When Hollywood Met the Amalfi Coast: A Gurus Beauty Celebration
On Monday, July 7th, beauty’s brightest gathered under the California sun for the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards, presented by Gurus Magazine, on the stunning rooftop of Lemon Grove Restaurant at The Aster Hotel in Hollywood. Inspired by the breezy elegance of the Amalfi Coast, the event blended Southern Italian charm with Hollywood flair, celebrating innovation, purpose, and authenticity in the beauty industry.
Hosted by Gurus founder Derek Warburton and executive produced by Rachel Wilson, the awards welcomed a dazzling guest list of tastemakers and icons including Patricia Heaton, Debbie Matenopoulos, Sutton Stracke, Crystal Kung Minkoff, Cynthia Bailey, Nicole Young, Gleb Savchenko, and even Princess Sarah Jane Culbertson of Sierra Leone. Each guest embodied what the event set out to honor: modern-day “gurus” shaping beauty with heart, honesty, and style.
Transforming the rooftop into a Mediterranean dreamscape, the décor featured lemon trees, ocean-hued linens, hand-picked citrus from Ayala Farms, and live music by violinist Maury Cruz. Guests entered via a citrus-hued carpet and explored interactive experiences including luxe Mediterranean bites by Luxe Bites, artisan spices by The Blonde Italian, and custom ice treats from The Dolce Cart. Lumara Systems introduced red light therapy to VIPs, Cotrini Skincare gifted samples, and Suzy Levian offered a glittering jewelry bar. Florals by VFlowers and portrait keepsakes from celebrity photographer Josh Fogel added a bespoke touch.
Guests lounged in custom FilmCraftLA director chairs, played bocce on the Moon d’Elle courts, and watched local artist Joey DeRuy paint a live mural of the Sorrento coastline—an immersive scene that could’ve been plucked straight from a Fellini film.
The awards ceremony was heartfelt and full of glamour, hosted by Robyn Newmark, aka the Hollywood Beauty Guru. Highlights included:
Best in Treatments: Purlisse, presented by Robyn Newmark
Best of Tech & Tools: Lumara Systems, presented by Sutton Stracke
Best in Brows: Brett Freedman, presented by Patricia Heaton
Best in Lashes: Grande Cosmetics, presented by Tricia Connor Jackson
Advancement in Skincare: Cotrini Skincare, presented by Nicole Young
Breakthrough Skincare Brand: Glowissima, accepted by Cynthia Bailey and Dana Hill-Robinson
Aesthetic Medicine Award: DermKing Institute, presented by Gleb Savchenko
Best in Skincare: Ikaria Beauty, accepted by Debbie Matenopoulos
Innovation Award: Acorn Biolabs, presented by Dr. Michael K. Newman
As the sun dipped behind the Hollywood skyline, Derek Warburton shared a personal note: every design element was sustainably sourced from local vintage shops and hand-picked by him, with most items made in Italy. In a signature gesture of warmth, he invited guests to take pieces of the décor home—ensuring the event would live on, not just in memory but in spirit.
Guests departed with rose gold gift bags sponsored by Suzy Levian Jewelry, filled with treasures from Peter Thomas Roth, Neon Hippie, Glowissima, Kevin Murphy, Ikaria Beauty, and more—each item a celebration of thoughtful, luxurious beauty.
Photography: Robin Marshall