WBF Finland 2026 – The Event Has Come to an End
WBF Finland 2026 has officially come to a close! Three incredible days at the I Love Me Expo in Helsinki were filled with outstanding talent, creativity, passion and unforgettable moments.
A heartfelt thank you to all participating artists, models, judges, instructors, sponsors, partners and supporters who helped make this year's event so special.
Congratulations to all our winners! Discover the official results and highlights of WBF Finland 2026 below.
/ sponsored by
Welcome to WBF Finland 2026 – where creativity meets competition!
From October 16–18, 2026, Helsinki once again becomes the vibrant hub of international make-up artistry as the World Bodypainting Festival returns to the iconic I Love Me Expo. Set within Northern Europe’s largest beauty, fashion, wellness and health event, this extraordinary gathering celebrates innovation, talent and the power of artistic expression.
The first day is dedicated to learning, inspiration and creative exchange. On October 16, artists and make-up enthusiasts can take part in a full-day Masterclass featuring renowned international artists and professionals from the make-up industry. Yasmin Heinz, Einat Dan, Linda Røhmen, Jasmiina Walters, Tiffany Hunt and Linda Hallberg will share their knowledge, techniques, personal approaches and professional experience across a variety of make-up disciplines.
Over the following two inspiring competition days, artists from around the world will compete in both the prestigious World Award in Creative Make-Up and the Nordic Awards, showcasing their exceptional skills across multiple disciplines.
Overview
- October 16: Masterclass – Learn, Create & Get Inspired: A full day dedicated to make-up artistry, creativity and professional techniques with Yasmin Heinz, Einat Dan, Linda Røhmen, Jasmiina Walters and Linda Hallberg
- October 17: Nordic Awards – Fashion Editorial Make-Up, Red Carpet Make-Up & Bodypainting
- October 18: World Awards Creative Make-Up & Nordic Award – Facepainting
The I Love Me Expo provides the perfect stage—an energetic and inspiring environment dedicated to beauty, self-expression and well-being. Expect bold concepts, innovative techniques and unforgettable visual storytelling as competitors push the boundaries of make-up artistry.
Join us in Helsinki at the Messukeskus Expo and Convention Centre and experience three days of creativity, education, passion and world-class talent at WBF Finland 2026!
Photo: Tobias Spranger Artist: Nina Vuori @WBF Finland 2025
/ Masterclass for Artists – Learn, Create & Get Inspired
16 October 2026
A full day dedicated to make-up artistry, creativity and professional techniques. Learn from experienced international artists as they share their knowledge, personal approaches and practical tips across a wide range of make-up styles – from flawless bridal beauty and fashion editorial looks to competition make-up and bold, rule-breaking colour work.
Whether you want to refine your technique, explore new creative approaches or simply get inspired, this Masterclass Day offers valuable insights for make-up artists at every level.
10:15–11:45 | YASMIN HEINZ – Skin Prep & Bridal Makeup
Beautiful make-up starts with great skin. Yasmin Heinz shares her approach to professional skin preparation and creating fresh, radiant and long-lasting bridal looks.
12:00–14:00 | EINAT DAN – Fashion Editorial
Step into the world of fashion and editorial make-up. Einat Dan explores how to develop a strong visual concept and create expressive, high-impact looks for fashion, photography and editorial work.
14:15–15:15 | LINDA RØHMEN
An exclusive masterclass with Linda Røhmen, offering insights into her techniques, creative process and professional experience as an internationally recognised make-up and bodypainting artist.
15:30–16:30 | STAGE – Panel Discussion
An open discussion with artists and industry professionals about creativity, careers, competitions and the constantly evolving world of make-up artistry. A chance to hear different perspectives, ask questions and gain inspiration from the professionals.
16:45-17:30 | TIFFANY HUNT - SFX Character Make-Up
Want to level up your creative vision with sfx? Learn prosthetic application blending and colouring. How to blend a seamless prosthetic edge and create a cohesive , eye catching and bold character makeup. A chance to ask questions and learn tips and tricks.
17:45–18:30 | JASMIINA WALTERS – Creative Make-Up & Make-Up for Competitions
What makes a competition look stand out? Jasmiina Walters shares her approach to developing creative concepts, transforming ideas into finished designs and creating make-up with impact for competitions.
18:30–19:45 | LINDA HALLBERG – No Rules
Forget the rulebook and trust your creativity. Linda Hallberg's session is all about bold colour choices, combining unexpected shades and blending colours seamlessly together.
Discover how to work intuitively with colour, experiment with new combinations and create striking looks without being limited by conventional make-up rules.
A day packed with professional knowledge, new techniques, creative inspiration and plenty of colour – designed to help you expand your skills and see make-up from new perspectives.
/ World Award in Creative Make-Up & Nordic Awards in various categories
17 - 18 October 2026
Come and be part of an exciting event, showcasing your creativity in your favourite categories.
Across the days of the exhibition, participants can compete in a wide range of categories at WBF Finland 2026. The event kicks off on October 17, the competition continues with the Nordic Awards in Fashion Editorial Make-Up, Red Carpet Make-up and Bodypainting, celebrating innovation and artistic expression.
The grand finale takes place on October 18, featuring the prestigious World Award: Creative Make-Up, where the World Champion title is awarded, alongside the Nordic Award: Facepainting - bringing bold ideas and intricate designs into the spotlight.
