The Skin Games returns September 9-11, 2027, in Dallas with a competition-first format that puts Estheticians and other beauty professionals on stage to be judged on their work.
The 2026-27 season includes more than 20 competition categories, a live event with education and a vendor marketplace, and prizes that can reach $10,000. Organizers position the event as the “Olympics of the skincare industry,” with Estheticians, lash artists, wax and sugar professionals and facial-massage practitioners competing alongside broader education and networking.
That makes The Skin Games different from a traditional trade show. The competition is not an add-on; it is the center of the event.
The NBEW Lens
The Skin Games holds a particularly special place in NBEW’s history.
NBEW’s founder has worked closely with Skin Games founder Jennifer Rosenblum over the years, including writing for The Skin Games and serving as a judge in its Compassion Category. Rosenblum also helped create space for NBEW to be celebrated in person in Florida and has been a generous supporter and advisor to NBEW from its early years. And, Rosenblum also introduced NBEW to Pamela Springer shortly before National Black Estheticians’ Week became an official celebration.
That history gives this event a significance here that goes well beyond its competition format.
The Skin Games has long created a stage where Estheticians can present their work, document treatment journeys and be recognized publicly for the care, skill and thought behind their results. For professionals who may spend much of their careers working quietly inside treatment rooms, that kind of recognition can be meaningful. And, from the beginning, Rosenblum was always interested in connecting with and highlighting Black Estheticians.
For NBEW readers, the competition also creates a particularly interesting way to look at excellence across a broad range of skin.
Inflammation, acne, pigmentation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can affect everything from treatment selection to how progress appears over time, particularly on melanated skin. Seeing Estheticians document those journeys gives the industry an opportunity to appreciate not only the final photograph, but the thinking, restraint and expertise behind the work.
The Skin Games is therefore more than an event NBEW covers. It is part of the professional community that helped make room for NBEW as NBEW was growing.
NBEW Note
You do not have to compete to attend. The Skin Games sells attendee passes for professionals and students who want access to demo day, the vendor fair, panel speakers and Spa Tank.
Who Should Know About It
- Estheticians wanting to showcase their skills in a competitive setting
- Estheticians who want advanced education and demos
- esthetic students
- lash, wax and sugar professionals
- professionals interested in industry recognition and networking
What We Know So Far
The live event is scheduled for September 9-11, 2027, at the Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel in the Dallas area.
Competition entry is currently $195 per category. The event advertises 20+ categories and prizes up to $10,000.
Current attendee pricing is $99 student / $297 general under the early-bird offer displayed on the attendee page, with a $499 Premiere ticket that adds the awards dinner, breakfast/coffee, a swag bag valued at $500+ and monthly Mastermind access. Another official season overview lists lower base student/general figures, so attendees should confirm the live checkout price before purchase.
Event Details
| Dates | September 9-11, 2027 |
| Location | Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel |
| Area | Dallas, Texas |
| Competition Entry | $195 per category |
| Attendee Tickets | Current attendee page shows early-bird Student $99 / General $297 / Premiere $499 |
| Premiere Includes | Awards dinner, breakfast/coffee, $500+ swag bag and monthly Mastermind access |
