Marie Claire Skin Awards: Meet our incredible panel of expert judges

This year Marie Claire is holding its first ever Skin Awards – a new initiative created to recognise and celebrate the very best skincare products on the market and champion the brands acting sustainably and ethically.

Members of the Marie Claire team will be joined by a panel of expert judges – think dermatologists, facialists, doctors, beauty experts and influencers – to decide on the best of the best in the world of skin.

With entries spanning the best cleansers, moisturisers, masks and more, the winners will be celebrated in a virtual ceremony in October. So, without further ado, let's meet our judges for 2020...

Dr Anjali Mahto

Consultant Dermatologist - @anjalimahto

Dr Anjali Mahto is one of the UK’s leading consultant dermatologists who has worked in both the UK public healthcare sector and private clinics. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, member of the Royal Society of Medicine and a spokesperson for The British Skin Foundation. Anjali now practises in London’s Harley Street where she treats patients with diverse skin concerns, helping them to create clinically-informed solutions based on a holistic approach to quality skincare and lifestyle.

Anjali has a particular interest in acne and acne scarring, having experience with her own skin issues from a young age. She is a regular press contributor and widely recognised for her unique skincare ethos, which bridges the gap between traditional medical dermatology, beauty and cosmetic medicine – captured in her book The Skincare Bible.

Rose Gallagher

Make-up Artist, Beauty Writer and Host of Beauty From The Heart Podcast - @rosegallagher

She launched her podcast, Beauty from the Heart, back in 2019. Here, she speaks to some of her favourite people in the beauty industry and beyond about causes that make a positive difference. She creates make-up tutorials online and often shares her personal experiences of living with rosacea. Currently, she represents the beauty brand IT Cosmetics in the UK and Ireland as their brand ambassador.

Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe

Medical and Cosmetic Doctor - @drewomaukeleghe @skndoctor

SKNDOCTOR is one of the most innovative and exciting names on the beauty and cosmetics scene right now. Dr Ewoma combines her extensive medical knowledge with a refreshingly contemporary take on beautification. She’s won the hearts of hundreds of tastemakers and influencers around the country. Internationally, Dr Ewoma has worked with skincare brands; Glossier, Bioderma, Vichy, La Roche-Posay and Dr Dennis Gross.

Championed by the likes of Dazed, Vogue, i-D Magazine, the BBC and Refinery 29, Dr Ewoma is on the cusp of huge things – she’s organically created a unique position for herself and is set to totally dominate the millennial beauty and cosmetics market with her holistic, pioneering approach.

Munroe Bergdorf

Model and Activist - @munroebergdorf

Familiar for her honest insight into matters of inclusion, feminism, and the transgender community, model, activist and Doctor of Letters Munroe Bergdorf has proven herself as the brave and bold voice which society needs. An icon in an age of increasing social awareness, Bergdorf uses her profile to advocate for a fairer world and to empower individuals to fight for positive change. Munroe regularly features on national and international news outlets to comment on race, diversity, gender and LGBTQ+ topics and most recently was appointed an UN Women UK Changemaker.

Ruth Crilly

Content Creator, Entrepreneur and Beauty Expert - @modelrecommends

Ruth Crilly, known to many as 'A Model Recommends', worked extensively as a fashion and beauty model before deciding to share her expert tips and tricks with the online masses. Her honest reviews, in-depth knowledge and witty writing style has garnered her a loyal following.

Most recently, she’s embarked on her biggest journey yet, motherhood. With her most recent child, Ted, she experienced the common night time loneliness that new mums have. This prompted Ruth to launch the app The Night Feed, which helps members connect with their peers and track their feeds. As well as her successful social platforms, Ruth, is the co-founder of the award-winning dry shampoo range, Colab.

Adeola Gboyega

Make-up Artist and Beauty Expert - @adeolagboyega

A professional make-up artist and beauty expert with over 10 years industry experience, Adeola Gboyega has worked for big beauty brands such as Clarins, Bobbi Brown and Pat McGrath Labs to name but a few. Gboyega has become well known for her skin first approach to make-up, highlighting the importance of investing in great skincare to achieve make-up ready skin.

Creating tutorials online, Adeola educates on how to get her signature glow look and has built up a loyal following of glow-getters. Adeola says: ‘I am so excited to be part of the judging panel for the first Marie Claire Skin Awards!’

