Application Form
This is your sign. Apply.
The 2026 competition is here and we want YOU in it, not the most polished version of you, not the version with the biggest following or the fanciest kit. Whether you’re self-taught, mid-training or already working in the industry, if makeup lights you up then this is your place.
These awards exist to give real people a real platform. We’re talking about being seen by some of the biggest names in the Queensland beauty industry and by some of the most iconic brands, the kind of people who can open doors, change your path and remember your name. You’ll connect with other artists who get it, who love what you love and who’ll hype you up like nobody else. You’ll walk away with professional photos of your work, memories you won’t stop talking about and the kind of confidence that only comes from actually backing yourself.
We don’t care how many followers you have. We care about your heart, your vision and what you bring to the table that nobody else can.
This competition is for the bedroom artists and the beauty school students, the working professionals and the passionate hobbyists, the ones who’ve been doing this for years and the ones who only just realised this is their thing. Whatever your background, if you have something real to show the world…this is your moment.
Fair warning, spots are limited and each category only has a set number of places available. We fill them on a first in, first served basis so the sooner you get your registration in, the better. If you’ve been umming and ahhing, let this be the nudge you needed. Go.
Creativity loves company and this is the best company you’ll ever find.
Registrations close: Friday 7th August 2026
Once your registration is received you’ll be sent a confirmation email from The Art of Makeup Society with everything you need to know. Here’s what to expect:
The Details: Because this competition is bigger than last year we haven’t locked in our venue just yet but we can tell you it will be held on the Sunshine Coast. The exact location will be confirmed and emailed to you closer to the date, so keep an eye on your inbox.
The Day: This is a full day event so plan to be there from start to finish. More specific timing will be included in your follow-up information once everything is confirmed.
For Your People: Want to bring a supporter along to cheer you on? Spectator tickets will be available to purchase and we’ll send you a link to share with friends and family when they go live. Tickets are just $10 per person, a small price to witness something pretty incredible.
Where the Money Goes: The TAOMS Artist Awards is a not-for-profit and every single dollar made from this event goes straight back into it. That means more prizes, better experiences and a bigger platform for every artist involved. Speaking of prizes, every competitor will walk away with something worth having, so show up ready.
What We’ll Send You: Closer to the event you’ll receive your face charts and all the information you need to prepare. We’ll make sure you have everything sorted well in advance so you can focus on what matters, your look.
Please check your junk or spam folder just in case our emails end up there.
Competition Rules
The fine print
All competitors must provide their own model.
Models must be 18 years of age or older. If your model is under 18 a signed parental or guardian consent form must be submitted prior to competition day.
Models must arrive on time and be ready at the designated start time. The competition clock will not be delayed for late arriving models and no additional time will be granted.
Models must arrive with a clean bare face – no makeup, no skincare products and no prosthetics pre-applied.
Models can not assist competitors in any way during competition time including holding products, handing tools or applying anything to themselves.
Models must be prepared to be filmed and photographed throughout the entire day.
Models must be comfortable being interviewed on camera, competitors are responsible for ensuring their model is aware of this prior to competition day.
HYGIENE RULES
Strict hygiene standards must be maintained at all times throughout the competition.
Disposables must be used for all product application, no double dipping into pots, palettes or products of any kind.
All brushes, tools and implements must be kept clean and sanitised throughout the competition.
Judges will be actively observing and assessing hygiene practices as part of the judging criteria – this is not optional.
All products used must be skin safe and intended for cosmetic or professional makeup use. No industrial adhesives, paints or non-cosmetic grade materials are permitted on the skin.
Competitors are responsible for the safe disposal of all waste materials including prosthetic adhesives, latex and single use items.
DRESS AND APPEARANCE
Enclosed shoes must be worn at all times on the competition floor. Thongs, slides, open toe shoes and bare feet are not permitted.
Appropriate and professional attire is required for the duration of the event.
Competitors will be filmed and photographed throughout the entire day – please dress in a way that represents you and this industry with pride.
TAOMS reserves the right to ask any competitor to change attire deemed inappropriate for a filmed and public event.
FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Professional photography and videography will take place throughout the entire competition day.
By entering the competition all competitors and their models consent to being filmed and photographed throughout the day.
All content captured on the day may be used across TAOMS social media platforms, the TAOMS website and for promotional purposes.
Competitors and models may be approached for on-camera interviews during or after the competition – please be prepared and ensure your model is aware and comfortable prior to the day.
Following the competition each competitor will receive a professionally captured image of their completed work for their portfolio.
WORKPLACE AND EQUIPMENT
Competitors must supply all of their own tools, products, SPFX materials and equipment.
A black towel must be used to cover your workstation table at all times.
Props, costume pieces and accessories are permitted and encouraged but must remain within your allocated workspace and must not encroach on neighbouring competitors spaces.
Competitors are responsible for keeping their workspace clean and tidy throughout the entire competition.
All competitors must fully pack down and clean their workspace at the conclusion of the competition and leave the area as they found it.
A bag for your own rubbish must be brought and used throughout the competition.
COMPETITION CONDUCT
No outside assistance is permitted once the competition clock has started.
Competitors must not interfere with or distract other competitors during competition time.
Respectful and professional conduct is expected from all competitors, models and guests at all times.
Any form of bullying, harassment or disrespectful behaviour will result in immediate disqualification.
Good sportsmanship is non-negotiable and all competitors are expected to support a positive event environment.
