choose a category or create to a set brief, it’s all about celebrating the work you already have.

Once all entries have been received, we will categorise the images based on the styles of work submitted.

This may include areas such as natural beauty, bridal, editorial, creative, glam, skin-focused beauty or other relevant styles.

This allows us to judge each image fairly alongside similar types of work.

About the Make-Up Artist Awards

The Make-Up Artist Awards celebrate creativity, skill and talent within the global Makeup Artist Community.

Our Online MUA Awards are open to artists at all stages of their careers, from Beginners to Experienced Professionals looking to showcase their work and gain industry recognition.

With a range of Awards including Bridal Make-Up Awards, Fashion Make-Up Awards, Creative Awards as well as the MUA of the Year (we will be launching two others this year too - including the Portfolio Awards!).

We provide Makeup Artists with an opportunity to Build their Portfolios, gain Valuable Exposure and be Recognised for their work within the industry.

Organised Fully Online, our Awards are Accessible for all & run Via our Online Portal, as well as Private Community, allowing for full Flexibility, Support & Feedback.

Our Winners can gain Publication Opportunities (some are pictured below) with Media Partners, Prizes, and Recognition across various categories, including Digital & Printed Certificates, Badges, and Glass Awards.

Our other Media Partners include Malvie, Vigour, Know, Dolce, Glamour, Elle, To Have & To Hold National Bridal Magazine to name only a few. Some include Main Features & even Front Covers too.

Always wherever possible we gain maximum exposure for our Winners & Runner Ups.

We also Offer other Opportunities within our MUA Community including our most recent Backstage Sponsorship at London Fashion Week last year - with future opportunities coming up.

You can also Access our Awards Via our MUA Collective within Girl Meets Brush - More Info Here

As Part of our Sign Up Offer you receive a Voucher towards our Pro Brush Sets & Palettes.

These were used Backstage at London Fashion Week & are our signature best selling product, used by all our Pro Artists.

FAQs

How do i Sign up to the awards?

You can sign up via the ‘Sign Up’ Button Above/Below.

Everything is held Online & once the Awards Open for Submissions you will receive Access to Upload your work.

This is where all the Upload Section is & all the info/support you need.

How does it work?

Depending on the entry option you selected, you can submit 1, 2 or 3 Portfolio Images.

Your images should be from your Existing Work and must show Makeup Created by you.

These can be from client work, bridal work, styled shoots, editorial-style shoots, creative beauty, soft glam, natural makeup, commercial beauty or any makeup look you feel has strong portfolio value.

Once you’ve chosen your images, simply upload them through the GMB portal along with your name, Instagram handle, entry details and any relevant credits.

How are the winners chosen?

Each image will be judged as a professional portfolio piece, so you do not need to choose a category or create to a set brief.

Once all entries have been received, we will categorise the images based on the styles of work submitted. This may include areas such as natural beauty, bridal, editorial, creative, glam, skin-focused beauty or other relevant styles.

This allows us to judge each image fairly alongside similar types of work.

When judging, we’ll be looking at:

Makeup skill and finish
How well the makeup has been applied, blended and finished.

Attention to detail
Clean edges, skin finish, lashes, lips, symmetry, texture and overall refinement.

Portfolio impact
How strongly the image represents your artistry and whether it feels like a standout piece of work.

Overall presentation
Lighting, crop, styling, photography and how clearly the makeup can be seen.

We will have main Winners, Highly Commended Places and Rising Star Awards, ensuring inclusivity and recognition at all levels.

Are there any costs in taking part?

There is a One Off Sign Up Fee to Participate, we have other Options such as Glass Awards Upgrade Options for Winners, but all other Prizes as well as Support are Included.

Included in Awards - Full Access to the Awards Submissions, Feedback, Support and Community, Support & Guidance & Online Masterclass with Guest Expert Plus Digital Face Charts.

Additionally you can Access through being a Member of our MUA Collective.

Here a few Pieces of Feedback from some of our Participants Below -

Founded by MUA of 20 Years Lynne Mills, Lynne saw the opportunity to create an award based on skills & following a brief to promote make-up artists' quality of work as well as achievements, as opposed to focusing on public voting.

Lynne has worked within the industry for 20 years now, from running an award winning bridal team nationally, to working on shoots that have featured in Vogue & Sunday Time Style to Elle as well as many more.

Plus as working with many Famous Faces over the years as well as working as a Lead Make-Up Artist at London Fashion Week.

You can read more on Lynne's background on the Girl Meets Brush Website - https://www.girlmeetsbrush.co.uk/lynnemillsmua