Popsugar's Feel-Good Awards Submission Guidelines
Our take
Popsugar’s recent announcement regarding submission guidelines for their “Feel-Good Awards” signals a subtle but significant shift in the digital landscape – a deepening commitment to curating positivity and mindful engagement. The platform's stated goal of providing content, products, and experiences that foster a balanced and fulfilling life resonates with a growing consumer desire for authenticity and well-being, moving beyond the relentless pursuit of fleeting trends. This focus is particularly relevant given the current climate, where digital spaces often amplify negativity and contribute to feelings of overwhelm. Popsugar's intention to be a "bright spot on the internet" isn't just aspirational; it’s a strategic positioning that caters to a discerning audience seeking genuine upliftment. Consider, for example, the elevated taste reflected in “What's in my cart? Luxury Shopping Edition!” What's in my cart? Luxury Shopping Edition!, which speaks to a desire for quality and refined experiences, and contrasts sharply with the often-disposable nature of viral content.
The emphasis on “feel-good” content also highlights a broader trend within media and marketing: the prioritization of emotional resonance. Consumers are increasingly attuned to brands and platforms that demonstrate genuine care and empathy, valuing experiences that nurture rather than deplete. This isn’t merely about surface-level positivity; it’s about fostering a sense of community, offering practical advice, and showcasing stories of resilience and inspiration. The linked article, " 8 Trends Cool Moms in L.A. Wear to Drop-Off, Erewhon, and Heimat " 8 Trends Cool Moms in L.A. Wear to Drop-Off, Erewhon, and Heimat, while seemingly focused on fashion, ultimately reflects a lifestyle aspiration – a curated sense of self and belonging that aligns with the pursuit of a fulfilling life. The subtle elegance and intentionality showcased in these selections underscore the importance of mindful consumption and the appreciation of enduring style, rather than chasing ephemeral trends. This aligns perfectly with the desire for experiences that feel both aspirational and attainable.
The formalization of submission guidelines for the Feel-Good Awards suggests Popsugar is moving beyond simply *claiming* to be a positive force and is actively seeking to amplify voices and initiatives that embody this ethos. It’s a tangible demonstration of accountability and a commitment to showcasing content that genuinely contributes to well-being. This structured approach also elevates the perceived value of the awards themselves, positioning them as a credible platform for recognizing and celebrating meaningful contributions. The inclusion of articles like " It's True: The Chicest Over 50s Adore This Timeless Jeans Trend " It's True: The Chicest Over 50s Adore This Timeless Jeans Trend further reinforces this commitment to timelessness and enduring style, indicating a rejection of fleeting fads in favor of pieces and ideas that stand the test of time. It’s a powerful message in a world saturated with the immediate and the disposable.
Looking ahead, it will be crucial to observe how Popsugar defines and operationalizes “feel-good” content within these new guidelines. Will the focus remain on individual experiences and personal narratives, or will it expand to encompass broader social impact initiatives? The success of the Feel-Good Awards will depend not only on the quality of the submissions but also on Popsugar’s ability to authentically embody its stated values and create a truly uplifting and inspiring online space. The broader question remains: can digital platforms successfully cultivate and sustain genuine positivity without succumbing to the pitfalls of superficiality or manufactured optimism, and will consumers continue to prioritize authenticity and well-being in their online engagement?
Here at Popsugar, our goal is to provide our audience with content, products, and experiences that help them live a more balanced and fulfilling life. We want to be the bright spot on the internet where you can come to feel good and get a little boost of dopamine, which is why we created the Feel-Good Awards.
Launched in 2025, the Feel-Good Awards are a celebration of the products that are genuinely lighting up our lives in the past year. It's our joyful, mood-boosting take on a hot list: one that's guided by emotional impact, not exclusivity. It highlights products across our five core categories — beauty, health, fitness, style, and home — that put some extra pep in our step when we needed it most.
We're no novices when it comes to awards — our Popsugar Beauty Awards have been running since 2019 — but recently we've expanded with new awards programs which we'll be rolling out throughout the year.
For the 2026 Feel-Good Awards, brands can submit products for consideration based on our guidelines below. The winning products will be selected by our staff of journalists and subject-matter experts, and announced at the beginning of April.
Eager to learn more? Here's everything you need to know about submitting products for Popsugar's 2026 Feel-Good Awards.
How to Submit Products For Consideration Brands can fill out an entry form to submit their products for consideration by the panel of judges (members of the PS team). Submissions for PS's 2026 Feel-Good Awards are open from Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m. EST, until Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 5 p.m. EST. Both the payment and entry form must be submitted by the deadline; PS is not responsible for payments absent an accompanying entry. Here are a few things to remember before entering a submission:Please fill out one entry form per product. For multiple submissions, fill out one form per entry and submit a separate fee for each product. There is no need to submit a form for multiple colorways of the same product. We require an entry fee of $150 for each product submission, which can be paid via Stripe. You'll need to include your Stripe payment confirmation ID in the submission form. The fee is nonrefundable. You can submit any new product that launched (or will launch) between January 1, 2026, and October 26, 2026. There are no exceptions. Limited-edition products will not be considered. Late submissions will not be accepted.See here for the Popsugar Feel-Good Awards terms and conditions. Please note that this programming is separate from our biannual Popsugar Beauty Awards.
Next Steps: Samples and TestingAfter we review all submissions, we will be in touch about samples for any products that our team is considering but has not previously had the chance to test.
We will not be able to test products that arrive after our sample deadline, so please be on time. From there, our editors will begin testing (and retesting) to find the very best. Only winning products will be notified at the time of publication.
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: When are the winners being announced?
A: Winners will be announced in November.
Q: Are the Feel-Good Awards separate from the Popsugar Beauty Awards?
A: Yes, the Feel-Good Awards are across all of our categories, while our biannual Beauty Awards program focuses on the best of the best in beauty. The awards programs run on separate timelines.
Q: What if the product is launching within the acceptable time frame, but no product link exists?
A: The product will need to have at least a preorder link by October 26.
Q: Are reformations accepted?
A: Products must be newly launched between January 1 and October 26, 2026. Reformations are OK as long as substantial changes were made to the product, but simply the "revitalization" or repositioning of a product is not eligible. If products are released with new features – e.g. home tech – they may be eligible.
Q: Are new shades of an existing beauty product eligible (e.g. eyeshadows, lipstick, etc.)?
A: Products must be newly launched between January 1 and October 26, 2026. New shades of existing products are not eligible.
Q: Are limited-edition products accepted?
A: No, limited-edition products are ineligible.
Q: Are the awards open to UK brands or just US?
A: The product/brand can be UK-based, but it must be widely available to shop in the US.
Q: Are in-office treatments accepted for submission?
A: No, the product must be available for purchase and use in-home.
Q: Are apps/digital products being considered?
A: Yes, category-dependent. Several of our categories have "tech" subcategories, which include apps and digital product submissions.
Q: Are edible/perishable foods eligible?
A: No, food products are not eligible.
Q: Are supplements eligible?
A: No, supplements are not eligible.
Q: Are men's and women's products (e.g. beauty products) both eligible?
A: Yes.
If you have any further questions, you can reach us at feelgoodawards@popsugar.com.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience