Beautycon is back for 2026, and this September 19, we’re sending you to school. Beautycon University, to be exact, at Rolling Greens LA. But don’t worry, these classes are nothing like the ones you remember. 

Grab your notepad and choose your own curriculum across five beauty “majors” — Art, Business, History, Science, and Wellbeing. Get up close with celebrity makeup artists, in-demand dermatologists, and special guests like Cardi B and Keke Palmer, with study sessions including hands-on masterclasses, creator-led conversations, immersive brand experiences, product discovery, and insider knowledge you won’t find on your FYP. 

With that in mind, here are seven things worth seeing, doing, and sampling (yes, there’ll be swag!) at Beautycon University 2026.  

It’s the one time you won’t want to be saved by the bell. 

DashDividers_1_500x100 A masterclass in technique by Beyoncé’s makeup artist, Sir John 

Fancy yourself as the makeup artist celebrities like Beyoncé, Zendaya, and Naomi Campbell have on speed dial for the biggest dates in their diaries? Then you’ll want to be front row at our Head of School Sir John’s masterclass, where the makeup maestro and creative director will share his most valuable techniques and top tips — plus, as the originator of the viral “dopamine glam” movement, reveal the makeup trends set to dominate the year ahead. 

“It’s a huge honor to step into the role of Head of School this year,” Sir John told R29. “I’m most excited to set the tone for the day, bring the energy, and create an environment where everyone feels excited to jump in and be part of the Beautycon University experience. Ultimately, I want us to connect, celebrate beauty and community, and, most importantly, have a really fun time!”

Cardi B with her hair care brand, Grow-Good Beauty  

From waist-length waves to bold bobs, there isn’t a hairstyle Cardi B hasn’t rocked with confidence, so it’s fair to say she knows a thing or two about caring for her lengths. It makes sense, then, that she has her own hair-care brand — and one we’re particularly fond of at R29. Grow-Good combines classic ingredients (think nourishing avocado, hydrating aloe vera, and shine-enhancing moringa seed) with serious science to help deliver healthier, stronger, better-looking hair. Discover her full product lineup and catch a glimpse of the pop-culture icon herself. Okurr!

Actor, entrepreneur, and Pilates instructor Keke Palmer on how to be strong & well 
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Beauty and wellness go hand in hand, which is why we’ve enlisted none other than Keke Palmer to lead a one-hour mat Pilates class, Practice by Palmer. Move, stretch, and get your sweat on alongside the multi-hyphenate as she takes you through an energizing workout designed to leave you feeling strong and invigorated. Be sure to register in advance to secure your mat, then stick around to refresh with the beauty and wellness samples on hand. 

The Buseum, aka Beauty Museum 

Step into the Buseum, an immersive installation where history, art, and beauty collide. Journey through the eras with Refinery29 Somos, and discover the iconic Latina beauty trends that have shaped LA culture, beauty, and politics, from the Pachucas to the chola aesthetics of the 1990s. Then, wander through the beautifully curated Fragrance Awards 2026 showcase, a gallery-like celebration of this year’s winning scents, from Phlur’s Vanilla Canyon to Ellis Brooklyn’s Plum Tonic, and take home samples from some of the brands behind them. Who knows? You might just find your next signature scent. 

A live recording of Nose Dive, Refinery29 and eos’ fragrance podcast, with guest Jackie Aina 
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We’ve had singer JoJo and fashion editor and stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, and now it’s content creator and entrepreneur Jackie Aina’s turn in the scented seat as we record Nose Dive — Refinery29’s brand-new fragrance-meets-pop-culture podcast — live at Beautycon University. Expect deep chats, cultural commentary, and, of course, plenty of laughs. 

Beauty creator Glamzilla on the secrets to scroll-stopping content 
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Content creator, beauty extraordinaire, and the internet’s beauty big sister, Glamzilla, aka Stephanie Santana, has had a hand in more makeup trends than we can count — and now she’s bringing her expertise to the Beautycon main stage. Catch her live podcast taping, where she’ll reveal her invaluable tips for creating content that cuts through, plus her secrets to flawless contouring and the perfect lip combo. When it comes to makeup, there’s very little Glamzilla doesn’t know about perfecting a look. 

Get your tickets here, and we’ll see you in class on September 19. 

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