We are matchmakers – do you agree?
This Valentine’s Day (Friday 14 February), we’re celebrating the connections made at in-cosmetics shows.
Did you meet your significant other, lifelong business partner, or even your best friend at one of our events in Europe, Latin America or Asia?
We’ve asked you to share your experience – whether it’s a romantic or unusual story or a fun video, and the winner is…
“Pilar and the Accidental Best Friend”
(Pilar Ramirez, Tolentina Consulting)
In October 2019, I landed in New York for the in-cosmetics North America show, ready to explore the latest and greatest in ingredient trends and the occasional surprising beauty trend.
As I walked through the busy exhibition hall, I accidentally stepped on a slippery, oddly shiny lotion sample on the floor… With the grace of a soap-covered penguin, I skidded forward and braced for impact. But instead of hitting the ground, I collided full-force with a fellow attendee.
That attendee was Lisa who was about to start her indie brand in New Jersey. Lisa had just taken a big sip of hot coffee…which was now a warm, espresso-infused exfoliant…. all over Lisa’s jacket… and face.
Mortified I said “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!”
Very composed, Lisa wiped her face, blinked, and then burst into laughter. “Well, I was considering a coffee-based anti-ageing serum. Now I am one.”
From that moment, we became inseparable.
We explored booths together, exchanging ideas and comments like judges on a reality show. By the end of the expo, we had even created an unofficial contest for the strangest new beauty ingredient.
After the show, we visited New York, eating succulent pizza and bagels and Lisa showed me around the Empire State Building and all the sights.
On that last day in New York, Lisa handed me a tiny jar. “I made this in my home lab, last night – an experimental moisturizer. Try it. It might be the next big thing. But don’t open it until you are at the airport”
Once at the airport, I opened it and realized Lisa had scribbled on the lid: ‘For my new best friend Pilar – caution: may contain too much science and love.’
And just like that, a lifelong cross-border friendship was born—thanks to a slippery lotion sample and one boiling cup of coffee!
So congratulations to Pilar who wins:
-A luxurious box of handmade chocolates from Artisan du Chocolat
-2 free Premium Passes to in-cosmetics Global 2025 in Amsterdam (worth €120)
Terms and conditions
1. The in-cosmetics Valentine’s Day competition is open to all in-cosmetics events’ social media followers, visitors and exhibitors
2. Entrants into the competition shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions
3. To enter the competition you must supply an entry, whether as a social media comment or as a written or video entry sent to the organiser
4. If you have any questions about how to enter or in connection with the competition, please email ivan.rahal1@rxglobal.com
5. Entries received outside the closing date of Wed 12 February 2025 will not be considered
6. The winner will be chosen from the entries received in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
7. The prize is a Luxury Box of Chocolates + 2 Premium Passes to in-cosmetics Global (with a value of €120)
8. The winner will be notified by email no later than Thursday 13 February
9. The name of the winner will be posted on in-cosmetics social channels on Friday 14 February
10. No purchase necessary
11. The prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and is not redeemable for cash
11. Promoter: Reed Exhibitions Ltd, Gateway house, 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1DN, UK