Entrepreneurial cosmetics companies looking to be recognized for their innovative efforts need only to look to the Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD). By entering the 8th Annual ICMAD CITY Awards for Cosmetic Innovators of The Year, member companies will receive many ways to build buzz for their brands.

ICMAD, with 650 company-members, supports entrepreneurial businesses in the cosmetic, toiletry and fragrance industry. “Our members are creative, hardworking and deserving of a platform to gain recognition for cosmetics innovation,” notes ICMAD Executive Director Penni Jones. “Whether it’s for a new brand, packaging design or an advertising campaign the ICMAD CITY Awards honor entrepreneurial achievement.“

Deadline for entries is April 29, 2011.

To be eligible for a CITY Award, the company must be a current member of ICMAD and follow the criteria established for each award category.

The 8th Annual CITY Awards will be presented during the ICMAD annual meeting and dinner on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, in New York City at ASTRA in the D&D Building, 979 Third Avenue (58th & 59th Streets), 14th Floor, NYC. The celebratory event begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and will honor the very best of the best entrepreneurial cosmetic innovations.

Plus, while no entry is required, the judges will select a member company from among all the entries that have been in business less than three (3) years, to be eligible for the New Beauty Innovation Award! This award will be presented to a new company that best represents innovation and creativity.

In addition to national media recognition, the CITY Awards winners will be featured with links and contact information on ICMAD’s CITY Awards microsite as well as the ICMAD CITY Innovation Directory page on www.icmad.org. CITY Awards finalists will be featured on the CITY page on www.icmad.org., and winners and finalists are also encouraged to incorporate their awards into their own online and industry marketing.

For 2011, there are nine CITY Awards categories:

Product Innovation
· Personal Care Product
· Color Cosmetic Product
· Skin Care Product – Professional (Salon/Spa, doctor’s office)
· Skin Care Product – Mass (Department/Specialty/Discount/Drug Store)

Package Design Innovation
· Personal Care Product Package Design
· Color Cosmetic Product Package Design
· Skin Care Product Package Design – Professional (Salon/Spa, doctor’s office) and Mass (Department/Specialty/Discount/Drug Store)

Marketing & Advertising Innovations
· Print Advertisement – Trade or Consumer
· Online Advertisement

All products must have first shipped, and marketing and advertising programs initiated, between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2011. Judges for the CITY Awards are respected advertising, marketing and sales executives with experience, but without current affiliation, in the cosmetics industry.

“The CITY Awards program,” adds Jones, “in addition to our ongoing events and benefits, makes membership in ICMAD a must for every entrepreneurial company in the fast-moving cosmetic business. We encourage every member company to participate.”

For more information on membership or to receive a Call for Entries brochure, visit www.icmad.org or call 800-334-2623.