BELLA M A G A Z I N E
TM
featuring
JAMIE
KERN
&
LIMA
JAMES VINCENT The 2021
BEAUTY AWARDS
Beauty the
issue
the
LETTER from the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Beauty issue
“Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well.” - Anonymous
This issue marks one year since the pandemic started. As I wrote last year at this time, it has been frightening, tumultuous, and probably one of the most emotional times any of us will remember in our lifetime. It has revealed so much to us as individuals, families, friendships, colleagues, and society. In so many different ways, we have witnessed the flawed beauty in our shared humanity. It will seem redundant as I always say each issue is a truly special one. As places have begun to open and life to move forward, one of my mantras—the word believe—has been constant. It’s no coincidence that Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics and best-selling author of “Believe IT,” is gracing our cover. Her journey in this industry is truly a commendable one, and we’re so happy to share her story on pages 70-75 as only BELLA can. June will be marked by this special edition along with our first ever Pride Issue with makeup artist, editor, educator, activist, mentor, candle-maker, and director of The Makeup Show, James Vincent, as our cover talent. If you are just now learning his name, I assure you that you will never forget it. James’ passion for representation of diversity in the beauty Industry + advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community will sear your heart with more love and compassion for your fellow lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and more. Read all about it on pages 64-69. Every year, BELLA Beauty Director Janene Mascarella never disappoints with our staple “BELLA Beauty Awards.” Check out the most coveted brands for your every beauty need on pages 20-26. As always, each issue of BELLA is jam-packed with fabulous content + resources for you to live your most beautiful life! Read on…I know you will truly appreciate this one. From my heart to yours, enjoy!
Vanessa Coppes
behind the scenes
Last year, inspired by the pandemic and our Lifestyle & Fashion Correspondent Jonathan Calixto, I wanted to honor the LGBTQ+ community in our own way. I decided to launch the B.Human campaign.
our
Pride Issue
Being human is messy. But even through the mess, you can always find love. Love is always the answer. I drew a heart + BELLA Creative Director Jessica Licciardello sketched the words. The campaign’s goal continues to be a simple one: Shine more light on what it means to B. Human.
cover
Our Pride t-shirt helped raise much needed funds for the Ali Forney Center. Based in New York City, the Ali Forney Center’s focus is on LGBT youth, offering shelter, health, and educational initiatives to assist these individuals and transition them into independent living. You can learn more about this organization at AliForneyCenter.org. This year, it felt especially important to dedicate a special edition of BELLA to celebrate Pride. I couldn’t continue to talk about inclusion without doing something substantial about it. In some way, I hope that the special issue helps shine a light on a community that represents + offers us so much love. As Lin-Manuel Miranda said, “Love is love is love is love is love…” Order the issue at ShopBellaMag.com.
the back cover If you’re admiring our back cover artwork (isn’t it amazing!?), that’s from K. Ay’Nea, a luxury crystal jewelry designer and light path visionary. Her passion is designing unique creations that inspire and awaken the divine within.