Alice Hart-Davis

Founder of The Tweakments Guide - @alicehartdavis

Alice Hart-Davis is a journalist and founder of The Tweakments Guide. She has been reporting on and reviewing skincare products and cosmetic procedures for 20 years. Her latest book, The Tweakments Guide: Start with Skincare, will be published in late September. ‘I’m still just as entranced by skincare and what it can do for us as I was when I first stumbled into beauty writing,’ says Alice. ‘The power of effective products to improve our skin, and the way we feel about our looks, is something you can’t underestimate.’

Emma Guns

Host of podcast The Emma Guns Show, Presenter and Writer - @emmaguns

Emma Guns is a broadcaster, presenter and writer with nearly 20 years’ experience in health and beauty. Her podcast, The Emma Guns Show, is the top-rated beauty podcast on Apple Podcasts, with nearly 1,000 5-star reviews and has over 8 million global downloads. The show covers topics including beauty, mental health, business, entrepreneurship, sexuality and more with guests including Elizabeth Hurley, Michelle Visage, Andy Puddicombe, Gretchen Rubin, Dr Andrew Weil among many others.

Caroline Barnes

Professional Make-up Artist - @carolinebarnesmakeup

Caroline Barnes is one of the UKs most established and celebrated make-up artists. Known industry wide for her passion, skill and pure professionalism, both clients and brands adore working with her. Her reputation for approachable beauty has helped her establish an enviable roster of clients includuing Emma Watson, Kylie Minogue and Kelly Rowland, to name a few.

Caroline gets enormous satisfaction in creating beautiful, red carpet glamour and also in pushing creative boundaries for video and photo shoots. She has worked with many of the world’s most famous photographers to create beauty and fashion shoots for top publications and brands.

Commercially, Caroline is in demand as an expert ambassador by many major beauty brands, and has her own YouTube channel, Speed Beauty by Caroline Barnes, offering expert beauty advice which is getting deserved recognition. She also gives her time to beauty industry charity Look Good Feel Better, using her ‘midas touch’ to help restore confidence and wellbeing in women cancer sufferers.

Ruby Hammer MBE

Global Make-up Artist and Brand Creator - @rubyhammer

Global make-up artist, brand founder and beauty expert, Ruby Hammer MBE has over 25 years experience within the beauty industry. She has worked across everything from editorial and commercial shoots to haute couture catwalks and TV. In 2007, she was awarded an MBE for her long-standing contribution to the cosmetics industry. A pioneer in the movement towards inclusivity, Ruby focuses on emphasising and enhancing your natural features, teaching people to embrace their unique beauty.

Debbie Thomas

London's Award-Winning Advanced Skincare and Laser Specialist - @debbie.thomas.london

Debbie is single-handedly changing the face of the conventional facial. A firm favourite of the Hollywood elite, Debbie is renowned for her performance-driven treatments that fuse the latest in scientific equipment with holistic methods, to deliver unsurpassed results.

Whether managing a number of skin concerns or prepping skin for the red carpet, her vast knowledge of the complex nature of the skin has awarded her a number of international A-list clients. With her knowledge of skin health and finesse to diminish flaws, Debbie is known for her ability to transform the complexion with her non-invasive techniques.

Hailed as the go-to laser specialist in London, with over 16 years of experience, Debbie Thomas previously honed her skincare skill set in London’s most prestigious aesthetic district, Harley Street. Having recently launched her sleek, standalone D. Thomas Clinic on Walton Street in Chelsea, it's success is testament to her reputation for delivering results on demand.

Lisa Potter-Dixon

Make-up Artist and Bestselling Author - @lisapotterdixon

With over 15 years experience as a professional make-up artist, Lisa Potter-Dixon is the author of three bestselling books on beauty: Easy on the Eyes, The Make-Up Manual and Back Chat Beauty, which she co-wrote with beauty journalist Sophie Beresiner. During her career, she's worked with some of the world's biggest models, designers and famous faces, and on everything from magazines to leading shows at London Fashion Week.

Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme

Founder and Medical Director of Adonia Medical Clinic - @dr_ifeoma_ejikeme

Dr Ejikeme is the Founder and Medical Director of premium west London medical and aesthetics clinic, Adonia Medical Clinic – current holders of the highly-esteemed Celluma Award for Best Clinic London. One of only a few doctors in the UK to have undertaken her level of specialist training, she is a highly qualified and experienced skin specialist and aesthetics medicine expert, renowned internationally.

She is extremely passionate about skin and providing cutting-edge, scientifically-driven treatments that cater to all skin types. This year she co-founded the UK’s first ever Black Aesthetics Advisory board with the mission to improve the experiences of Black minority ethnic (BME) professionals and consumers by improving the education on BME skin.

With her wealth of experience and success, it is of no surprise that large, reputable brands regularly seek to work with Dr – she is a Key Opinion Leader for Aquagold, Ultraformer, CeraVe and Obagi - and that top tier press frequently ask her for comment and interview – having featured in British Vogue, Sky News, ELLE, The Telegraph, Cosmopolitan, The Times and many more.

Sabrina Elba

Model and Philanthropist - @sabrinaelba

Sabrina Elba is a Somali-Canadian philanthropist, model and co-founder of Sable Labs alongside husband Idris. Sabrina was recently named United Nations’ IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) Goodwill Ambassador for rural women and girls around the world. A passionate fan of fashion and beauty, Sabrina has been featured by the likes of British Vogue, ELLE, InStyle, Sunday Times Style, Harrods Magazine, DuJour and recently debuted as guest presenter for ITV’s Good Morning Britain show.

Abigail James

International Facialist, Author and Skinfluencer - @abigailjames1

An award-winning skincare and wellbeing expert, with a clinic in Mayfair London, known for her extensive knowledge, facial massage and results-driven bespoke treatments, Abigail is referred to in the press as 'The Queen of Skin'. With over 20 years hands-on experience as a therapist and many more qualifications under her belt, Abigail established herself as one of the most respected facialist within the UK, well loved by the press, her clients and loyal global social following.

Abigail published her first book, Love Your Skin, in 2018 alongside completing her yoga training. Abigail juggles her career as a facialist, brand consultant, influencer and YouTuber alongside being a mother of three.

Dr Tatiana Lapa

Medical Director of Dr Tatiana Aesthetic Dermatology Clinic - @dr_tatiana_clinic

Dr Tatiana is an Aesthetic Dermatology specialist with qualifications in Aerospace Medicine (BSc) and Aesthetic Medicine (MSc), and membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners. She established the Dr Tatiana Clinic in 2014, uniquely combining Artistry, Innovation and Excellence, to deliver tailored, cutting edge and effective aesthetic treatments that enhance beauty and wellbeing.

Dr Tatiana is an opinion-leader in aesthetics and her work is widely published in the press, including Marie Claire, Vogue, Tatler, Harper’s Bazaar and GQ. She has presented her work internationally and has been featured on a Channel 5 television series as a leading Aesthetic specialist.

Dr Kemi Fabusiwa

Medical Doctor and Aesthetician - @dr.fab

Doctor Kemi Fabusiwa is a twenty-something doctor in the city who works on the front lines as medical doctor. With a passion for all things skincare and skin health, she directs the Joyful Skin Clinic which is an online platform dedicated to providing evidence-based skincare solutions for all skin types but with a particular focus on darker skin and inclusivity in the beauty industry. Dr. Fab keeps it real, making sure that she's sharing the science behind her skin secrets so that happy, glowing skin can be a real possibility for all. This young doctor is making waves in the skincare world and is the one to watch this year.

Jasmine Hemsley

Author, Founder of Hemsley + Hemsley and East by West, and Wellbeing Expert - @jasminehemsley

Jasmine is a bestselling author, founder of Hemsley + Hemsley and East by West, chef, restaurateur and wellness expert with a passion for Ayurveda. Jasmine believes in conscious, joyful living. Her 360-degree approach to health marries Eastern wisdom and holistic philosophies with the latest technology and developments in Western wellbeing. Jasmine uses her platform to encourage her global audience to deepen their commitment to ethical choices in food, fashion and beauty.

Michaella Bolder

Master Facialist and Skincare Expert - @michaellabolder

With over 12 years experience in the beauty industry Michaella has gained a reputation as a ‘Master Facialist’ and tanning expert. Appearing regularly in leading international publications Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, SheerLuxe, Vogue, Refinery29 and Violet Grey. She is the go-to person for many celebrities including Dame Helen Mirren, Naomie Harris, Olivia Munn, Noomi Rapace, Nick Grimshaw and Frankie Bridge, to name a few.