Photo: Tobias Spranger Artist: Bettina Muigg @WBF Finland 2025
Program
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 beforethe 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
13:00 – 14:00
Nordic Award: Red Carpet
14:00-16:00
Nordic Award: Bodypainting
16:30-18:00
Presentations & Awarding for all Nordic Awards
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
Photo: Tobias Spranger
/ we proudly present
The Jury at the WBF Finland 2026
A competition is only as strong as the experience, knowledge and different perspectives behind its jury.
For WBF Finland 2026, we have once again brought together an international panel of respected professionals from the worlds of make-up, bodypainting and creative arts.
This year, the jury will evaluate the World Award: Creative Make-Up as well as four categories of the Nordic Awards. Many familiar faces from last year are returning to Helsinki, bringing their experience and knowledge of the WBF competitions with them. At the same time, we are happy to welcome several new jury members who will add fresh perspectives and expertise to the panel. Together, they will take on the challenging task of evaluating the artists’ work and selecting the winners of WBF Finland 2026.
Meet this year’s jury (klick on the name to get to their Instagram account):
Jury of Bodypainting & Facepainting categories
Jury of the Make-Up categories
/ World Award Theme & Nordic Awards Themes
The Themes
At a bodypainting event, themes play a vital role - they guide artistic direction, inspire creativity, and challenge participants to transform the human body into a powerful visual statement. For WBF Finland 2026, the selected themes encourage bold expression, high-fashion influence, and deep conceptual thinking - inviting artists to push boundaries and bring their unique visions to life.
World Award - Creative Make-up - ELECTRIC RUNWAY STATEMENT
Combine high-fashion runway aesthetics with bold, electric energy to create a striking and futuristic make-up statement.
Nordic Award- Bodypainting - DANGEROUS HOBBIES
Transform the body into a dynamic visual story that captures the tension, thrill, and risk of adrenaline-driven or unconventional activities.
Nordic Award - Facepainting - MASKS OF EMOTIONS
Use the face as a canvas to reveal both hidden and visible emotions through expressive and impactful design.
Nordic Award - Fashion Editorial Make-up - DARKEST DESIRES
Create a high-end editorial look that explores mystery, intensity, and allure through a cohesive and story-driven fashion concept.
Nordic Award - RED CARPET MAKE-UP
Beauty Make-up for a red carpet event inspired by trends from the 2020s to the present.
1 Place World Award Trophy + € 1.000 money prize
2 Place World Award Trophy + € 700 money prize
3 Place World Award Trophy + € 300 money prize
1 Place Nordic Award Trophy
2 Place Nordic Award Trophy
3 Place Nordic Award Trophy
+ Product Prizes
1 Place Nordic Award Trophy
2 Place Nordic Award Trophy
3 Place Nordic Award Trophy
+ Product Prizes
1 Place Nordic Award Trophy
2 Place Nordic Award Trophy
3 Place Nordic Award Trophy
+ Product Prizes
1st place Nordic Award Trophy + 250€
2nd place Nordic Award Trophy + 150€
3rd place Nordic Award Trophy + 100€
Sponsored by
Photo Ticket for Photographers
For WBF Finland, we are offering only 10 exclusive photo tickets for professional and passionate photographers.
The photo ticket includes:
- Access to the entire festival arena
- Exclusive access to the competition area
- Access to an exclusive photo zone with 3–4 different backgrounds
The ticket is valid for both competition days.
Price: EUR 149
Tickets are now available in our official shop
Artist Information & Guidelines 2026
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Get together
The location: The Last drop Bar and Restaurant
Address: Ludviginkatu 3-5, 00130 Helsinki
Free entry
16th of October - Friday from 9 pm
17th of October - Saturday from 9 pm
kitchen open until late
After party
18th of October - Sunday from 8 pm
Make-up avaliable at the venue from 8 to 10 pm
Kitchen open until late
Want to be a model for makeup or bodypainting?
This is your chance to take part in an international creative experience! If you'd like to be a model for one of the talented artists, make sure to register as soon as possible.
All participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs, but we’ve arranged special hotel discounts close to the exhibition center to make your stay easier.
We’re excited to welcome new faces and reconnect with those who’ve been part of the community for years. Let’s come together in this new location to create unforgettable moments, share inspiration, and celebrate creativity at its best!
Photo: Tobias Spranger
/ Host City
Helsinki, FINLAND
Welcome
to your
happy
place.
Discover Helsinki
Helsinki is a vibrant city where quirky urban life meets peaceful nature. Explore design-forward neighbourhoods, savour local Nordic cuisine, and recharge amid the tranquil beauty of the surrounding archipelago. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the Finnish capital offers an unforgettable blend of creativity, culture, and calm — the perfect destination for curious travellers and nature lovers alike.
/ Festival Location
Convention center "Messukeskus"
Address:
Messukeskus, PL 21,
Messuaukio 1,
00521 Helsinki
FINLAND
/ Partner Hotel
Hotel Lilla Roberts
Hotel Lilla Roberts is Helsinki’s most stylish boutique hotel, where 1920s glamour, Art Deco elegance, collaboration with Finnish fashion brands and urban relaxation blend seamlessly in a historic building with a heartfelt service. Step inside and let the atmosphere surprise you – You Are Invited.
Special rate available
- Bookings: lillaroberts.com
- Booking days: 11.10.-25.10.2026
- Promocode: BODYART
- Code valid until 24.10.
- Cancellation: day before at 6 p.m.
Address:
Pieni Roobertinkatu 1-3
00130 Helsinki
FINLAND