TM
Vanessa Coppes Chief Executive Officer, Editor-in-Chief Gina LaGuardia, Editorial Director Jessica Licciardello, Creative Director Janene Mascarella, Beauty Director Alexandra Anastasio, Entertainment Editor Amanda Mactas, Food Editor Mindy Shapiro Gura & Paula Shapiro Orlan, Stylists Jonathan Calixto, Fashion & Lifestyle Correspondent Norah Lawlor, Lifestyle Editor Jennifer Walsh, Mind + Body Correspondent Jessica Cirz, Cover & Features Photographer Stephanie Brogna, Editorial & Business Development Assistant
Interns
Sharon David, Madison McHugh, Amanda Ringel, Sarah Rundbaken
Jennifer DeCillis Publisher Lynette Barbieri, Business Development Director Cheryl Devine, Business Consultant Raffaela Pontecorvo, Administrative Assistant Jenna Guarneri, Public Relations
Contributors
Vital Agibalow, Barbara Bellesi Zito, K.Ay’Nea, Kimberlee Ho, Yolanda F. Johnson, Carmelia Ray, Meghan Rose, Jarrod Thalheimer
Medical Advisory Board
Julie Davelman, Ph. D. • Dr. B. Aviva Preminger • Geraldine Viggiani, LCSW, LCADC, PMH-C
Real Talk with BELLA, The Podcast Vanessa Coppes, Host
BELLA TV Hosts
Danita Chantel, Jennifer DeCillis, Madison McHugh, Cheldin Barlatt Rumer Jessica Cirz, Producer Vivian Nacionales, Producer Isaac Perez, Director Stephanie Giang, Contributor
BellaMag.co
Vanessa Coppes, CMO & Editor-in-Chief Jennifer DeCillis, Managing Editor
Contributing Editors & Writers
Alexandra Anastasio, Kelly Bellucci, Jonathan Calixto, Danita Chantel, Dionne Clarke, Jennifer DeCillis, Ruta Fox, Vanessa Jordan, Jessica Licciardello, Dr. Robi Ludwig, Amanda Mactas, Janene Mascarella, Elena Murzello, Kristen Robertiello, Roger Sands, Sally Schimko, Christina Soriano
BellaLatinaMag.co
Vanessa Coppes, Editor-In-Chief Candy Calderón, Editor-At-Large
Contributors
Jenny Colón, Jorge Soto
BELLA MEDIA + COMPANY
THE SENTRY, Attn: BELLA MAGAZINE • 37 WEST 24TH STREET • NEW YORK, NY 10010 718.473.5663 • INFO@BELLAMAG.CO • BELLAMAG.CO
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contributors
ALEXANDRA ANASTASIO, Entertainment Editor for BELLA Magazine, is a lifestyle writer with a knack for sharing stories about people—and pets! Follow her on Instagram @Alexandra_Anastasio or visit AlexandraAnastasio.com.
Former founder of beauty brands such as Beauty Bar and Pride & Glory, JENNIFER WALSH gives her in-depth perspective on wellness as a veteran entrepreneur for the past 20 years. Now, through her Walk with Walsh Media platform, she shines a light on the people and brands that are putting nature first.
MINDY GURA and PAULA ORLAN, The Style Duo, are BELLA’s fashion stylists. You won’t want to miss their “Denim for days” article for some true blue ideas for spring (page 15). For more tips and tricks, check out their Instagram: @TheStyleDuo. AMANDA MACTAS is BELLA’s Food Editor. In this issue, she shares the "Mother and father of delicious gift guides" on pages 92-95. Follow more from Amanda on Instagram @ManhattanTwist.
BELLA Beauty Director JANENE MASCARELLA spritzes, sprays, and samples beauty products all year long, and she’s excited to present the winners of the 2021 BELLA Beauty Awards. She also scored some great money-saving tips and tricks from the experts who know best (pages 42-44), along with some some brilliant ideas on how to brighten up your home and life (pages 56-57).
JENNIFER DECILLIS is the publisher of BELLA Magazine, managing editor for Bellamag. co, and a BELLA TV host. She covers various topics, including beauty, lifestyle, and health and wellness—all of which you can find in this issue. Follow along with her on Instagram @Jennifer.DeCillis. Photography by Jocelyn Cruz
Need some fashion advice? Then look no further—BELLA’s Fashion and Lifestyle Correspondent JONATHAN CALIXTO has you covered. He’s on top of the latest trends as seen during NYFW, Miami Swim Week, and all the events in between. Stay tuned to what he is up to next via his Instagram @ThisisJCali.
JESSICA CIRZ is the cover/feature photographer for BELLA Magazine, capturing fleeting moments in time for what they are and what they may never be again. Follow her on Instagram @JessicaCirzPhotography.