Michaella is known for creating a bespoke lift and glow facial treatment for each one of her clients. She continues to support social media education focusing on skincare and at-home facial massage routines.

Sherrille Riley

@nailsandbrowsmayfair

Jamaican-born Sherrille Riley achieved iconic status as the definitive brow expert after her boutique salon Nails & Brows Mayfair quickly became the go-to beauty destination for A-list celebrities and royalty.

After two decades of hands-on work as a beautician in London’s most iconic luxury beauty salons, Riley decided to set up Nails & Brows Mayfair in 2014 – a destination boutique, providing first class service and expertise in two areas. Riley hand-picked her team of beauty experts, put them through her beauty boot-camp training, sharing her passion and knowledge for beauty.

Sherrille also developed Beauty Edit Mayfair, an inclusive collection of brow styling solutions expertly created to deliver immediate results and achieve flawless, natural brows.

Margo Marrone

Pharmacist, Homeopath, Entrepreneur and Co-founder of The Organic Pharmacy - @margomarrone

Growing up in pre-revolution Iran, Margo’s love of all things herbal began when she was very young, on shopping trips to the bazaar visiting the local apothecary. Having moved to London aged 11, Margo studied pharmacy at Kings College London which led to a specialisation in herbal medicine where her true calling lay.

After becoming pregnant with her daughter, her idea for The Organic Pharmacy was born when she struggled to find cleanly-formulated products. Since the first store opened in 2002, it's now a trusted name worldwide, available in 36 countries across the globe, and has won legions of loyal fans and a cult celebrity following that includes the likes of Elle Macpherson, Katy Perry, Victoria Beckham and more.

Dr Uchenna Okoye

Dental Aesthetics Director, London Smiling Dental Group - @druchennaokoye

Having qualified at Guy’s Hospital, London, Dr Uchenna Okoye is one of just a handful of dentists with membership of both the American and the British Academies of Cosmetic Dentistry. As well as her role as Clinical Director of the London Smiling Dental Group, she both lectures and works with USA dentists to ensure her work is cutting-edge.

Dr Ateh Jewel

Beauty Journalist and Diversity Advocate - @atehjewel

Dr Ateh Jewel is a multi award-winning journalist, producer, director, influencer and diversity advocate. She been in the industry for 19 years, specialising in beauty, social commentary and campaigning for more diversity in the beauty industry. She has written for titles such as Vogue, Sunday Times Style, Financial Times, Guardian, Telegraph and Marie Claire, is on the advisory board for the British Beauty Council, and is particularly interested in the history of beauty and its ability to reflect our cultural values.

Ateh has also made several appearances on Good Morning Britain with Piers Morgan, This Morning, BBC 5 Live with Nicky Campbell, LB Radio and BBC 2 with Vanessa Feltz. She also appears on panels, consulting, lecturing and judging for CEW, Creative Head, Stylist Live, P&G, Unilever and Coty.

Her award winning blog, jeweltonesbeauty,com, is aimed at men and women with darker skin tones and she is developing her own range of foundation and colour cosmetics for POC. She also hosts her own Instagram Live show Wednesday Chat Club, whose guests have included Ruby Hammer MBE, MAC’s Terry Barber and Nichola Joss.

Sarah Vaughan

Global Chief Purpose & Sustainability Advisor, Marie Claire - @saravaughanofficial

Sara Vaughan is an Innovator, Positive Change Maker and Creator of Brands and Companies with Purpose. She is also Global Chief Purpose & Sustainability Advisor to Marie Claire, which reaches 90m women and girls around the world.

Andrea Thompson

Editor in Chief, Marie Claire - @andreacanwrite

Andrea has worked as a journalist for a range of publications including The Daily Mail, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, Channel 4, Glamour and Grazia, before joining Marie Claire. For much of her career, Andrea has specialised in investigative journalism and loves helping bring to light inspirational stories from people who traditionally have not been given a voice in mainstream media. At Marie Claire, Andrea oversaw a hard-hitting feature on rape as a weapon of war that won the title an Amnesty Media Award, and now acts as as a judge for the awards each year. She regularly chairs events for Marie Claire and mentors young women trying to break into the industry.

