Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) has announced the Finalists for the 2011 CEW Beauty Awards. Now in its 17th year, the CEW Beauty Awards celebrate the most innovative products of the year. The Finalists were chosen from more than 600 products from nearly 350 top brands, and were voted on by more than 4,000 beauty industry professionals.

“Due to the vast amount of beauty products on the market, it’s difficult for consumers to determine which products they need. Each year, CEW members select the best products from over 600 submissions,” says Carlotta Jacobson, president of CEW.

The CEW Board of Governors will now vote on the 139 Finalists to determine the winners across 26 categories. The winners will be announced at the CEW Beauty Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 20, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Comedian and Actor Mario Cantone will emcee the event again this year.

This also marks the first year for the CEW Eco Beauty Award. Sponsored by Givaudan, the new award is a response to the growing importance to consumers of products’ environmental impact on the planet. The Award recognizes products or product lines that have specifically moved towards the goal of sustainability. Ten finalists, from more than 40 entrants, have been vetted by the global organization, The Natural Step. A special Eco Beauty Voting Committee will vote on the winner, which will be revealed at the Luncheon.

For the complete list of 2011 CEW Beauty Award Finalists, and to purchase tickets to the event, visit www.cew.org.