YOLANDA F. JOHNSON is the president of YFJ Consulting, LLC, the founder of Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy, president of Women In Development (WID), NY, founder of Allies in Action Membership Network, and a classically-trained opera singer and composer. Read her latest installment of “The beauty of giving back” on page 89. All-around beauty boss, JENNIFER CAPELLA is a certified makeup/lash artist and the founder of GlamLife Lounge. Adding to a long list of achievements, she has also worked on NYFW, Miami Swimsuit Week, various movie sets, photo shoots, and off- Broadway productions, as well as various TV networks and as a radio host. See her work on Instagram @Jennmichelle_glamlife.
MADISON MCHUGH, one of BELLA’s interns, is a lover of all things social media and fashion while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She hopes to move to NYC soon while pursuing her dream of working her way up in the magazine industry. Follow KIMBERLEE HO is a food her on Instagram: photographer and baking @MadsMcHugh. blogger who loves sharing easy recipes and tips for busy people on her blog Kickassbaker.com. Follow her on Instagram @Kickassbaker.
BARBARA BELLESI ZITO is a NYC-based freelance writer covering books, real estate, personal finance, and more for Millionacres, LoopNet, and others. Her debut novel is due out later this year, and she’s at work on another. Catch her procrastinating on all of the above on Twitter @BarbTheWriter.
MEGHAN ROSE is a Los Angeles-based spiritual advisor, tarot card reader, and meditation guide. In addition to working with corporate groups, hosting events, and working privately with her clientele, she is also an author and writer of “The Intuitive Tarot Manifestation™ Workbook.” Head straight to pages 80-82 for her “Tarotscopes,” prepared exclusively for BELLA, then connect with her @MeghanRoseTarot on Instagram and Twitter, or at TheMeghanRose.com.
CARMELIA RAY is a celebrity matchmaker and online dating expert with more than 28 years in the love industry. Her weekly relationship podcast “Better Love” features her top dating tips. She’s the go-to dating expert regularly spotted in the media. In this issue’s “The Love Files,” she shares the “3 best practices to create a compelling dating profile” (pages 86-87). You can follow her on Instagram @CarmeliaRay and @BetterLovePodcast, or visit CarmeliaRay.com. BELLA Creative Director JESSICA LICCIARDELLO brings the pages of BELLA to life with her design. She is also an artist and writer who shares her expertise with readers in her articles both in print and online. You can discover more her work at JLDELLO.com, and on Instagram @JLDELLO.
BELLA Editorial Director GINA LAGUARDIA has been in the publishing biz—online and off—for more than two decades. She spends her days ensuring good grammar and maintaining deadlines while enjoying her daughters, watching movies with her husband, and doing CrossFit with her friends. Follow her on Twitter @GinaLaGuardia.
VITAL AGIBALOW is a portrait and editorial photographer based in New York City. Featuring prominent A-list celebrities, his work can be found in BELLA and countless other global publications, including Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and others. Vital brings out the best in his subjects, and is proud to partner with HENSEL as their U.S. brand ambassador. For this issue, Vital photographed BELLA’s first ever PRIDE cover, an homage to love and equality with the amazingly talented makeup artist and innovator for all, James Vincent.
NORAH LAWLOR is the founder of Lawlor Media Group, a PR, marketing, and strategic communications agency in New York City, which is celebrating its 20 year anniversary. She is also an avid traveler and chronicler of the jet-set lifestyle. Follow her on Instagram @LawlorMedia.
JARROD THALHEIMER is a writer, producer, husband, and father of five. He spends much of his time these days as an unpaid Uber driver for his teenagers—and he couldn’t be happier. Read his latest article, “The little things,” on pages 84-85.
JULIE DAVELMAN, PH.D. is a goal-driven psychologist who treats a wide gamut of clinical symptoms in order to help individual, couples, and families develop the skills they need to be healthy, loving, and supportive of themselves and those in their lives. Her article in this issue answers a common and important question that, yes, “It’s ok to be beautiful.” Don’t miss it on pages 98-99.
LAUREN VENA, a celebrity makeup artist with more than 20 years experience, specializes in editorial, bridal, and special occasion makeup, and also teaches the everyday person how to apply makeup. She is also the author of the children’s book, “My Mom…The Best Mom Ever!,” which is highlighted in this issue. Enjoy her beauty magic in this issue: “Mommy makeover” (pages 38-40), and “Getting to Know James Vincent” (pages 64-69).
