The feeling in the room was electric and it was filled with all types of executive women (and some men…cannot forget them!). They were all maneuvering through a well organized sea of products for every facet of life: from the moment you wake up to the second you close your eyes and even the busy chaotic times in between. I have made it a perfect point to attend this event no matter what city I’m in to see the latest in beauty and skincare. It’s important that an event of this magnitude exists. It allows “new faces” of the industry a sounding board to be seen by the nation’s leading experts in their respective fields. Being a part of CEW automatically means that the beauty and skincare community will now know about your. CEW is the Oscars of the beauty world! And the winner gets the coveted seal of approval every time the brand is featured in articles and in the stores.

I always gravitate to the one with the hot pink CEW seal. To me the seal represents that over 4,000 members of beauty truests have stamped their approval and the brand is a definite must-have for my beauty routine! In this season, I was astounded by all the great new products in every aisle with a knowledgeable representative ready to catch my attention and tell me all about how great the product will be for me. It can be a little overwhelming to the novice, but I came with a plan of action!

I wanted to feel out the entire room and not miss a beat! I was able to visit with everyone including the outside stations and sponsors of Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection, and ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses. I received a wonderful hand massage, and had a manicure from Sally Hanson, a glass of wine or two and a cherry snow cone (I haven’t had one of those since I was 8!) with no fears because I had my Crest Whitestrips! By mid-evening I had the opportunity to meet the face behind CEW: President/Ms. Carlotta Jacobson. She was warm and inviting as we spoke of the beginnings of CEW.

CEW was founded as social non-profit organization of select professional women that were working in the cosmetics industry in 1954 through the mid 70’s and has expanded to include education, philanthropy, and industry development. Jacobson explained that CEW funds charities dedicated to helping women better their lives. Ms. Jacobson has been a role model for so many young business women including myself. She was the beauty editor of Harper's Bazaar where she offered guidance on fitness, wellness, and beauty.

As a beauty editor her inspiration was to give back to special women. Something was missing in her life. She decided to use her contacts to help other women and has become a respected beauty leader in the cosmetics industry. Under Jacobson’s tutelage, CEW has grown from a select few to over 4,100 executives! And what is clear is that Jacobson wouldn’t want to do anything else: “The cosmetics industry in a very generous and supportive industry. I felt I needed to fulfill in my responsibility, I love doing it. It’s fulfilling to help people, I feel very fortunate to be in a position that allows me to contribute to a community of women. I wake up to a job I love.”

In these times it is hard to find many people who love their jobs, but with Jacobson it seems more like a calling to be able to help women find their balance between a successful career and life. It is no wonder that Jacobson even spearheads charities: Cancer and Careers and Women In Need (WIN). Her program initiatives have given women the resources to feel empowered and not alone with the vital services needed to maintain a happy and healthier balanced life for women and their families.

Jacobson explains: “We have more women in the leadership position to help working women to support with family. We give single parents choices and we educate companies about childcare. For women not to feel like they have to choose between parenting or a career.”

I really enjoyed my time with Ms. Jacobson, after leaving her side I felt like I could conquer the world! She has inspired me to give back my time and what I’ve learned. Jacobson’s inspiration taught me that no matter what you should enjoy life and enjoy what you do for a living. If I had more time with Ms. Jacobson I would probably feel so empowered that I would give a couple of head honchos a run for their money!

Until then I pledge to myself to be a better woman, and of course I look forward to the next CEW event! Meanwhile, take a look at the wonderful products that I was able to review from the event. There is much to enjoy and I am sure they will be a part of your beauty routine!

The brands/products include: Lubriderm and SkinMilk Shaving Milk for Body Treatment-Mass, Foot Petals, Lipophenol Cellulite Prevention, Noodle & Boo’s The Balm, Sephoras Guava Passion Body Butter for Body Treatment-Prestige, Absolute Radiance Intensive Serum, by Dr. Taylor for Facial Skincare Anti-Aging-Prestige, Bright and Even Moisturizer, by Dr. Taylor, Colorsciences’s Chocolate Mousse Skin Primer for Facial Skincare Moisturizer-Prestige. Ecru’s New York Sunlight Styling Spray for Haircare and Coloring Product. And many, many more!

Among the many programs CEW offers are its Young Executive Cocktail Parties, Women in Beauty Series, Speed Networking Events and Newsmaker Forums. Major trade events include the Beauty Awards program and the Achiever Award event. The Holiday Luncheon and Auction are also sponsored by the Foundation. For more information or to see the finalist list please visit www.cew.org