Popsugar’s 2026 Sex Awards Submission Guidelines
Our take
Popsugar’s announcement of the 2026 Sex Awards signals a significant shift in how mainstream media approaches conversations around pleasure and intimacy. It's a bold move, particularly given the historical and often fraught relationship between large publications and discussions of sexuality. The move aligns with a broader cultural trend of normalizing and destigmatizing conversations about sex, pleasure, and body positivity – a trend we’ve seen reflected in the rise of sex-positive influencers and a greater willingness to discuss intimate topics openly. This isn’t simply about celebrating products; it's about acknowledging and validating the importance of pleasure in overall well-being, a concept increasingly embraced by wellness communities. It's also interesting to note the timing, coinciding with a renewed focus on personal style and curated aesthetics, as evidenced by pieces like [Candice Swanepoel's Go-To Outfit Is All About Versatility] and [Kaia Gerber's Little Black Dress and Ballet Flats Outfit Is a Major '90s Throwback] – suggesting a connection between self-expression, confidence, and embracing one's sexuality. The savvy inclusion of celebratory items like “smutty books, lingerie, lube, and games” showcases a surprisingly inclusive and playful approach, moving beyond a purely clinical view of sexual wellness.
The decision to launch this award show also speaks to the evolving marketplace for sexual wellness products. What was once a niche industry has experienced exponential growth, fueled by increased openness, technological advancements, and a greater understanding of the diverse needs within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. Popsugar’s entry into this space legitimizes the industry further, potentially attracting a broader consumer base and encouraging innovation. The approach, focusing on “the most pleasure-inducing products,” also hints at a shift away from purely functional products towards those designed with aesthetic and experiential considerations in mind. The editorial team’s own insights on navigating high-demand sales like [Our Cheat Code To Scoring Every Notable Item in The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale This Year] demonstrate a keen understanding of consumer behavior and the power of curated recommendations, a strategy likely to be applied to the Sex Awards as well. This carefully planned rollout, presented with a “spicy” and celebratory tone, makes it clear that Popsugar intends to be a serious player in this evolving landscape.
Beyond the immediate product focus, the Sex Awards represent a larger cultural commentary. By giving visibility to these products and the conversations surrounding them, Popsugar is contributing to a wider societal shift towards greater sexual literacy and acceptance. This normalization can be particularly impactful for younger generations who are growing up in an era of unprecedented access to information and increasingly open discussions about sexuality online. It’s important to consider the potential impact on brand perception as well. Companies featured in the awards will undoubtedly benefit from the increased exposure and validation, while those that choose to remain outside of the conversation risk appearing behind the times or out of touch with consumer needs. The execution of the awards – the judging criteria, the selection process, and the overall tone – will be critical in shaping the perception of both Popsugar and the brands involved.
Looking ahead, the success of the 2026 Sex Awards will likely influence how other major media outlets approach similar topics. Will we see a wave of similar awards shows across different publications? The real test will be whether Popsugar can maintain a tone that is both celebratory and responsible, ensuring that the awards promote healthy attitudes towards sex and pleasure while avoiding sensationalism or exploitation. Furthermore, it will be interesting to observe how the awards evolve beyond product reviews to encompass broader conversations about sexual health, relationships, and societal norms. Ultimately, the most pressing question is: will this mark a genuine turning point in mainstream media's coverage of sexuality, or will it prove to be another fleeting trend?
We've got something spicy in the works! Popsugar is kicking off its first-ever 2026 Sex Awards in celebration of the most pleasure-inducing products on the market. From vibrators to smutty books, lingerie, lube, and games — there's a lot to feel good about in the pleasure department.
Our goal? To find the most unforgettable sex products to indulge in and delight in this cuffing season. The winners will be selected by our trusted team of Popsugar editors and industry experts. These journalists and subject-matter experts will crown the 15 hottest items of the last five years that they reach for again and again.
Eager to learn more? Here's everything you need to know about submitting products for Popsugar's 2026 Sex Awards.
How to Submit Products for ConsiderationBrands can fill out an entry form to submit their products for consideration by the panel of judges (members of the PS team). For Popsugar's 2026 Sex Awards, we will be accepting submissions from July 13 at 9:00 a.m. EST until August 3 at 5 p.m. EST.
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 separate forms for multiple shades of the same product.We require a fee of $150 to be paid for each product submission via the Stripe link. You'll need to include your Stripe payment confirmation ID in the submission form. The fee is nonrefundable.Both the payment and entry form must be submitted by the deadline; Popsugar is not responsible for payments absent an accompanying entry.Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.You can submit any new product launched between January 1, 2021, and August 31, 2026. There are no exceptions.Limited-edition products will not be considered.After we review all submissions, we will be in touch about samples for any products that our judges are considering but have not previously had the chance to test.See here for the Popsugar Sex Awards terms and conditions.
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 re-testing) 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 mid-September.
Q: What if the product is launching within the acceptable time frame, but no product link exists?
A: This is OK, as long as you still have samples for editors to test. The product will need to have at least a preorder link by August 31.
Q: Are reformations accepted?
A: Products must be newly launched between January 1, 2021, and August 31, 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.
Q: Are new shades or colorways of existing products eligible?
A: Yes, they qualify.
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 apps/digital products being considered?
A: Yes, product-dependent. We have a "Games" category, which can include apps and digital product submissions.
Q: Are supplements eligible?
A: No, supplements are not eligible.
Q: Are men's and women's products both eligible?
A: Yes.
If you have any further questions, you can reach us at popsugarawards@popsugar.com.
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