Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW), is celebrating its 65th anniversary.

Founded in 1954, CEW is the leading organization for beauty professionals -- with a mission to expand industry knowledge and develop professional careers. The organization creates a forum for collaboration, idea exchange and growth for its members at every stage of their careers, and from every facet of the industry.

CEW's 10,000+ members worldwide represent a cross-section of beauty and related businesses, including leading brands, indies, retailers, media and suppliers.

Carlotta Jacobson, president, CEW, (shown above on right) comments, "CEW was founded to help women in the beauty industry achieve, advance and inspire...we remain committed to our mission of fueling the potential of all of our members. We do that by providing unparalleled programming, access to influencers and by recognizing achievement to encourage and inspire the next generation of leaders."

Programs & Events

CEW's speakers, webinars and networking events feature industry experts that share thought-leadership and inspiration. Its annual State of the Beauty Industry Report is widely anticipated by members for its actionable insights on the evolution of the beauty industry, and the Connected Consumer conference explores the evolution of the digital consumer journey.

CEW launched the Achiever Awards in 1975 to honor outstanding female leaders in the beauty industry, and the Top Talent Awards were added in 2014 to recognize up-and-coming executives at mid-career. Both are designed to serve as inspiration for future leaders and support the advancement of women in the industry.

The organization is best known for its Beauty Awards -- and its "seal of approval" on packaging, serving as a message to consumers about the most innovative new products each year. Last year, CEW held its largest Beauty Awards Product Demo, to date, which provides voters with a preview of all the nominees. 

Now in its 25th year, the CEW Beauty Awards are still the only awards chosen by beauty industry insiders – the people who know beauty best.  Last year, CEW held its largest Beauty Awards Product Demo to date. The event provides voters with a preview of all the nominees. 

It Began As A Social Organization for Women

CEW began as a social organization for women working in beauty careers. In 1975, CEW re-launched as a non-profit dedicated to promoting the contributions of women in the cosmetics industry. That mission expanded over time to include education, philanthropy and industry development.

CEW established a philanthropic arm, the Cosmetic Executive Women Foundation, in 1993 to help women better their lives. In 2001, the Foundation launched Cancer and Careers, a groundbreaking program dedicated to empowering and educating people with cancer to thrive in their workplaces by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events.

Last December, CEW honored P&G' Beauty's Alex Keith at its annual Beauty of Giving luncheon, to benefit the CEW Foundation's Cancer and Careers. 

Photos: Carlotta Jacobson, via CEW.org; graphic, via Instagram/CEWinsider

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