Innovation & Trends Awards, the must‑attend event for cosmetic innovation
Excellence in Skincare & Makeup Innovation
June 17 & 18, 2026 - Carrousel du Louvre
Since 2012, the IT 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.
Applications submitted
Record-breaking edition 2026
Record-breaking edition 2026
Jury experts members
Internationals & independents
Internationals & independents
Competition categories
+ 2 special awards in 2026
+ 2 special awards in 2026
Global events
Paris · New York · Los Angeles
Paris · New York · Los Angeles
A jury that X-rays innovation
The IT 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 2026 innovations already reveal
With over 100 innovations submitted, the 2026 edition is already a record. Even before jury deliberations, these applications outline the major directions shaping the beauty of tomorrow.
LIPS: THE WAX‑FREE REVOLUTION
Water‑based, wax‑free lipsticks are taking center stage: hydration, nourishment and long‑lasting color delivered through unprecedented lightweight textures.
Water‑based, wax‑free lipsticks are taking center stage: hydration, nourishment and long‑lasting color delivered through unprecedented lightweight textures.
COMPLEXION: SECOND SKIN & CONTROLLED GLOW
Second‑skin textures and controlled glow effects dominate, alongside next‑generation blurring solutions that redefine the concept of perfect skin.
Second‑skin textures and controlled glow effects dominate, alongside next‑generation blurring solutions that redefine the concept of perfect skin.
SUNCARE: A NEW MILESTONE
Suncare takes a major step forward: SPF 50 high protection combined with increasingly natural formulas and advanced skincare actives.
Suncare takes a major step forward: SPF 50 high protection combined with increasingly natural formulas and advanced skincare actives.
HAIRCARE: HYBRIDS AS THE NEW STANDARD
Bursting with creativity, 2026 haircare explores hybrid products (hair oil + gel) and fragrance mists in innovative formats with customizable intensity.
Bursting with creativity, 2026 haircare explores hybrid products (hair oil + gel) and fragrance mists in innovative formats with customizable intensity.
PACKAGING: ECO‑RESPONSIBILITY & PRECISION
Sticks and containers evolve towards mono‑material, more eco‑responsible solutions, while gaining in dosage precision and clarity of use.
Sticks and containers evolve towards mono‑material, more eco‑responsible solutions, while gaining in dosage precision and clarity of use.
What’s New in 2026
100+ products competing across the following categories:
- Formulation & Ingredients
- Contract Manufacturing - Private Label - OEM - ODM
- Packaging
- Accessories
2 special awards:
- "Ready-to-Market" IT Award: for innovations designed for rapid market launch. This award highlights agility, trend alignment and strategic execution.
- "Full Service" IT Award: for innovations excelling in both formulation and packaging. The ultimate distinction for fully integrated product development.
Discover the 2026 IT AWARDS Finalists
Ingredients category
2 finalists (out of 4 products evaluated)
Accessories category
2 finalists (out of 10 products evaluated)
Packaging category
3 finalists (out of 9 products evaluated)
Contract Manufacturing category
13 finalists (out of 67 products evaluated)
IT Awards finalists will be showcased, from the morning of June 17. An exceptional showcase, in front of product developers, formulators and marketing managers shaping the beauty industry, as well as journalists who tell its story and buyers who bring it to life.