Innovation & Trends Awards, the must‑attend event for cosmetic innovation

Excellence in Skincare & Makeup Innovation
Next edition : February 23 & 24, 2027 - LA Convention Center
Since 2012, the Innovation & Trends Awards have showcased the very best that the cosmetics industry has to offer. Breakthrough ingredients, unprecedented textures, packaging that reinvents gestures: innovations from MakeUp in Paris exhibitors act as a unique barometer of future trends.

For the 2026 edition, over 100 applications were reviewed by the expert eye of the jury, a record for the competition. An outstanding selection, assessed by around ten international professionals, and displayed right at the entrance of the show.

A jury that X-rays innovation

The Innovation & Trends Awards are based on a simple conviction: cross‑disciplinary insight is stronger than a single point of view. Each innovation is evaluated by a panel of around ten international professionals: makeup artists, formulators, packaging engineers, beauty strategists and independent consultants, who test, discuss and challenge perspectives with rigor.

Together, they represent the full spectrum of expertise required in cosmetic innovation, from concept to market launch. The diversity of their views turns evaluation into a true X‑ray of innovation.

What happened in 2026

This year, four distinct awards highlight the industry’s most forward‑thinking innovations. In the Contract Manufacturing / Private Label / OEM / ODM category, the jury selected five finalists among 54 entries before honoring the most groundbreaking product. 
The Packaging category followed the same rigorous process, choosing five finalists out of 25 submissions to reward the most innovative solution. Two cross‑category distinctions complete the selection: the Full Service Award, celebrating cutting‑edge molding technologies and skincare‑infused vegan formulas in refined, precise formats; and the Ready to Market Award, recognizing agile, trend‑driven innovations that accelerate time‑to‑market and give brands a decisive competitive edge.

2026 Innovation & Trends Awards Winners

CONTRACT MANUFACTURING / PRIVATE LABEL / OEM / ODM AWARD

Born to be slide lipgel
ITOBE GROUP

Based on a new, robust wax-free technology, this lipstick delivers an exceptionally lightweight feel, effortless glide and optimal comfort. At the forefront of hybrid innovation, its formula enhances the emotional performance of coated pigments through a pre-blend of ester gelling agents combined with natural esters derived from the recycling of olive by-products.

Jury’s comment: Unique and highly aesthetic appearance, even application, outstanding technical level.

PACKAGING AWARD

Pure Needle Nose Tube
FUSIONPKG

Featuring a PE one-way valve derived from FusionPKG’s air-less-pump technology, this tube offers unrivaled airtightness compared to standard tubes. The collapsing valve body enhances stability and protects sensitive, activerich formulas while ensuring extreme precision. A rare, differentiating packaging solution on the market.


Jury's comment: Efficient, precise, and hygienic.

FULL-SERVICE AWARD

Blush Crush
ANCOROTTI

A multiuse blush stick with a silky, ultralightweight texture that blends easily and delivers buildable color on cheeks, lips, and eyes for a natural finish. The formula includes natural ingredients such as Murumuru butter and mineral powders. It is free from microplastics, alcohol, PEGs, mineral oils, and talc. In a sustainable approach, it features smart packaging that dispenses the right amount of
product. 

Jury's comment: A coherent and attractive global concept.

READY TO MARKET AWARD

Airy balm
TRENDCOLOR

A waterbased lip balm embodying key market trends. Its airy consistency, soft lightweight texture, and sheer matte color deliver a refreshing, tingling sensation that stimulates microcirculation for a plumping effect. It leaves a comfortable film on the lips with a blurring effect that smooths fine lines.

Jury's comment: Beautiful finish, encourages reapplication, marketready.

ACCESSORIES AWARD

French Kiss
RAPHAEL

A dualended lip brush featuring a Fill + Blur concept, crafted in solid brass with premium synthetic fibers. Its chic, portable format enables onestep lip filling and blending for a trendy “justbitten” effect. The laserengraving process allows 360° customization.

Jury's comment: An accessory of exceptional quality.

ACCESSORIES AWARD

Pro Press
ANISA

A complexion brush with an ironshaped head composed of fibers with varying densities to cover large areas, and a tapered tip for microcontrolled application. Its patented design enhances foundation performance.

Jury's comment: Remarkably highquality fibers and bristle construction.

