Marie Claire reintroduces beauty "Oscars" for SA

"The Marie Claire Prix d'Excellence de la Beaute award is an international honour and the best possible indicator of achievement in the global beauty arena," says Suzy Brokensha, editor of Marie Claire South Africa. "The 2005 awards will include products launched in the past 24 months, and for the first time this year, we will also award the 'Caring Beautifully' award to the South African company most invested in the local community."

Marie Claire Prix d'Excellence de la Beaute South Africa runs in conjunction with the International Prix d'Excellence de la Beaute, which is coordinated by Marie Claire France. The award for the best local beauty product launched will be announced at a prestigious ceremony on 7 April 2005, in Johannesburg. Awards for the various international winners will also be given out at the event. "A great number of entries were received for this year and it's clear from their standard that the beauty sector in South Africa is booming," concludes Brokensha.

Entries for this year's competition will be judged by a panel of nine judges, comprising beauty editors from various magazines and beauty professionals. The products are selected according to precise criteria drawn up by the international president of the jury and include texture, concept, design and performance.

"The aim of Marie Claire Prix d'Excellence is to support the local industry and to reward it for its extraordinary achievements and products, which are increasingly becoming part of the pantheon of international beauty," adds Suzy Josephson, beauty editor of Marie Claire South Africa.