Inside the Star-Studded Gurus Beauty Awards Hosted by Derek Warburton

Thanks to Derek Warburton and Gurus Magazine, some of LA’s trendiest and most fabulous were whisked off to the Amalfi Coast for a few dazzling hours on Monday, right in the heart of Hollywood, to celebrate the magazine’s 2nd Annual Gurus Beauty Awards.

Held at the Lemon Grove Restaurant at the Asher Hotel, the event was hosted by Gurus Magazine founder and publisher Derek Warburton, executive produced by Rachel Wilson, and sponsored by Suzy Levian Jewelry, with the stylish fête honoring some of the trailblazers that are redefining the beauty scene with extra flair and style.

The event was a lovely, charming, cozy, and intimate affair where the guestlist felt more like a ‘friend list,’ a feeling which was echoed throughout the afternoon. Cynthia Bailey captured the mood perfectly during her speech later in the day, saying, “We were talking about community… Derek’s friends are kind of like my friends, too.” She added with a smile, “Even if you haven’t met me yet, you’re my friend as well.”

Attendees at the luxe Italian-themed event included Sutton Stracke (RHOBH), Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle), Nicole Young (Netflix’s Selling Sunset), Crystal Kung Minkoff (RHOBH), Gleb Savchenko (DWTS), Debbie Matenopoulos (The View), 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 more. 

And “more” at a Derek Warburton event can sometimes mean actual royalty—like Princess Sarah Jane Culbertson of Sierra Leone. Each guest at the Gurus Beauty Awards was handpicked for embodying the very essence of a modern guru: passionate, purposeful, and effortlessly chic.

After making their entrance on a citrus-hued carpet, attendees found themselves in what could be described as Positano-on-a-rooftop. Citrus trees and hand-picked lemons lined the space, ocean-toned décor popped against the Hollywood backdrop, violinist Maury Cruz set the vibe, as everyone mingled and checked out the thoughtfully curated activations that ranged from bocce to beauty.

Lining the rooftop were indulgent and inventive stops. Luxe Bites served up sweet Mediterranean dolci, while The Blonde Italian brought some spice (literally and figuratively) with special blends straight from Nonna’s pantry. The Dolce Cart kept everyone cool in the summer heat with made-to-order frozen treats and customizable toppings. Cotrini Skincare handed out glow-worthy samples with Italian flair, and Lumara Systems impressed with red-light therapy demos — and offered special gift samples to check out.

Suzy Levian added extra sparkle with her glittering jewelry bar, while VFlowers created bespoke, personalized bouquets. Nearby, celebrity and fashion photographer Josh Fogel captured portraits of attendees in front of a striking 12-foot painted canvas from local artist Joey DeRuy, which brought the Sorrento coastline vividly to life.

Whimsical winks to Italy continued with the Moon d’Elle Bocce Ball courts, Viva Gurus! Director’s chairs by FilmCraftLA, and over 1,000 hand-selected citrus fruits from Ayala Farms, enhancing the rustic-elegant atmosphere and setting the scene.

Of course, the heart of the afternoon was the Gurus Beauty Awards ceremony, which opened with an emotional address from Gurus Magazine founder Derek Warburton. He spoke passionately about the vision behind the awards and the deep sense of community they’re meant to cultivate, and a day spent amongst friends. “Being able to escape for an easy afternoon, with people that are full of love, hope, amazing stories, and live by our philosophy: truth, passion, and authenticity,” he shared.

Robyn Newmark, known to many as the Hollywood Beauty Guru, took the mic as host and led the afternoon’s festivities with warmth and wit.

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 Jordan accepting.

• Sutton Stracke (RHOBH) presented “Best of Tech & Tools” to Lumara Systems, with president Bill Wiedemann accepting.

• HOLLYWOOD, CA: Sutton Stracke (RHOBH) presented “Best of Tech & Tools” to Lumara Systems, with president Bill Wiedemann accepting at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards, presented by Gurus Magazine at the Amalfi Coast-inspired Lemon Grove Restaurant at The Aster Hotel, sponsored by Suzy Levian Jewelry. Photo courtesy of Robin Marshall

• 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.

• HOLLYWOOD, CA: Glowissima founders Cynthia Bailey (RHOA) and Dana Hill-Robinson win “Breakthrough Skincare Brand” at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards, presented by Gurus Magazine at the Amalfi Coast-inspired Lemon Grove Restaurant at The Aster Hotel, sponsored by Suzy Levian Jewelry. Photo courtesy of Robin Marshall

• Gleb Savchenko (DWTS), who was introduced by Joselli Rojas (manager), 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.

• HOLLYWOOD, CA (L-R): Laura Pucker and Tricia Connor Jackson come together for the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards, presented by Gurus Magazine at the Amalfi Coast-inspired Lemon Grove Restaurant at The Aster Hotel, sponsored by Suzy Levian Jewelry. Photo courtesy of Robin Marshall

Guests went home with rose gold gift bags sponsored by Suzy Levian Jewelry, and included offerings 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.

But one of the most unexpected (and charming) parting gifts came from the host himself. Each decorative piece adorning the rooftop was hand-selected by Derek Warburton and sustainably sourced from local vintage and thrift shops, with nearly all bearing the mark “Made in Italy.” And at the end of the event, he invited everyone to take home a piece of their choosing. It was a sweet, personal gesture that perfectly captured the spirit of the afternoon: stylish, a little sentimental, and straight from the heart.