What Experts Really Look for in Skincare and Makeup

We believe, in an age where every product promises transformation, the most revealing insights come not from marketing, but from the practitioners who work with skin every day.

For the Attracta Beauty Awards 2026, we turned to two of our judges, and what these experts really look for in skincare and makeup; Clinical facialist Tine Hagelquist and Make-up artist Sara Raeburn, to understand what truly defines excellence now.

For Tine, the conversation always begins with biology. “When I'm evaluating a skincare product, I focus on how it actually supports real skin health,” she explains. “Barrier function is one of the biggest markers for me. Skin that’s strong and balanced holds hydration and heals better.” It’s a reminder that the most meaningful results are rarely instant; they are cumulative, rooted in the quiet strengthening of the skin’s own intelligence.

That distinction between the immediate and the enduring is central to her practice. “Many products create instant plumping, smoothing or glow,” she says, “but that doesn’t always reflect deeper skin health.” True efficacy, she believes, reveals itself over time, in calmer skin, better resilience, and a complexion that behaves differently, not just looks different.

Looking ahead, Tine sees the future of skincare shaped by tools and ingredients that support longevity rather than quick fixes. LED remains a favourite: “LED tools are genuinely effective for collagen and tissue health,” she notes. She’s also energised by the rise of app‑connected devices that allow users to track hydration, texture and barrier integrity, a shift towards skincare that is both personalised and measurable.

If Tine’s world is rooted in biology, Sara’s is grounded in performance. Working under studio lights, HD cameras and punishing schedules, she knows instantly when a product is built to last.

“There must be synergy between skincare and makeup,” she says. “They have to work together for long hours of filming, protecting the skin from hostile environments and gruelling schedules.” Every actor she works with has a tailored routine, a quiet ritual that ensures the complexion remains calm, balanced and camera‑ready.

When it comes to makeup, Sara’s approach is both artistic and forensic. “Makeup is the art of enhancing, altering or concealing features,” she says. “Each skin has different receptivity to products, which is why we test everything before it earns a place in our kits.” For her, a product that merely masks concerns is never enough; the best formulas elevate texture, radiance and confidence without overwhelming the skin beneath.

Together, their perspectives reveal a beauty landscape moving towards deeper intention, one where skin health, performance and longevity matter more than ever. As the Attracta Beauty Awards prepares for its 2026 judging process, this practitioner‑led lens will continue to shape how we define excellence: not by the loudest claims, but by the products that genuinely make a difference to the skin and the people who care for it.

Click to view the ABA26 Categories