While many are headed to Italy for summer vacation, host of the Gurus Beauty Awards, Derek Warburton and producer Rachel Wilson brought the Amalfi Coast to the heart of Hollywood. Held atop The Aster Hotel at the Lemon Grove restaurant on July 7, with stunning views of Hollywood as a backdrop, and Amalfi vibes all around, the Gurus Beauty Awards celebrated those redefining the beauty industry with heart, authenticity and innovation.
After walking the colorful carpet, guests noshed on treats almost too pretty to eat from Luxe Bites and The Dolce Cart, sipped cocktails that embodied the Italian coast, and strolled through citrus trees, where they had a chance to try some incredible beauty products, including Gurus Beauty Award winner Cotrini Skin and Lumara Systems. Before playing a round of bocce ball, VFlowers dazzled guests with personalized bouquets incorporating printed portraits from celebrity and fashion photographer, Josh Fogel. Guests could then step into Fogel’s onsite studio to capture their own likeness, in front of a hand painted, Amalfi-inspired backdrop. In the background Italian music played as a live violinist moved among the guests.
The setting was sizzling, but so was the guest list. Dressed in their finest Italian frocks, tastemakers in attendance included Emmy-winner Patricia Heaton, six-time Emmy nominee Debbie Matenopoulos, Sutton Stracke and Crystal Kung Minkoff (RHOBH), Cynthia Bailey (RHOA), Nicole Young (Netflix’s Selling Sunset), Gleb Savchenko (DWTS), Carly Hughes (American Housewife), Kearran Giovanni (Major Crimes), Tallia Storm (Recording Artist), Martín Rodriguez (Netflix’s Griselda), Tricia Connor Jackson (Actress) and Princess Sarah Jane Culbertson of Sierra Leone. Each of these luminaries embodied the essence of a modern “beauty guru” – passionate, purposeful, and effortlessly chic.
As part of the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards presentation, the following honors were celebrated:
- Host, Robyn Newmark (Hollywood Beauty Guru), presented the first award for “Best in Treatments” to the brand, Purlisse, with Felicia Jorden accepting.
- Sutton Stracke (RHOBH) presented “Best of Tech & Tools” to Lumara Systems, with president, Bill Wiedemann, accepting.
- Patricia Heaton (Actress) presented “Best in Brows” to Brett Freedman.
- Tricia Connor Jackson (actress) presented “Best in Lashes” to Grande Cosmetics, with Gurus Marketing & Sales Director, Laura Pucker, accepting.
- Nicole Young (Netflix’s Selling Sunset) presented the “Advancement in Skincare Award to Cotrini Skincare”, with co-founders Camilo Triana and Chris Kelsey accepting.
- Crystal Kung Minkoff (RHOBH) presented “Breakthrough Skincare Brand” to Glowissima, accepted by founders Cynthia Bailey (RHOA) and Dana Hill-Robinson.
- Gleb Savchenko (DWTS), who was introduced by Joselli Rojas (manager) presented “Aesthetic Medicine Award” to the DermKing Institute, with CEO Dr. Landon McCarrol accepting.
- Emmy nominated makeup artist, Darrell Redleaf, presented “Best in Skincare” to Ikaria Beauty, with founder Debbie Matenopoulos (The View) accepting.
- Dr. Michael K. Newman presented the “Dr. Michael K. Newman Innovation Award” to Acorn Biolabs, with CEO & founder Mike Romagnoli accepting.
When asked her best beauty tips, the stunning Dana Hill-Robinson, a Gurus Beauty Award winner told us “drink a lot of water, do pilates and be kind.” The latter is what the day was all about, showing kindness and support to industry innovators. Beauty comes from within and when we lead with kindness we show our most beautiful selves. Award winners Camilo Triana and Chris Kelsey (Cotrini Skincare) joked that “making it in this industry takes heart, soul and a hefty bank account.” While funny, it proves that each winner has worked extremely hard and given it their all to get where they are today, and they showed utter gratitude upon winning their Gurus Beuaty Award.
Event host, and all-around guru, Derek Warburton closed the event telling attendees, “I’m honored to tell your stories. Unique stories. Inventive stories.” A celebratory cheer rang out and a gleeful toast was made. Guests then departed with elegant rose gold gift bags sponsored by Suzy Levian Jewelry, brimming with indulgent offerings from top-tier brands. Among the coveted items were Peter Thomas Roth, Neon Hippie, The Blonde Italian, Glowissima, Purlisse, Essence Essential Oils Rings, Kevin Murphy Hair, Cotrini Skincare, Moon d’Elle, Ikaria Beauty, Brett Freedman Brows, and more.
For more on Gurus and Derek Warburton, visit GurusMagazine.com.
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