The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD) is accepting nominations now through April 15, 2013 – for its 8th annual Cosmetic Innovators of The Year (CITY) Awards.

To be eligible, products must have first shipped to retailers – and, marketing and advertising programs initiated – between April 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013.

The CITY awards honor the most innovative products, packaging, and advertising / marketing concepts from the past year. Entrepreneurial beauty companies looking to be recognized for their innovative efforts are encouraged to enroll.

Winners will have the opportunity to be displayed at national independent retailers as a part of the 2013 Beauty Trunk Show. The retailers that are participating this year will be announced at a later date.

Past CITY Award winners include IT Cosmetics, Murad Skin Care and NYX Cosmetics.

The awards will be judged by professionals within the beauty industry specializing in advertising, sales, and marketing. A panel’s expert and impartial vote will ensure that all entrants will be given a fair chance of winning.

“The CITY Awards celebrate the creativity, effort, and innovation shown by our industry companies and their dedicated teams. The bar has been raised and these awards truly represent dynamic innovation,” says Pamela Busiek, CEO /president, ICMAD.

Finalists will be announced in mid-May and the category winners will be revealed during ICMAD’s 40th annual meeting in New York City on June 18, 2013.