Cosmoprof North America (CPNA) has announced that its Discover Beauty program, which is exclusive to the show, will return for its ninth consecutive year.

Following close to a decade of success, the initiative introduces start-up beauty brands to specialty retailers from across the country. Discover Beauty by CPNA sets the standard for one-on-one introductions of innovative and unique brands to forward-thinking retailers such as Amazon, CO Bigelow, HSN, Look Boutique Walgreens, Urban Outfitters and more. While the Discover Beauty lounge is open to all attendees of the three-day event, semi-private conference spaces allow each brand to form key relationships during pre-scheduled exploratory meetings with target retailers.

The CPNA team handpicks participants for Discover Beauty; not all new brands qualify for participation.

Last year’s program welcomed fourteen up-and-coming brands from around the world: 8 from the U.S., 1 from Ireland, 1 from New Zealand, 1 from Italy, 1 from Germany, and 1 from France. As a direct result of the show, more than half of the brands have gained new retailers including Sephora and Duane Reade LOOK.

In addition to invaluable exposure to top retailers and beauty media alike, participants in the Discover Beauty program are automatically nominated for the Discover Beauty Award. Presented to only one participating brand, the winner is determined by a panel of industry leaders, beauty editors, and attending retailers, and is judged on product, packaging, and overall concept. The recipient of the award will be announced during the Discover Beauty Cocktail Reception on Sunday, July 13, 2015. Past winners include Snowberry, Karora Cosmetics, and Skin & Co Roma.

“Discover Beauty’s brand guidance and mentoring was very influential to who we are today,” said Gabriel Balestra, Founder & Creative Director,Skin & Co. Roma. “2014 was a tremendous year of growth resulting in new distribution agreements and 1.9 million
products shipped worldwide.”

Other former participants of the program echo the sentiment of growing success. Karora Cosmetics credits Discover Beauty with acquiring retail agreements with Ulta, HSN, Urban Outfitters, and Murale Canada, to name a few.

“We dedicate our success in North America and beyond to the Discover Beauty program at Cosmoprof North America,” said Tomasz Kucemba, CEO, Karora Cosmetics. “Discover Beauty is the only program out there that will bring your brand to the next level.” This year’s program will also play host to Discover Beauty After Dark, a private VIP & Media event. The intimate cocktail reception will be open to key buyers and trade media, providing yet another opportunity for Discover Beauty exhibitors to meet industry
decision makers face-to-face.

“We’re very proud of the positive reputation that our Discover Beauty program has earned among industry players across the board, from beauty media to beauty brands to key vendors alike,” said Daniela Ciocan, Marketing Director, CPNA. “We expect 2015’s program to exceed our expectations and look forward to assisting in the launch of the next big beauty brand.” The Discover Beauty program is currently accepting submissions from brands interested in showcasing.

For inquires, email cpna@cosmoprofnorthamerica.com or call 702-558-8460.