CEW Beauty Bazaar Celebrates Innovation

On September 21, 2023, throngs of beauty-loving professionals attended the Second Annual Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Beauty Bazaar, held at Chelsea Industrial in New York City.

The interactive, in-person event, which took place in two sessions over the course of the day, showcased the Finalists of this year’s Beauty Awards and celebrated an array of innovative products, with new product demos and a range of beauty services.

This year, attendees entered the demonstration area, where products could be sampled and tested, akin to previous CEW beauty product demos; and then proceeded to the exhibition floor, where all of the categories and featured products were on view.

Included among them were hair styling stations, provided by Dyson; brow bar, nail designs, and hand and shoulder massages by Spa Chicks On the Go; Amazon Live on-site studio; makeup services and photo ops by CVS; skincare consultations by Drunk Elephant, and more. The Experiential Lounge, designed by RPG, provided ample space for attendees to unwind and network, before rejoining the excitement on the show floor.

Snapshots from the Event

Here's a few photos from the event. Shown above are:

• Amazon Live featured an on-site studio (top left)
• Spa Chicks On the Go provided nail services to attendees (bottom left)
• Beekman 1802 founders Josh Kilmer-Purcell (on left) and Dr. Brent Ridge (second photo from right)
• The Fresh Sampling table featuring Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream, a finalist in the Moisturizer category (on right)

Event Areas Were Divided By Product Category

The venue was divided into specific category areas, including:

• Skin—including Cleansers and Scrubs, Eye Treatment, Pro-Aging, Face Masks, Lip Treatment, Moisturizer (Face), Skincare Tools, and Sun Products
• Makeup— including Eye, Lip, Face, and Makeup tools
• Hair—including Hair Coloring, Shampoo, Conditioner, Hairstyle and Haircare Tools
• Bath/Body & Scent
• Wellness—including Personal Care, Sexual Wellness, Wellness products, Aromatherapy and Beauty Wellness Supplements
• Nails and Brows
• Men’s Grooming & Unisex Products

There was also a Special Awards category area, including the Iconic Beauty finalists, Indie Brands, Indie Skincare, Ingredients and Formulation, Sustainability Excellence, Launch of the Year, and Influencer of the Year.

A Guide to the Finalists on Display

Upon entering the exhibition floor, attendees received a map of the venue, a guide to the extensive list of finalists, and an invitation to interact with category finalists and ultimately cast their votes for the year’s winners.

The 258 product finalists on view were chosen from a pool of 1,120 product entries, and selected by CEW’s membership, consisting of more than 9,000 beauty industry executives from around the globe.

Inspiring and innovative entries across all categories were on view at every turn, with leading brands, as well as rising stars represented.

Here are a few highlights:

Hair Care

In hair care, Mielle Organics offered Pomegranate & Honey Air Dry Styling Lotion, and Carol’s Daughter Born to Repair Defining Leave-In Cream, featured shea butter, Amazonian nut oil and babassu.

Skincare

In skincare, First Aid Beauty’s Bounce Boosting Serum with Collagen + Peptides, featured algae as a key ingredient to tone and firm the skin; and Farmacy Beauty’s Wake Up Honey Eye Cream with Vitamin C, highlighted cranberry, bitter orange fruit extract and sunflower seed oil, to brighten undereyes.

Nail Care

In the nail category, Dazzle Dry touted a long-wearing natural manicure made with vegan ingredients, and supports the planet by planting a tree with online purchase.

Here are all the Product Finalists in the 2023 CEW Beauty Awards.

Brands Showcased Eco-Initiatives

In addition to an immersive experience, an overflowing gift bag, and networking opportunities, attendees were able to meet with sponsors and brands to learn about some of the latest initiatives being undertaken to increase sustainability, support social responsibility, and affirm the greater good in the beauty industry.

Conscious messaging, earth-positive ingredient stories, and innovation were evident throughout the exhibit floor, with many finalists offering wellness, climate protection, and plant-based ingredients in products.

Nordstrom's BeautyCycle

Nordstrom introduced their BeautyCycle initiative, a commitment to environmental sustainability. They explained that more than 120 billion pieces of beauty packaging are produced every year, and many of them are impossible to recycle due to curbside recycling programs.

Nordstrom’s goal is to recycle 100 tons of beauty packaging by the year 2025, through this recycling program. Their commitment to environmental sustainability and this goal, is part of their JWN Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy to reduce environmental impact and conserve resources. The program is currently available at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and Nordstrom locations in the continental United States.

Beekman 1802's 'Clinically Kind' Philosophy

Beekman 1802 encouraged the cultivation of kindness and beautiful skin, with a three-step system, Cleanse with Milk Wash Exfoliating Cleanser; Treat with Milk Drops Probiotic Ceramide Serum; and Hydrate with Bloom Cream Probiotic Moisturizer. The brand, which features the nourishing benefits of goat milk, shared a philosophy of “Clinically Kind For Sensitive Skin;” and a message of patience without judgement; kindness and thoughtfulness; seeing the good in people, recognizing that our differences aren’t flaws, and urging us to be “catalysts for change in the fight for a kinder world.”

Drunk Elephant's Clean Formulas

Drunk Elephant continued the eco-friendly initiative, with its moisturizer finalist, Wonderwild Miracle Butter, entirely plant-based, vegan, and cruelty-free, with rosehip oil, shea butter, cupuaçu butter and green tea.

Stay Tuned for the Winners

Save the date—the winners will be announced on November 7, 2023, at CEW’s “Ultimate Beauty Insider’s Event,” the 2023 Beauty Awards, where product launches, and the creators behind them will be recognized at the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel in New York City.

This year’s Beauty Bazaar was sponsored by: Platinum sponsors—Amazon, dsm-Firmenich, and Dyson; Gold sponsors— Financo/Raymond James, CVS Pharmacy, Nordstrom, Presperse, and QVC; Silver sponsors—NIQ, Therabody, Drunk Elephant, Beekman 1802. 

Event partners are New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Cosmoprof North America, Beauty Inc, Fairchild Media Group, RPG, Pims, Anaïk, Cheddar News, City Scenic, Spa Chicks, TM-Tonnie’s Minis, Circana, Kaplow, and Consultancy Media.

Here's how to cast your vote for the winners.