Photo by Ghost Media Photography.
A sun-kissed rooftop. A sea of citrus trees. And a guest list that read like the who’s who of beauty and Hollywood. On July 7th, the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards, curated and hosted by none other than Gurus Magazine founder Derek Warburton, transformed the rooftop of The Aster Hotel’s Lemon Grove Restaurant into a Mediterranean reverie.
With Amalfi-inspired décor—think lemons from Ayala Farms, breezy linens, and a live mural of the Sorrento coast—this year’s event was an ode to la dolce vita, curated with flair, purpose, and personal touches that made it a feast for the senses.
The Moon d’Elle bocce courts brought a playful, Mediterranean flair to the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Robin L. Marshall.
Spice blends from The Blonde Italian, inspired by cherished family recipes, on display at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Ghost Media Photography.
The setting was both intimate and inspired. From hand-picked lemons to ocean-blue palettes and the soul-stirring music of Maury Cruz, the entire space was curated by Warburton himself. Executive produced by Rachel Wilson, the event exemplified what the Gurus Beauty Awards stands for: authenticity, artistry, and innovation.
Juul Messiaen, Man of the World 2025, and Adonis Renauld, Manhunt International 2025, brought international charm to the citrus-hued carpet alongside Joselli Rojas of The Authority Productions at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Robin L. Marshall.
Gleb Savchenko (Dancing with the Stars) brought star power and effortless charm to the citrus-hued carpet at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Robin L. Marshall.
The awards welcomed an impressive list of stars and visionaries: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. Each represented a unique facet of beauty and cultural influence.
Cynthia Bailey (RHOA) graced the citrus-hued carpet with timeless beauty and poise at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Robin L. Marshall.
Actress Diamond White (The Lion Guard) walks the citrus-hued carpet at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Robin L. Marshall.
Actress Jy Prishkulnik (Monster High) showcased youthful flair on the citrus-hued carpet at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Robin L. Marshall.
Guests were welcomed with gourmet bites, personalized floral arrangements, red-light therapy demos, and even a live fashion portrait station by photographer Josh Fogel. Artist Joey DeRuy’s live painting added an artful, almost cinematic element, while Moon d’Elle’s bocce courts invited guests to unwind Italian-style—with shoe cams and custom “Viva Gurus!” director chairs in tow.
Actress Miia Harris (Monster High) dazzled with her charming style on the citrus-hued carpet at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Robin L. Marshall.
Princess Sarah Jane Culbertson of Sierra Leone embodied global elegance and royalty on the citrus-hued carpet at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Robin L. Marshall.
Recording artist Tallia Storm made a bold fashion statement on the citrus-hued carpet at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Robin L. Marshall.
Then came the awards themselves—heartfelt, bold, and reflective of a beauty industry in flux:
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.
Priscilla Martinez (Atelier Martinez) strikes a pose at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Ghost Media Photography.
Adonis Renauld, Manhunt International 2025, enjoys his Amalfi-inspired drink at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Ghost Media Photography.
As the light mellowed into evening, Derek Warburton revealed that every décor piece had been sustainably sourced from local vintage and thrift stores—many bearing Italian origin. In an elegant twist, guests were encouraged to take the décor home, turning the styling into lasting mementos.
Juul Messiaen, Man of the World 2025, and Adonis Renauld, Manhunt International 2025, enjoy a fun game of bocce on the Moon d’Elle courts at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Ghost Media Photography.
Derek Warburton with recording artist Tallia Storm at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards. Photo by Ghost Media Photography.
Each attendee departed with a luxe rose gold bag 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.
Cynthia Bailey (RHOA) with award presenter Crystal Kung Minkoff (RHOBH) enjoying Amalfi-inspired treats from Luxe Bites. Photo by Robin L. Marshall.
Cotrini co-founder Camilo Triana with actress Madison Brodsky. Photo by Ghost Media Photography.
