Small and innovative beauty manufacturers have been recognized at the CITY awards, hosted by the Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors Association (ICMAD). The awards are intended to reward and recognize innovative products, package designs and marketing ideas among independent creators of cosmetics.

“The CITY Awards represent dedication and creativity of ICMAD members and recognize the dynamic contributions that so many independent manufacturing and distributing companies make to the beauty industry,” said ICMAD president David Schieffelin.

The winner of the personal care product award was MD Lash Factor from La Canada Venture, which was launched six months ago. The product; an eyelash enhancer, avoided regulatory problems plaguing it’s competitors by not marketing MD Lash Factor as a product that increases eyelash growth, thereby avoiding being classified as a “drug” under regulatory statutes.

Other winners at the ceremony in New York included Jordana Cosmetics for Milani Runway Eyes Shadow Kit in the color cosmetics category and CBI Laboratories for Rosacalm in the skin care category.

Pencil Me In Cosmetics, ECRU New York and ZO Skin Health all won awards for packaging, and Three Custom Color Cosmetics won for website innovation.

ICMAD was founded in 1974 as a trade association of independent manufacturers, distributors and suppliers to the cosmetic industry. Approximately 90 percent of ICMAD’s 700 member companies are small businesses.