2025 Gurus Beauty Awards: A Hollywood Rooftop Affair with a Mediterranean Soul

On July 7th, Hollywood shimmered a little brighter as the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards unfolded under golden skies atop Lemon Grove Restaurant at The Aster Hotel. Presented by Gurus Magazine, the sun-drenched celebration merged glamour with purpose, spotlighting beauty visionaries who are reshaping the industry from the inside out.

Hosted by Gurus Magazine founder Derek Warburton and executive produced by Rachel Wilson, the rooftop event transported guests to the Amalfi Coast with a sensory-rich experience of citrus trees, ocean-hued décor, live violin by Maury Cruz, and a vibe straight out of Positano. Every detail whispered of Mediterranean charm, while the guest list roared Hollywood star power.

 

Among the many tastemakers and icons in attendance such as 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), Jy Prishkulnik (Actress), Miia Harris (Monster High), Diamond White (The Lion Guard), Madison Brodsky (Actress), Marcel Vigneron (24 in 24: Last Chef Standing), and even Princess Sarah Jane Culbertson of Sierra Leone.

Guests were greeted on a citrus-hued carpet and swept into a landscape of curated brand activations: Mediterranean sweets from Luxe Bites, red-light therapy demos by Lumara Systems, spice blends from The Blonde Italian, icy treats from The Dolce Cart, and skincare gifts from Cotrini. The Suzy Levian Jewelry Bar and VFlowers’ customized bouquets added sparkle and charm, while celebrity photographer Josh Fogel captured unforgettable portraits on-site.

A highlight of the afternoon was artist Joey DeRuy’s live mural of Sorrento’s coastline, unfolding against a massive 12-foot canvas as guests mingled and played bocce on Moon d’Elle courts. Even the air was perfumed—thanks to over 1,000 citrus fruits handpicked from Ayala Farms.

When it came time for the awards, Robyn Newmark, affectionately known as the Hollywood Beauty Guru, hosted the ceremony with poise and heart. Emotional speeches and inspired winners took center stage:

• 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 (The Authority Productions), presented the “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.

As the sun dipped below the Hollywood horizon, Derek Warburton revealed a personal touch—every decorative piece had been sustainably sourced from vintage and thrift shops, handpicked by him, many labeled “Made in Italy.” Guests were invited to take décor items home, turning the setting into personal keepsakes.

Attendees left with rose gold gift bags from Suzy Levian Jewelry, filled with thoughtfully selected products from 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—an ultimate beauty lover’s dream.

With heartfelt appreciation to the full production team who made it unforgettable:

Executive Producer: Rachel Wilson
Producer: Kent Burns
Production Support: Andy Orellana (Kappa Productions)
Violinist/DJ: Maury Cruz
Publicist: Marisa Hebert
Marketing & Sales Director: Laura Pucker
Beauty Director: Joel Sebastian
Art & Design: James Baranca
Event Coordination: Jennifer Holcombe
Press Manager: Jy Prishkulnik
Gifting & Talent: Gaby Lask
Creative Support: Norman Salao
Italian Greeters: Nathan DeLaTorre & Charley Santos

Special appreciation to the incredible staff of The Aster for their hospitality and to every supporter who made this fantastic event truly memorable.

The 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards was more than a celebration—it was a heartfelt, sun-soaked tribute to visionaries changing the face of beauty with elegance, artistry, and purpose.