This afternoon CEW hosted its 26th Annual CEW Beauty Awards program, revealing the year’s most creative and innovative beauty products. Hosted by author and actress, Jill Kargman, winners were announced across over 45 categories from more than 1,200 product entries representing over 500 brands. For the first time, the event was held virtually, and included a trends presentation by The NPD Group and a networking celebration. On Nov. 16 and 17 roundtable discussions with winning brands will take place for attendees of the event to view. Click here to register.

“Nearly three decades ago, we created the CEW Beauty Awards to recognize the innovation coming from the industry, and most importantly, to tell a story to consumers and help them navigate the crowded beauty space,” said Carlotta Jacobson, President of CEW. “And, given the current climate, it may be even more relevant than 26 years ago. The CEW Beauty Awards truly represent the evolving beauty landscape.”

In a year that has reported $83 billion in U.S. beauty sales, according to The NPD Group, creativity and innovation were seen across categories. The winning products reflect current market consumer trends such as cleaner, more sustainable ingredients, CBD, and mission-based brands. With at-home solutions experiencing an uptick as a result of the pandemic, notable Beauty Award winners include Drybar Baby Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush (Hair Tools), Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Hi-Fi (Makeup Tools) and NuFace FIX Line Smoothing Device (Skin Care Tools). Also in line with the at-home beauty trend, for the first time, CEW introduced a Face Mask category; the award was given to Summer Fridays R+R Mask. Additional new categories added this year were Sexual Wellness (won by Kopari Beauty Love Melt), Hair Accessories (won by Slip Silk Pillowcase Scrunchies) and Unisex Fragrance (won by Diptyque Eau de Minthé Eau de Parfum).

Sponsors included Firmenich, QVC, Arcade Beauty, Voyant Beauty, Beauty Inc, Financo, CVS Pharmacy, Satisfyer, YouCam Makeup, RPG, Sheencolor USA, Nielsen, Anisa International, Rpr Marketing Communications, Cosmoprof North America, NYSCC, P&G Beauty, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Consultancy Media, Suite K, PIMS, WWD, Preen.me, The NPD Group and Ernst & Young.

TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF 2020 BEAUTY AWARDS WINNERS, CLICK HERE.