Frequently Asked Questions
I. Introduction to the Beauty & Crystal Water Awards
What makes the BCWA unique in these industries?
The BCWA stands out due to its transparent and independent evaluation process. It is not affiliated with media companies, influencers, or event organizers, ensuring that the global panel of recognized industry experts provides genuine and credible recognition.
Is the Beauty & Crystal Water Awards held annually?
Yes, the Beauty & Crystal Water Awards (BCWA) is held annually to celebrate outstanding achievements and innovations in the beauty and water industries.
II. Evaluation Committee
What is the role of the pre-jury?
The pre-jury reviews all applications and selects the most outstanding entries to proceed to the final judging stage. This ensures that only the highest-quality applications reach the finals.
Who can be part of the pre-jury?
In cases of a higher number of applications, a pre-jury composed of experienced industry experts is established. Their expertise and impartiality guarantee a fair evaluation process.
What criteria does the jury evaluate?
The jury evaluates entries based on category-specific criteria, including innovation, effectiveness, sustainability, design, and market impact. Both scientific results, market analysis, and consumer experiences are taken into account.
How does the voting process work?
Following the pre-jury review, jury members independently assess product samples and supporting documents. They assign scores, and the entry with the highest total score wins. In the event of a tie, the Jury Chair’s vote determines the winner.
Can applicants contact jury members?
No. Direct contact with jury members or inquiries about application status are strictly prohibited. Any breach of this rule will result in immediate disqualification without a refund of the application fee.
III. Crystal Award Categories
What products are eligible for the Crystal Awards?
The Crystal Awards cover a wide range of product categories, including cosmetics, skincare, haircare, body care, and water brands. Innovation, ingredient effectiveness, and sustainability are key considerations. Additionally, marketing campaigns, innovative packaging, and brand strategies may be submitted.
Why are the Crystal Awards prestigious?
The Crystal Awards represent the highest level of recognition in the beauty and water industries. These awards highlight exceptional innovations, sustainability efforts, and significant industry contributions. Winners are selected through a rigorous and impartial evaluation process, enhancing the award’s prestige.
IV. Diamond Award Categories
Why were the Diamond Awards introduced?
The BCWA introduced the Diamond Awards to recognize groundbreaking innovations that go beyond traditional categories. These awards provide exclusive recognition to the most exceptional achievements in the industry.
How prestigious are the Diamond Awards compared to the Crystal Awards?
While the Crystal Awards offer broad industry recognition, the Diamond Awards honor outstanding performance in specialized categories. These awards celebrate exceptional products, services, and innovations, increasing brand visibility and market presence.
Why is the application fee higher for Diamond Awards?
Diamond Awards require specialized categories and a more in-depth evaluation process, involving additional expert jury members and comprehensive analysis. The higher application fee supports this process and increases the chances of winning in more niche categories.
V. Applications
Who is entitled to apply with a product or service?
The BCWA encourages a wide range of participants. Companies, brand managers, agencies, journalists and consumers are all eligible to submit applications. Companies submitting their own products are required to pay an application fee.
The fee supports administrative management, and in return, winners gain access to BCWA branding materials, including digital badges for use on product packaging and promotional materials.
If a consumer nominates a product they admire, neither they nor the nominated brand are charged an application fee. However, if the product wins, the brand must pay a separate fee to use the BCWA brand identity visuals.
What are the criteria for product applications?
Eligible products must be available for purchase in physical stores or online within their country of origin at the time of application and remain available after the results announcement. Services, technologies, and innovations must also be operational during this period. Products submitted for the competition must have a minimum of 180 days (6 months) remaining before their expiry date.
Can applications be withdrawn?
Yes, applications can be withdrawn; however, fees are non-refundable.
What is the official deadline for applications?
The application deadline for this year is April 30th, 2026. All payments and submissions must be completed by this date to be considered for the awards.
VI. Important Dates and Deadlines
What are the key deadlines for BCWA 2025-2026?
Early Bird period: November 1st to November 30th, 2025 – apply within this period to take advantage of special entry rates.
Application deadline: April 15th, 2026.
Sample submission deadline: By April 30th, 2026, all companies must send four samples of their nominated products to the designated HUB (address will be provided).
Evaluation period: May and June 2026 (conducted electronically).
Winners announcement: June 30th, 2026. Winners will be notified by email and announced publicly.
VII. Samples Submission and Shipping Instructions
When should I send my samples?
You will receive a notification email with specific details and timing for sample submissions. The collection of samples will begin in March. Ensure that you use a reliable international courier service (e.g., DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT) or your local courier. Please include an invoice with a nominal value of USD 1, clearly indicating: “Samples without commercial value, not for resale,” “Award nomination,” and “Free of charge.”
How should the samples be packaged?
To prevent damage during transportation, please ensure the packaging is secure. The Award Management team is not responsible for damages that may affect the jury’s evaluation. The product must be sent in its original packaging with clear brand identification. Anonymously packaged products will not be accepted.
VIII. Logo and Label Usage Policy
Are there any usage restrictions for the logo?
The logo can be used without territorial or time-based limitations. Only the winning products, whether at Crystal or Diamond level, are entitled to use the official logo. For these products, the logo is valid as long as the product’s formula or service content remains unchanged. Any alterations after the award may invalidate the use of the logo, and a new application would need to be submitted for the following year.
IX. Entry Fees and Payment Conditions
Are bank charges covered by the applicant?
Yes, all bank charges are the responsibility of the applicant. The fees listed are net amounts, and any additional charges incurred will be borne by the applicant.
Can application fees be refunded?
No, once the fees are paid, they are non-refundable under any circumstances.
Can an application be suspended or withdrawn?
Yes, it is possible to suspend or withdraw an application. However, please note that application fees will not be refunded if the application is withdrawn.
Are there any hidden fees involved in the application process?
There are no hidden fees. However, applicants must bear the costs associated with sending their products to the designated HUB, as this is not covered by the application fee.