And The Winners Are: IBE Announces 2017 Best In Show Winners

The 2017 Indie Beauty Expo (IBE) Best In Show (BIS) Awards, a journey that’s spanned 12 months, three cities — L.A., Dallas and New York — and more than 300 exhibiting brands, has come to an end with winners in 26 categories.

Vetted by a 14-member panel of beauty industry authorities, the triumphant products include Le Prunier’s Plum Beauty Oil, Kalumi’s Collagen Protein Bar, Virtue’s Recovery Shampoo, Clove + Hallow’s Pressed Mineral Foundation, Girl Undiscovered’s Stumbling Across Paradise Face Mask, Live Botanicals’ Skin Repair Balm, Little Moon Essentials’ Peppermint Cooling Foot Bath, Ojai Wild’s Cologne Travel Collection and Evolution Man’s Nu Noir Deodorant. They were culled from among nearly 350 nominated products developed by the exhibitors at IBE’s three trade shows last year. View the full list of winners here.

“With hundreds of exceptional brands, it was an arduous process for the IBE team. Still, the brands that were nominated had an incredible opportunity to have their products tried by our expert evaluators, the best buyers, editors and experts in the industry,” says Jillian Wright, co-founder of Indie Beauty Expo. “Everyone’s a winner, but these are the standouts, the upper echelon of indie beauty. Congratulations to them.”

For nominees and winners, the benefits of participating in the Best In Show Awards go beyond bragging rights. They receive feedback from the evaluators on subjects ranging from shelf appeal to scent that’s imminently valuable for fledgling beauty brands.

Evaluator and Follain founder Tara Foley carefully considered the products she appraised. “While I was originally skeptical about the wide range of ailments Live Botanicals’ Skin Repair Balm claims to heal [bug bites to dark spots], I did think it worked well for multiple functions [like cleansing and soothing], so I think some level of multipurpose claims are OK and probably quite strategic,” she offers. “After falling so hard for this product, I was not that surprised to learn it was made by a longtime herbalist. The special formula and packaging are obviously the result of a passion for herbal ingredients.”

The Best In Show Awards resulted in Shen Beauty co-founder Jessica Richards becoming a fan of Clove + Hallow. Speaking of the brand’s foundation, her product pick in Best Overall Color Cosmetics, Richards says, “This product truly stood the test of time throughout the day. The formulation and use of product fits in every woman’s makeup wardrobe and is easy and versatile.”

BIS evaluators coped with deluges of items that were overwhelming at times, but they remained committed to thorough product assessments and learning about the brands behind the standout merchandise. “We live in such a wonderful, supportive time for indie beauty, and I’m so passionate about discovering and championing brands that are doing something smart, new and beautifully done,” says Domino Magazine editor Kristin Limoges. “As an editor, it takes such a great deal of effort to discover new indie brands, which is what makes Indie Beauty Expo so incredible. It’s an incubator of sorts for people pursuing their dreams. Being a judge for [Best In Show] was such a joy for that exact reason: being exposed to new, interesting brands pursuing an idea or thought they think will change your life or improve the beauty landscape.”

Founders of winning brands and products deemed the victories added bonuses to already rewarding IBE exhibitor experiences. “We are thrilled to be a part of the Indie Beauty Expo,” says Arrojo founder Nick Arrojo, whose eponymous brand won Best Overall Haircare. “It has given us connection to a fabulous collection of tastemakers and influencers. Being named Best In Show is just incredible. We are excited about the opportunities this prestigious award will bring to our brand. It’s time to celebrate the success.” Shubhangini Prakash, founder of Feather & Bone, whose Face Gems snagged the prize for Best Face Cleanser, echoes Arrojo’s excitement. “Winning Indie Beauty [Best In Show] is such an honor,” she enthuses. “We are so glad to be chosen as the best cleanser. We developed Face Gems to be your go to everyday cleanser; it is designed to work with how your face works, simple easy and portable. We are thrilled that Indie Beauty has given us the platform to share this product with everyone.”