Holly Rains

Digital Editor, Marie Claire - @holly_rains

Holly has over 10 years journalism experience, working as an editor and writer, specialising in digital media, content strategy and dog breeds. Prior to Marie Claire, she has held senior staff positions at ELLE UK, Grazia and Company. Holly is a frequent speaker, panelist and interviewer on a range of subjects including media trends, careers and entertainment.

From working with Reuters to provide global red carpet coverage for events like the BAFTAs, to discussing fashion and beauty trends on network TV, she was also the host of the Marie Claire series ‘Holly’s First Dates’, where she regularly interviewed a mix of inspiring woman and A-list celebrities (including Jack Black, Dakota Fanning and Renée Zellweger) - a series which garnered half a million views in its first two months. And was approved by The Rock. When she isn't dreaming of scheduling in meetings, she likes to think about social media, and how best to avoid it whilst still retaining the title of 'digital' editor.

Lisa Oxenham

Beauty & Style Director, Marie Claire - @lisaoxenham

An award-winning journalist and creative director, Lisa is one of the world's top beauty editors. A well-respected stylist and art director, she shoots with the highest calibre of photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, influencers and celebrities, creating timeless images and film. With 20 years of editorial experience in beauty, health and well-being Lisa is also a popular brand strategist, influencer, entrepreneur and public speaker, most recently talking for Cognition X.

Sunil Makan

Associate Editor, Marie Claire - @sunileo86

With over 12 years of publishing experience, working on print publications and their digital counterparts, national newspapers and digital pure plays Sunil is an Editor, Strategist, Content Producer and Art Director that specialises in Fashion, Beauty and Grooming, Lifestyle and Culture.

Fiona Embleton

Senior Digital Beauty Editor, Marie Claire - @fiembleton

Fiona is an award-winning beauty journalist with over 10 years' experience writing and editing copy on both print and digital platforms; styling shoots and testing over 10,000 products. Prior to Marie Claire, she held senior staff positions at Cosmopolitan and Stylist. Fiona is a self-confessed ingredients geek and loves nothing more than jumping on the latest internet-breaking beauty news, dissecting the best red carpet looks and having the crème de la crème of dermatologists, make-up artists and hairstylists on speed dial so she can tap them for the best advice. She’s a discerning beauty shopper and knows it can be confusing trying to navigate what’s hype and what works. So if she really likes something, you can trust that she has reached that opinion by vetting it against everything else she’s ever tried.

Katie Thomas

Senior Digital Beauty Editor, Marie Claire (maternity leave) - @katie_thomas_hayne

Katie is the Senior Digital Beauty Editor at Marie Claire. She covers everything from the best beauty looks from the red carpet and stand out trends from the catwalk, to colonic irrigation and to the best mascaras on the market. She joined the MC digital team in 2018, having previously sat on the beauty desks at InStyle UK and Tatler. She's obsessed with skincare, loves low-maintenance hair and wears more jewellery than the Queen.

Lucy Abbersteen

Junior Digital Beauty Editor, Marie Claire - @lucyabbers

As Marie Claire’s junior beauty editor, Lucy helps to oversee beauty content both on site and on social. She has also written for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, InStyle and Look. As well as trialling the latest and greatest products for online features, chatting to industry experts and creating IGTVs, she also interviews famous faces for the Beauty Bytes Q&A series, delving into celebrities make-up bags and beauty habits. When she’s not got beauty on the brain, you’ll probably find her spending time with dogs or reading a book. Or, sleeping.

Sarah Barnes

Junior Beauty Writer and Production Assistant, Marie Claire - @sarahbarnsey

Combining her love of beauty and production, Sarah mixes between writing beauty content, reporting backstage at Fashion Week and working on Marie Claire’s various big beauty awards shows and video content. Sarah's role allows her to travel around the world to produce photo shoots and assist with booking the best models and photographers, while shooting at sunset in the Lanzarote desert, on speedboats in Mauritius and along the wild beaches of Sri Lanka. Recent events have also led to a new 360 digital concept and Sarah has produced virtual beauty shoots which involve shooting stills and moving images globally, using only Zoom and an iPhone.

Stay tuned for all the latest updates on the Skin Awards from our judging panel and the winners...