An affair to remember – The 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards

On Monday, July 7th, the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards, presented by Gurus Magazine, unfolded like a dream atop the breathtaking rooftop of Lemon Grove Restaurant at The Aster Hotel in Hollywood. Bathed in golden California sunlight and infused with the spirit of the Amalfi Coast, the event set a new benchmark for intimate celebrations of beauty, authenticity, and innovation.

Hosted by Gurus Magazine founder and publisher, Derek Warburton, and executive produced by Rachel Wilson, the sun-drenched fête honored trailblazers who are redefining the beauty industry with heart, honesty, and undeniable flair.

The rooftop was transformed into a slice of Southern Italy, think Positano meets Hollywood, with citrus trees, breezy linens, hand-picked lemons, ocean-hued décor and music by Violinist Maury Cruz creating a sensorial escape straight from the Mediterranean. The guest list was just as dazzling, boasting icons and tastemakers 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), GlebSavchenko (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 luminary embodied the essence of a modern “guru” passionate, purposeful, and effortlessly chic.

Guests arrived via a citrus-hued carpet, greeted by a sun-soaked scene of thoughtfully curated activations. Luxe Bites served Mediterranean-inspired dolci, The Blonde Italian shared her aromatic spices straight from Nonna’s pantry, The Dolce Cart served cold custom ice treats, Lumara Systems showcased their cutting-edge red-light therapy gifted to VIPs, and Cotrini Skincare offered gift samples that glowed with Italian elegance. 

Guests adorned themselves in jewels from Suzy Levian’s glittering jewelry bar, while VFlowers delighted attendees with personalized bouquets incorporating printed portraits from celebrity and fashion photographer’s, Josh Fogel’s, iconic celebrity studio.

In a scene that would rival a Fellini film, local artist Joey DeRuy painted a live mural of the Sorrento coastline as guests posed for Josh Fogel’s lens in front of a towering 12-foot canvas capturing the very soul of the Italian Riviera in real time. Meanwhile, the Moon d’Elle Bocce Ball courts offered a playful nod to la piazza life, complete with a cheeky shoe cam and custom Viva Gurus! director chairs fromFilmCraftLA for guests to spectate the bocce games. Over 1,000 hand-selected citrus fruits from Ayala Farms perfumed the air, adding to the rustic-meets-refined ambiance perfect for heartfelt conversations and new connections.

As the afternoon sun dipped lower, the awards ceremony began with an emotional address by Derek Warburton, who shared his heartfelt vision behind the Gurus Beauty Awards. His words were followed by the poised and passionate hosting of Robyn Newmark, affectionately known as the Hollywood Beauty Guru, who guided the awards with grace and glamour.

With its blend of Italian charm, Hollywood sparkle, and genuine soul, the Gurus Beauty Awards 2025 was more than an event, it was a celebration of beauty with purpose, passion, and a touch of la dolce vita.

As part of the afternoon’s 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. 

As the sun-drenched afternoon drew to a close, founder and publisher Derek Warburton shared a touching behind-the-scenes detail: every decorative piece adorning the rooftop, hand-selected by Warburton himself, had been sustainably sourced from local vintage and thrift shops, with nearly all bearing the mark “Made in Italy.” It was a personal tribute to the event’s Amalfi Coast inspiration, and in a final gesture of generosity and charm, he invited each guest to take a piece of the décor home, transforming the design elements into meaningful mementos. This gesture made each gift bag feel not just luxurious, but uniquely intimate.

Guests 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, a true treasure trove of thoughtful luxury.

The 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards was not merely an event, it was a heartfelt ode to those redefining beauty with authenticity, artistry, and purpose. It set a new gold standard for intimate, intentional industry celebrations that resonate far beyond the final toast.