Five Questions for CEW’s Carlotta Jacobson

In an interview with Beauty Packaging, Carlotta Jacobson, president of Cosmetic Executive Women, reveals key trends of this year’s highly competitive CEW Beauty Awards.

Interviewee Bio: Carlotta Jacobson is a leader in the beauty industry. A respected administrator, editor, and consultant, she has held a series of key positions, including her former position as beauty editor of Harper’s Bazaar, and her current role as president of the industry’s leading trade association, Cosmetic Executive Women, a nonprofit trade association with over 3,500 female executives in the beauty, cosmetics, fragrance and related industries.

After attending CEW’s legendary, informative and fun Product Demonstration a few weeks ago, which leads up to the announcement of the coveted CEW Beauty Awards, Beauty Packaging asked CEW president Carlotta Jacobson for the inside track on the competition.

BP: What trends did you notice among this year’s competitors?

CJ: Value and innovation continue to be important, but there are three categories that emerged from the CEW Beauty Awards Demonstration this year:

• Blending of skincare and makeup, such as Lancôme’s Oscillation Powerfoundation Micro-Vibrating Polishing Mineral Makeup SPF 21 that doubles as foundation and sunscreen.

• High-end hairstylist lines in all categories, including color, care and styling.

• We are seeing elements of heath and wellness reflected in the ingredients, such as acai, soy and vitamin C.

BP: Any noticeable changes over previous years?

CJ: The number of CEW Beauty Award entries increased and there were more than 550 new products at the Product Demonstration this year. Entries for the Indie Beauty Award nearly doubled to 38 from 20. This is significant since this award recognizes innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in a small independent beauty company.

BP: What was the most popular category?

CJ: The most popular categories are Anti-Aging, Face, Eyes, Moisturizer and Women’s Scent – in that order.

BP: What were reactions from attendees?

CJ: The industry always looks forward to this event each year since it’s the only time they come together to experience new products. Our members continue to tell us how much they enjoy and benefit from the Product Demonstration.

BP: Excitement is building toward the final selection. What happens next?

CJ: We announced the finalists on March 24th (please click here for the full list of finalists). The whole industry is eager to find out the winners, which will be announced at the CEW Beauty Awards luncheon on Friday, May 21.

More info: www.cew.org