CEW is using its unique platform to make connections within the beauty industry by implementing special programs and benefits for indie brands, investors and the all-important influencer at this year’s Beauty Awards Product Demo.

“Indie beauty brands now comprise 11 percent of our membership, and that number is growing. The Beauty Awards Product Demo in 2018 will reflect their growth in the marketplace with several partnerships we are currently creating,” said Carlotta Jacobson, president of CEW.

Building on last year’s successful addition of several new categories, CEW has again expanded to entice further entries from the beauty industry and the indie market, including the addition of indie hair, niche fragrances, nutricosmetics, packaging and formulation (for suppliers).

The Product Demo, to be held March 1 at the Metropolitan Pavilion and the Altman Building in Manhattan, expects to present nearly 800 products from more than 350 brands within 40 different categories. An estimated 2,000 CEW members will attend the Product Demo to vote on their favorite products. These Finalists, to be announced in late March, will then be voted on by CEW’s Board of Governors, as well as by select industry experts. Winners will be announced May 18 at the 2018 CEW Beauty Awards luncheon at the New York Hilton Midtown. Ballots for both the Finalists and Winners are cast electronically and tabulated by Ernst & Young LLP.

Considered the industry’s ultimate beauty counter, the Product Demo is a place for discovery, where beauty industry insiders walk aisles and aisles of tabletop product demonstrations, judging items based on innovation.

The Indie Beauty Awards, presented by Financo, will acknowledge the most innovative indie companies in hair, skin care and makeup; there will also be an overall indie brand award. Also part of this year’s awards is the Sustainability Excellence Award, presented by Firmenich, which will recognize brands’ sustainability efforts. Once again, QVC’s Beauty Quest will select one brand to be featured on QVC in a CEW Beauty Awards Show in July.

This year’s Most Buzzed About Award has evolved to recognize a beauty product that has collaborated with an outside influence, company, celebrity or designer. As before, a Best Seller Award will be given within the mass and prestige channels; the Iconic Award will recognize a trendsetting product that has created a new category.

Doors open at 6 pm for all CEW members. Flash Pass holders, who pay a higher ticket price, will have access to the Product Demo at 5 pm.

More info: www.cew.org