Inside the World of Slow Beauty: A Live Interview with Irene Forte and Attracta Courtney

The beauty industry is buzzing with innovation, but few brands stand out for their commitment to sustainability and authenticity like Irene Forte Skincare and The Attracta Beauty Awards. In a live interview, from 2021, Irene Forte, founder of Irene Forte Skincare, and Attracta Courtney, founder of The Attracta Beauty Awards, discuss their journeys, philosophies, and the future of skincare. This conversation, rich with insights, highlighted how their brands are redefining luxury through science, nature, and a shared passion for holistic wellness. Here’s a recap of the key moments from this inspiring dialogue, offering a glimpse into the minds behind two trailblazing beauty founders.

Click on the image to view the interview in full!

Meet the Founders:

Irene Forte and Attracta Courtney

Irene Forte, the visionary behind Irene Forte Skincare, brings a unique perspective shaped by her Italian heritage and nearly a decade overseeing wellness at her family’s luxury Rocco Forte Hotels. Her brand, launched in 2018, combines nutrient-rich Mediterranean botanicals from her family’s organic farm in Sicily with cutting-edge science, backed by over 40 years of dermatological research from her scientific director, Dr. Francesca Ferri.

Attracta Courtney, the creator of The Attracta Beauty Awards, is a renowned editorial make-up artist, former healthcare professional, and expert beauty visionary. Her career started in the health sector before moving into the dynamic worlds of fashion, beauty, and celebrity. Focusing on authenticity and innovation, Attracta has carved out a distinctive niche in the beauty awards sector by acknowledging the top products from both established and emerging brands, empowering users to trust and feel confident in their own skin.

The Live Interview: Key Takeaways

The live interview, hosted on Instagram, brought these two powerhouses together to share their stories, challenges, and visions for the future of beauty. Here are the standout moments:

1. Authenticity as the Core of Success

Irene emphasised that authenticity is the cornerstone of her brand’s success. “Everything we do is rooted in our Italian heritage and a relentless focus on quality,” she said. From sourcing ingredients like olive oil and aloe from her family’s Sicilian farm to partnering with Dr. Ferri, whose patented biotech extracts ensure clinical efficacy, Irene Forte Skincare blends tradition with innovation. Irene shared how her upbringing instilled a love for the Mediterranean lifestyle—good food, rest, and connection—which informs her holistic approach to skincare.

Attracta echoed this sentiment, noting that her Award’s ethos is about transparency “celebrating and recognising only the best products that are truly effective.” She discussed how her experience as a make-up artist revealed a gap in the award arena for transparent, honest working assessments of products that deliver for all skin tones and types, as judged by a panel of leading experts.

2. Sustainability Beyond Buzzwords

Both founders were vocal about moving beyond trendy sustainability claims. Sustainability isn’t just about packaging—it’s about people, processes, and purpose.

3. Science Meets Nature

The synergy of science and nature was a recurring theme. Irene highlighted her collaboration with Dr. Ferri, whose groundbreaking work on plant extracts, including the patented Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum, sets her brand apart.

Attracta, meanwhile, spoke about her award’s focus on slow beauty and the desire to promote simplicity when it comes to skincare routines. Both founders agreed that science should amplify nature’s benefits, not overshadow them.

4. Redefining Beauty Standards

The conversation took a thoughtful turn when discussing beauty standards. Irene advocated for a “360-degree approach” to skincare, emphasising that true beauty stems from balance. Attracta concurred, cautioning the stress caused by the pursuit of perfection on social media. “Beauty should be empowering, not exhausting.” Both founders advocated for a move towards authenticity in the industry. “It’s not about instant solutions or following trends,” Attracta stated, urging people to focus on long-term skin health instead of temporary ideals like trends.

Why This Matters for the Future of Beauty

This interview showcased more than two successful founders—it highlighted a movement toward conscious, sustainable, and authentic beauty. Irene Forte Skincare and Attracta Beauty prove that luxury doesn’t have to compromise ethics or efficacy. By blending science, nature, and a commitment to well-being, both founders are challenging the industry to prioritise quality over hype, inclusivity over exclusivity, and longevity over trends.

For consumers, their insights offer a roadmap: choose products that align with your values, support your skin’s natural needs, and celebrate your unique beauty. As Attracta put it, “True beauty begins with well-being”, adding, “It’s about feeling confident in your own skin.” Their shared vision reminds us that skincare is not just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, inside and out.

Final Thoughts: Join the Conversation

The live interview with Irene Forte and Attracta Courtney was a masterclass in redefining beauty. Their passion for sustainability, authenticity, and holistic wellness is a call to action for all of us to rethink how we approach skincare. Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going about building a more conscious beauty industry!