Guests were welcomed into a lush floral installation from the moment they arrived at Docks Off Fifth in Manhattan. Cascading blooms and greenery lined the staircase leading into the venue, setting the scene for the 2026 Beauty Guru Awards.
The event celebrated brands, innovators, creatives, and industry leaders shaping the future of beauty. The awards recognized achievements across categories including skincare, haircare, makeup, wellness, treatments, fragrance, clean beauty, sustainability, and innovation.
The evening began with remarks from Gurus Media founder and publisher Derek Warburton, who reflected on the values that continue to guide the organization.
Photo credit: Dennis Tooshkanov | @ariephotostudio)
“Truth, passion, authenticity,” Warburton said. “That is our mantra, that’s what we live by.”
Before introducing Baldwin, Warburton reflected on the importance of recognizing people for who they are beyond public perception. He also discussed Gurus’ expanding role in the wellness and women’s health space.
Photo credit: Dennis Tooshkanov | @ariephotostudio)
Taking the stage, Baldwin continued the evening’s focus on community, connection, and empowerment. “It is such a pleasure to be here tonight, celebrating a community built on creativity, innovation and connection,” Baldwin said. “Beauty is more than what we see on the surface. It is confidence, it is self-expression, it is wellness and at its best, it has the power to help people feel seen, empowered, and celebrated.”
The festivities began the evening before at a private cocktail reception with Baldwin at Eliut Salon, where notables and luminaries were sighted including Billy McNamara of The Trouble with Billy, Dr. David Smotrich of La Jolla IVF, Robyn Newmarkand Lauren Falcione who served up delicious sauce from The Blonde Italian.
The awards ceremony drew a range of notable guests, including Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Sutton Stracke, fashion designer Nicole Miller, McNamara, and America’s Next Top Model judge Nole Marin.
As part of the evening’s awards presentation, the following honors were celebrated:
Kara Francis (Relationship Expert) and Lauren Falcione (Founder, The Blonde Italian) presented theBest in Skin award to Sunrider International for Oi-Lin® Deep Moisture Lotion, with Michele Hojsack, Senior Manager of Training & Development, accepting on behalf of the brand.
Nicole Miller (Fashion Designer) presented Best Beauty Accessories to Blissy, with Vjosa Pacuku, Celebrity Makeup Artist and Beauty Influencer, accepting on behalf of the brand.
Candace Bushnell (Author and Creator of Sex and the City) presented Celebrity Hairstylist of the Year toEliut Rivera, founder of ELIUT Salon, who accepted the award.
Sutton Stracke (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) presented Legacy Beauty Brand to FACE STOCKHOLM, with Martina Arfwidson, CEO & Co-Founder, accepting on behalf of the company.
Margaret Josephs (The Real Housewives of New Jersey) presented Best in Hair Care to British M Matcha Shampoo, with Robyn Newmark, Hollywood Beauty Guru and Editor-in-Chief of Beauty Guru Magazine, accepting on behalf of British M.
