New York ? Lighter, softer and more natural-looking cosmetics are the darlings of the beauty industry right now.

The winning skin-care, hair, color and fragrance products at the recent Cosmetic Executive Women Beauty Awards indicate a trend toward weightlessness and natural beauty, says Carlotta Jacobson, CEW’s president.

Top makeup products include Lancome Paris Matte Finish Shine-Control Sheer Pressed Powder Long Wear and Shiseido The Makeup Hydro-Liquid Compact, which Jacobson describes as an ideal multipurpose foundation and powder.

In the skin-care categories, there is an emphasis on interesting ingredients, such as white tea, marine extract and other botanicals, according to Jacobson. As companies find new ingredients and make advancements in technology, they put out new products to join — but not replace — some of the tried and true formulas, she explains.

And Kiehl’s wax-based sunscreen, which doesn’t run if it gets wet, receives top marks as a family product.