Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD) has announced the winners of the 2019 Indie Beauty Innovators (IBI) Awards, which recognize excellence in product innovation and company stewardship across 11 categories. Formerly the CITY Awards, the winners were revealed during Cosmoprof North America at a celebratory awards dinner on Monday evening, July 29 at The Four Seasons hotel in Las Vegas.
The event was hosted by ICMAD president, Dr. Ken Marenus, and ICMAD chairman & Rare Beauty Brands president & CEO, Chris Hobson. During the dinner, keynote speakers talked on a number of relevant beauty business topics. David Olsen, former CEO of Cos Bar and Joel Bines, managing director at AlixPartners kicked it off, followed by Anne-Marie Kline, former CMO of Living Proof, who spoke about building a beauty brand in an increasingly crowded market. The most moving talk of the evening was given by Brian and Sandy Stewart, producers of Sharkwater Extinction, who discussed the importance of formulating products with care and consideration for the impact on endangered species. Specifically, they urged manufacturers to avoid marine-sourced squalene oil, which negatively impacts shark populations.
Here's a complete list of the 2019 Award Winners:
Accessories / Tools / Brushes
NuFace, Fix Line Smoothing Device
Bath & Body
Queen V, Rub Me The Right Way
Fragrance
Raw Spirit Inc, Wild Spirit Discovery Set
Innovator Brand of the Year
NuFace
Hair Care
Virtue Labs, Virtue ColorKick
Makeup
Beautyblender, BOUNCE Liquid Whipped Long Wear Foundation
Men's
Caldera + Lab, The Good
Skin Care
SPF Ventures, Brush On Block Protective Lip Oil SPF 32
Green Innovator Brand of the Year
Distil Skincare, AO Skincare
Charitable Company
Handcrafted Honey Bee, Smarty Pits
Entrepreneur of the Year
Alicia Grande of Grande Cosmetics
"Innovation is the lifeblood of our industry," ICMAD president Dr. Ken Marenus, said. "The personal care and cosmetics industry is experiencing exponential growth thanks to brands disrupting through innovation and redefining the face of beauty. Our annual awards program shines a spotlight on the most innovative beauty brands and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries with transformative products and solutions to meet the needs of the ever-evolving global marketplace. This year's awards were a wonderful celebration of excellence and ingenuity and we congratulate all the finalists and companies honored with the 2019 IBI Award."
Photo (L to R): Kym Dianovich, NuFACE; Alicia Grande, Grande Cosmetics; Lars Callary, Calder+Labs; Stacia Guzzo, SmartyPits; Melisse Shaban, Virtue Labs; Andrea Wetsel, SPF Ventures; and Dr. Mark Gray, AO Skincare.
Photo courtesy of ICMAD