Beauty Director Agoo Azcuna-Bengzon and Beauty Writer Mara Go share how the first-ever Beauty Council selected its winners—from timeless favorites to standout new picks.
At MEGA, we believe that beauty is fun, freedom and doing what you want to do with it. Trends? We experiment with them, play them out- but we never go on an auto cruise.But with power, there is responsibility and recommendations cannot be made randomly or off the cuff.This is the reason why, to announce this year s Beauty Awards, Beauty Director Agoo Azcuna-Bengzon and Beauty and Wellness Writer Mara Go take us backstage, as it turns out, as to how the winning products were selected, and how the first Beauty Council came into being.
Photographed by Paolo Pineda
What makes the 2016 Beauty Awards even more special is the Beauty Council: an elite team of women deeply entrenched in every aspect of the beauty industry who have been tasked with the responsibility of examining and choosing the products, services, treatments, and tools worthy of the highly esteemed MEGA Beauty Awards stamp.To mark its first year, the council presents an illustrious line up of professionals: Lierge Perey, Belle Rodolfo, and Marj Maroket, Singaporean fashion insider and entrepreneur Savina Chow, makeup artist Thazzia Falek, founder of The Beauty Edit Nicole Morales, and board-certified dermatologist Anna Palabyab-Rufino.
How were the Beauty Council guest judges selected, and why was their expertise key?
With the picking of judges, we all knew that Mara and I needed the names of industry individuals we could trust and who not only are well informed but are also very passionate about beauty.
Photographed by Paolo Pineda
Mara: We’ve always recognized that the beauty landscape is constantly evolving, shaped by strong voices who continue to redefine and elevate today’s beauty narratives. That became one of our key criteria: to choose experts who are not only knowledgeable but also game changers and community leaders.
And now, onto the true stars of the show—the winners themselves. Each year, revealing the Beauty Awards brings a mix of nerves and excitement, both for us and for every beauty enthusiast waiting to see the results. After all, what do the authorities have to recommend? And in the name of transparency and integrity, how did these winners earn their place?
How were this year’s Beauty Awards winners selected, and what criteria guided the process?
Agoo: The process starts with nominations submitted by brands and advertisers. These are then carefully reviewed by the MEGA Beauty Committee according to the set criteria for each award. In addition, our guest judges contributed their own nominations and selected their winners.
Photographed by Paolo Pineda
Efficacy: Does the product deliver on its promises?
Overall Value: Is it worth the price? Would you repurchase or recommend it to a friend?
Top-Shelf Factor: With so many options on the beauty aisle, what makes this product stand out? Is it the packaging, the scent, or its overall appeal? This category celebrates products that are simply irresistible.
Mara: Honestly, even narrowing down the shortlist was no easy task. This year saw so many impressive launches, but choosing a winner goes beyond just making a good impression—it’s about true standout performance
Each year, we look for innovations that truly elevate a beauty enthusiast’s routine—products that spark excitement when spotted on the shelf, that bring joy when incorporated into daily rituals. In essence, we focus on products and services that positively impact how people see and feel about themselves.
For 2025, we prioritized nominations released between October 2024 and June 2025.
Ready to discover your next holy grail? Explore the full list of MEGA Beauty Awards 2025 winners here.
Curated by Agoo Azcuna-Bengzon and Mara Go, with special selections by Dr. Ana Palabyab-Rufino, Savina Chow, Marj Maroket, Thazzia Falek, Lierge Perey, Belle Rodolfo, and Nicole Morales. Photographed by Paolo Pineda, creative direction by Patrick Ty, art direction by Clare Magno, production by Thessmar Lectura, makeup by Kenric Carpio of Painted by Kenric, hair by Gab Villegas, and styling by Jason Mago.
