Four of Armagh’s hair and beauty salons, makeup artists and clinics have been announced as finalists for the first ever Northern Ireland Beauty Excellence Awards, which take place in June.
Local companies on the shortlist include: The Barber of Lower English Street, Barber/Male Grooming Establishment; Michelle Diffin Makeup, Makeup Studio of the Year and Specialist Salon/Clinic to Watch; S.A.K Designs, Makeup Studio of the Year; KMK Advanced Beauty and Training School, Training School/Academy of the Year
The shortlist in its entirety has been whittled down from hundreds of entries, and the above join over 80 other companies announced as finalists from across Northern Ireland in the hair, beauty and aesthetic industries.
Dr Mervyn Patterson, Medical Director at Woodford Medical who sat on the independent judging panel said: “We were really impressed with the standard of entries coming through from new clinics and salons opening across the country.
“There are dynamic new treatments and products that are coming through the industry that have been embraced locally, and it’s fantastic to see such innovation here.”
The judging panel who have a wealth of experience in the industry, and who joined Dr Patterson in selecting the shortlist and winners included Linda Stinson, co-founder and director of Bellamianta Tan; Pamela Smyth, Emmy Award-winning makeup designer and founder of The Makeup Department; Katrina Doran, skincare specialist and makeup artist; and award-winning hairdresser Paul Stafford, who founded Belfast institution, Stafford Hair.
Dr Patterson continued: “I have been working in the industry for over 20 years, and it is so interesting to see traditional practices mixed with newer products and treatments, it’s a very exciting time and the Northern Ireland Beauty Excellence Awards are the perfect platform from which to share the innovation of the industry that is booming in Northern Ireland.”
The judges will be handing over the reins to Belfast Live readers next week to vote for their favourite beauty influencer on social media, as shortlisted by the judges.
The Northern Ireland Beauty Excellence Awards take place on Sunday, June 23 at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast and will be hosted by Pamela Ballantine.
The awards are supported by media partners Daily Mirror NI and Belfast Live, and event partners Sparq and Kaizen Print.
Join our Armagh City and District Facebook group here.