INGREDIENTS AWARD

XEP™-716 Miniprotein™
ACTIVEN

Powered by Activen’s AIdriven platform combining chemical synthesis and high throughput screening, XEP™716 Miniprotein™ redefines facial skin architecture by precisely modulating the TGFβ receptor—lifting, sculpting, and rejuvenating the skin. This innovative, sustainable miniprotein supports performance while preserving biodiversity.

Jury's comment: A highly targeted innovation improving skincare performance.

INGREDIENTS AWARD

PDRN Bubble Cream
COSMECCA KOREA

A high-performance foaming serum and sheet-free mask in one.
Its dense cream-and-bubble formula delivers long-lasting
hydration and strengthens the skin’s hydrolipidic balance. With
low-molecular-weight polymers and a specialized emulsifier, it
forms a stabilizing film compatible with mesh pumps, ensuring
precise diffusion of PDRN essence.

Jury's comment: An emulsified formula of remarkable technical.

Nominees of the 2026 Innovation & Trends Awards

CONTRAT MANUFACTURING / PRIVATE LABEL / OEM / ODM

Among the 54 entries, the jury selected five finalists and awarded the category’s top innovation. They highlighted outstanding gel technologies that elevate sensoriality while improving efficacy.

Cleansing balm

SHERO COSMETICS 

Formulated with several highquality, ECOCERTcertified oils of various densities, weights, and textures, this cleansing balm redefines luxury skincare. Initially firm, it melts into a silky, mousselike cream, turning cleansing into a moment of pure indulgence. It removes makeup while deeply nourishing the skin and delivering a spalevel experience.

Jury's comment: Highly effective, beautiful sensoriality, enveloping and sculpting effect on the skin.

Jelly foil eyeshadow

TREND COLOR  

This eyeshadow contains more than 50% water. Its formula, developed from a new red algae, forms a solid, elastic, and transparent gel with film‑forming properties. Versatile, it can also be used as a complexion highlighter. Its refreshing, bouncy gel texture delivers a buildable finish, ranging from pearly to metallic.

Jury's comment: Unique, beautiful appearance; even application; excellent technical level.

Fragrance gel hair mist

TOA INC

This gelbased hair fragrance stands apart from traditional perfumes. Formulated with apple water from Aomori, Japan, instead of standard water, it extends scent longevity while delivering longlasting hydration. Its low alcohol content reduces irritation and minimizes hair damage.

Jury's comment: An innovative gel fragrance spray.

Fusionique™

CHROMAVIS SPA 

A nextgeneration multiphase balm that melts instantly, blending skincare benefits with a natural, luminous wash of color. Its POLYPHASE technology stabilizes a dual texture: a radiant gel enriched with microreflective particles paired with a creamy CC base. Both phases contain functional actives supporting longterm skin health.

Jury's comment: A technically accomplished, refined texture.

PACKAGING

Among the 25 entries, the packaging experts on the jury selected five finalists, highlighting formats that improve product preservation and full usage, while notably considering consumers with limited dexterity.

Cryo Roll 2.0

TOLY

A three-in-one applicator combining a thermo-conductive zamac tip, a deep-penetration PET cap, and a 15 ml glass bottle. It features a flexible 360° rolling head and a cap-penetration mechanism that enhances usage and product performance beyond standard rollons.

Jury's comment: An original, welldesigned applicator with coherent material selection.

Lift-up FIBER

GEKA

This patented round fiber splits into four branches at the tip to achieve extreme curl and length, opening up the eyes. Traditionally, lash curling relied mainly on volume; these deep, fine forks enhance it further by combining volume with brushing. The fiber can be produced from 100% renewable castoroilderived material.

Jury's comment: Highly effective fiber grip, ideal for curling.

The easy way tilt pen

ELEMENT PACKAGING

A lip pencil specifically designed for users with motorskill challenges and the first to earn Ease of Use® certification from the Arthritis Foundation. Made from recycled materials, its patented wide, ergonomic body ensures a stable grip, while its lowtorque mechanism and easyreload system provide accessible, reliable application.

Jury's comment: Ergonomics that genuinely facilitate grip.

Power drop jar

ASQUAN

A patent-pending loose-powder jar enabling on-the-go use by releasing a precise dose of powder into the lower well with a single press. Its spring valve and conical funnel with sealed seat ensure accurate, repeatable dosing while keeping the bulk powder isolated from air and contamination. Styrene-free, it comes in three models with various color and finish combinations.

Jury's comment: A welcome solution to protect delicate loose powders.