The email arrived in January without much fanfare.
A nomination for the South East Asia Business Awards—and Nicole Morales, founder and executive editor of The Beauty Edit, almost let it pass her by. Then came the interview, followed by word about passing the initial deliberations. Then, a request for supporting documents. And finally, several months later, the confirmation: The Beauty Edit had been named Beauty Industry Ecosystem Leader of the Year 2026 – Philippines.
“We are a speck in the Philippine beauty universe,” Nicole says. “So you can imagine my surprise.”
The Beauty Edit began in 2020 as an Instagram account—a passion project by a former magazine editor and beauty journalist who believed the Philippines deserved beauty coverage that took its audience seriously.
Six years later, it has grown into a multi-platform beauty ecosystem spanning editorial, storytelling, events, retail, community, and commerce. More than a publication, it connects brands, industry professionals, and consumers through journalism, thoughtful experiences, and meaningful conversations about beauty.
That is, in fact, how APAC Insider described the company in its official winners listing:
“The Beauty Edit is a multi-platform beauty ecosystem in the Philippines spanning editorial, events, retail, and commerce. Built on journalistic credibility, it connects brands, media, and consumers through thoughtful storytelling and curated experiences. Awarded Beauty Industry Ecosystem Leader of the Year 2026, it continues to shape how beauty is experienced, understood, and built.”
Presented by APAC Insider and its parent company, AI Global Media, the South East Asia Business Awards recognize organizations making a meaningful impact across one of the world’s fastest-growing business regions. Winners are selected through an independent, merit-based research process that evaluates measurable achievement rather than company size or market influence.
Among this year’s Philippine honorees, The Beauty Edit was the only business recognized from the beauty industry, joining awardees across sectors including technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services.
“We built The Beauty Edit to be more than a publication,” Nicole says. “Editorial, events, retail, community—every part exists to shape how beauty is experienced and understood in the Philippines. This award reflects that vision, and more importantly, the team that shows up every day and does the work with care.”
View the full winners’ list here.
