Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York & Los Angeles

Seriously, though the dinner portions were small, drink refills were scarce and the cocktail party had no air-conditioning there were some awards given out tonight that were right on target. And others, that well we all looked at each other at the table and were simply dumfounded. Let's not forget that the award for Best Originality went to a condom in a cosmetic compact called; Just In Case. Keep in mind cosmetic professionals that there are hundreds of products that get submitted for these awards. And according to Suzanne Grayson from Grayson Associates those that do win are because they had the best ‘how to use’ type photo in their submission kit. Products that I agreed should and did win are: 1. Volume Shocking Mascara by L’Oreal – neatest tube for lash lacquer on the market 2. DiorShow Powder by Christian Dior – simple and elegant Dior always does it best! 3. Spongelle – Beyond Cleansing – finally someone got a clue on how to package a sponge, great job Spongelle! Products that used stock-like packaging and the group fell silent when they were announced as unique are; 1. Dr. Jeffrey Dover’s Skin Effects (ever look at SamPar, Bullie, etc. they all have the same packaging, not award worthy) 2. Missioni Profumi (we think Alien Light by Thierry Mugler was “oh so much” better) 3. None of the professional skin care brands that were nominated (except Glytone) were truly professional. If you want to call this category ‘start up brands’ or ‘not sure what their distribution is brands’ then go for it. But do beauty professionals in the industry know and love; Korner, Malous, etc. I don’t think so. Where was BioElements, Murad – the real players? This was a good first college try in this category for the HBA but come on, let’s get the real guys at least nominated. Let’s not forget Neostrata, Pevonia, La Roche Posay, SkinMedica and many more. Maybe next year HBA should partner with the editorial team at American Spa magazine or Dermatology Times to find out who is really professional. Drum roll please for the winners The 7th Annual International Package & Design Award Winners Are: Cosmetics: Mass Volume Shocking Mascara by L’Oreal Cosmetics Limited: Diorshow Powder by Christian Dior Fragrance Mass: Sonia Kashuk Solid Perfume Palette by Target Fragrance Limited: Missoni Profumi by Estee Lauder Personal Care Mass: Tag Body Shots Personal Care Limited: Songelle – Beyond Cleansing by SpongeTech Skin Care Mass: Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover Skin Care Limited: Secret De Vie by Lancôme Professional Beauty: Mobile by Somme Institute Professional Hair Care: Chi Helmet Head Sprtiz by Farouk Systems