Beauty Bulb Live returns on March 11, 2026, 9:30 am GMT with 300+ global retail buyers already confirmed.
For decades, the beauty trade show circuit has operated on a familiar, if increasingly expensive, model: pack exhibitors into convention centres, huge charges for booth space – before factoring in travel, accommodation, staffing, and logistics and watch brands compete for retailer attention across sprawling show floors. But as costs have climbed and sustainability concerns have mounted, Beauty Bulb saw an opportunity others hadn’t: the traditional trade show model was not working for or possible for many. And so they built an alternative.
On 11 March 2026, Beauty Bulb will host its third edition of Beauty Bulb Live, a fully virtual and global trade show that replaces physical booths, international travel, and multi-day commitments with a 24-hour digital event connecting brands directly to retail buyers and distributors.
A Growing List of Major Retailers
Over 300 global retail buyers will attend the March event, including buyers from Sephora, Boots, Harrods, QVC, Douglas, Target, Ulta, Mecca, Goop, Space NK, Clicks, TVSN, Etos and CO Bigelow.
Buyers will be attending from 13 territories spanning the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, China, Japan, UAE, and beyond. A geographic reach that would both be costly and logistically challenging to achieve at a traditional physical event. Rather than navigating crowded exhibition halls over multiple days, buyers can talk live with pre-vetted, retail-ready brands in a streamlined 24-hour digital window.
Removing Barriers to Entry
For brands, the cost difference is substantial. Exhibiting at Beauty Bulb Live costs $1,099 per booth, a fraction of what major trade shows demand, and without the added expense of international travel or physical build-outs. The model removes geographic and financial barriers that have historically excluded emerging and independent brands from accessing global retail opportunities. A founder based in Asia, for instance, has the same direct access to a Harrods buyer as one based in London. No visa or plane ticket required.
This year’s event will also feature a New Emerging Brand Hall, designed to spotlight early-stage brands with scalable potential, ensuring discovery isn’t limited to those with the largest marketing budgets.
The Sustainability Factor
Traditional trade shows generate a significant environmental impact. From single-use booth materials, printed collateral, and the carbon footprint of thousands of international attendees. In an industry under increasing scrutiny for its sustainability credentials, Beauty Bulb Live’s virtual trade show offers a zero-waste alternative. No flights. No physical builds. No materials destined for landfill. Just direct, efficient connections between brands and the buyers searching for new partners.
Built for How the Industry Actually Operates
Beauty Bulb Live isn’t attempting to replicate a physical trade show. They have designed it around how modern brands and retailers prefer to work. The show is giving brands options. The 24-hour format accommodates global time zones. Virtual booths allow direct one-to-one conversations between buyers and brands. Expert-led webinars run throughout the event, offering insights on retail strategy, brand building, and more.
For retailers, it’s a more efficient way to discover relevant brands. For founders, it’s direct access to decision-makers without the traditional gatekeeping or prohibitive costs.
As Beauty Bulb Founder Faye Speedie explains: “We’re not just offering a more affordable alternative. Our team has built a model that’s more inclusive, more sustainable, and more transparent. By tracking virtual booth visits and engagement data, Beauty Bulb Live is more effective and better aligned with how global beauty commerce actually works today”
The March 2026 Edition
Beauty Bulb Live 2026 takes place on March 11 from 9:30am GMT, running for 24 hours to accommodate international participation. Brands can register for virtual booths, talk live with attending buyers, and access live educational content throughout the event.
With major retailers already confirmed and booth registrations tracking ahead of previous events, the model is gaining traction as a legitimate alternative to traditional trade show infrastructure.
For brands ready to access global retail without the traditional barriers, the opportunity is clear.
Register for Beauty Bulb Live 2026 at beautybulb.co.uk
Booths $1099 | 11 March 2026 | 9:30 am GMT
