World Award in Creative Make-Up &
The Nordic Awards
On October 17–18, 2026, Helsinki once again becomes a vibrant hub of international make-up and bodypainting artistry as the World Bodypainting Festival and the World Bodypainting Association return to the iconic I Love Me Expo. Within Northern Europe’s leading beauty, fashion, wellness, and health event, artists from around the world will compete in the World Award in Creative Make-Up and The Nordic Awards.
Across two exciting days, participants will showcase their skills in Fashion Editorial Make-Up,, Red Carpet Make-Up, Bodypainting, Creative Make-Up and Facepainting, presenting bold ideas, innovative techniques, and outstanding artistic expression.
Join us at the Messukeskus Expo and Convention Centre and experience world-class talent, creativity, and inspiration at WBF Finland 2026.
Photos Tobias Spranger
Competition Day – Saturday, October 17th
Nordic Awards: Fashion Editorial Make-Up, Red Carpet Make-Up & Bodypainting
Registration and welcoming
from 08:00-12:00
Each category 1 hour before the comeptition
Competition Time
09:00 – 14:00
Nordic Award: Bodypainting
10:00 – 11:00
Nordic Award: Fashion Editorial Make-Up
12:00 – 13:00
Nordic Award: Red Carpet
Jury & Photoshooting
11:00 – 12:00
Nordic Award: Fashion Editorial
12:00 – 13:00
Nordic Award: Red Carpet
14:00-16:00
Nordic Award: Bodypainting
16:30-18:00
Presentations & Awarding for all Nordic Awards
Artists will compete in the NORDIC AWARDS. The first categorie will be Fashion Editorial Make-Up. And the second categorie will be Red Carpet Make-Up followed by Open Bodypainting Category.
Attractive prizes await the top three winners, including trophies and product prizes.
The day concludes with presentations, photo sessions and an awarding celebration.
Competition Day - Sunday, October 18th
World Award: Creative Make-Up & Nordic Award: Facepainting
Registration and welcoming
from 08:00-12:00
Each category 1 hour before
the comeptition
Competition Time
09:00 – 12:00
Nordic Award: Facepainting
13:00 – 15:00
World Award: Creative Make-up
Jury & Photoshooting
12:00 – 14:00
Nordic Award: Facepainting
15:00 – 17:00
World Award: Creative Make-up
17:00-18:00
Presentations & Awarding World Championship and Nordic Award
Artists will compete on Sunday, October 18, in the NORDIC AWARD Facepainting and the prestigious WORLD AWARD in Creative-Make-up.
The Nordic Awards category of the day is Facepainting, where artists will transform faces into expressive works of art through detailed painting and strong visual storytelling. Alongside this, the highlight of the day is the World Award in Creative Make-Up, where top international artists compete live for the World Champion title.
Attractive prizes await the top three winners, including trophies, cash prizes (only for the world award) and product prizes.
The day concludes with presentations, photo sessions, and an awarding celebration.
Photos Tobias Spranger
Categories & General Information
We’re excited to announce that four categories have been confirmed for the upcoming event in Helsinki, Finland. The themes will be announced soon.
- 17 October 2026:
Nordic Award: Red Carpet Make-up
Nordic Award: Bodypainting Open Category
Nordic Award: Fashion Editorial Make-Up - 18 October 2026:
World Award: Creative Make-Up
Nordic Award: Facepainting
Categories & General Information
We’re excited to announce that four categories have been confirmed for the upcoming event in Helsinki, Finland. The themes will be announced soon.
- 17 October 2026:
Nordic Award: Red Carpet Make-up
Nordic Award: Bodypainting Open Category
Nordic Award: Fashion Editorial Make-Up - 18 October 2026:
World Award: Creative Make-Up
Nordic Award: Facepainting
Photo Tickets are available
For photographers, Helsinki will once again become a true creative hotspot during the WBF Finland. To offer the best possible shooting experience, we are providing only 10 exclusive photo tickets for professional and passionate photographers. Ticket holders will receive access to the entire arena, exclusive access to the competition area, and entry to a dedicated photo zone featuring 3–4 professional backdrops designed especially for creative shoots and portfolio photography.
The photo ticket is valid for both competition days and is available for EUR 149. Due to the limited number of tickets, early booking is highly recommended. More information and tickets are available in the official shop.