Jamie Kern Lima
70
CONTENTS STYLE REPORT 13 THE Queer-owned fashion, Denim for days
STEPS TO FABULOUS 16 5Choosing to live beautifully—inside and out
SCENE 19 BEAUTY BELLA beauty awards 2021, Light the way to
radiant skin, Beauty in bloom, The eyes have it, Giving back to beautiful moms, Cheap tricks
BELLA 46 TEAM Must-have beauty products
BOSS 48 BELLA 7 bosses that inspire us all Beauty Awards
20
& LIFE 56 HOME The bright side
SPACES 58 SOPHISTICATED The Sentry
TO KNOW 64 GETTING James Vincent
CLOSE & PERSONAL 70 UP Jamie Kern Lima
w e n r u o o t Listen
T S A C D PO Tune in as BELLA Magazine’s new podcast division shares some sassy, funny, and intelligent conversations with Team BELLA and Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Coppes. It’s all the BELLA content you love, from entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, empowerment, and more. The BELLAs will dish their opinions on each topic, diving deep beneath the surface of what we see on the glossy cover. Whether it’s fashion and lifestyle tips, celebrity interviews, or exclusive for-BELLA-earsonly news, the ladies will deliver what you want to hear the real way—the only way!
ith w K L A T REAL
A L L E B Z I N E M A G A
TM
James Vincent
64
CONTENTS & CULTURE 76 ARTS Makeup for everyone
78 A bounty of books in bloom A NOVEL IDEA
80 TAROTSCOPES Beauty by (de)sign LOVE FILES 84 THE The little things, 3 ways to create a compelling dating profile
Sophisticated Spaces
58
BEAUTY OF GIVING BACK 89 THE Beauty from the inside out
INSIDER 90 BELLA The beauty of art
BELLA 91 CHOW The mother & father of delicious gift guides, Sugar cookie fruit tarts
98 MIND+BODY It’s OK to be beautiful, Bright spring trend: A brilliant smile, Wellness wearables, Spring is the season for change
TOWN 108 AROUND Behind the scenes with BELLA
THE LATIN@ VERSION OF TM
IS COMING
TO MIAMI!
BELLALATINAMAG.CO @BELLALATINAMAG
“Beauty Resides Within the
Unbreakable
Spirit of Your Own
Inner Presence”
-K.Ay’Nea
Awaken the Light with K.Ay’Nea
Featuring the Aurora Krystal Pendant Collection The Aurora Krystal Pendant Collection features upscale jewelry designs made with AAA grade Crystals, Gemstones and Andaras that imbue the wearer with high vibrational positive energy and influence while adding a touch of Inspiration, Beauty and Elegance. K.Ay’Nea, Light Path Visionary & Pendant Designer
AwakentTheLightWithKAyNea AwakentTheLightWithKAyNea www.KAyNea.co
BELLA
THE STYLE REPORT QUEER-OWNED FASHION ∙ DENIM FOR DAYS
13
the style report | men’s trend Tom Ford Suede Western Jacket $6,343, FarFetch.com
Avatar in Gold $255, CocoAndBreezy.com
2 Panel Utility Pant $435, Phlemuns.com
Jil Sander Flap-Pocket Shirt Jacket $1,190, FarFetch.com
QUEER
-
OWNED
FASHION By Jonathan Calixto
Style isn’t just about looking good but also making a statement! With these LGBTQIA brands, you can now incorporate a casual touch to your wardrobe while showing support for the queer community. Whether you are going for a household name brand or an up-and-coming label just like this year’s PRIDE theme, The Fight Continues, join us in advocating for change through your next outfit.
Balmain B-Runner Mesh Lace-Up Sneakers $695, FarFetch.com Thom Browne Four-bar Cotton Chinos $550, MatchesFashion.com Saint Laurent Striped Short-Sleeve Shirt $790, Farfetch.com
Radical Lovers Forever T-Shirt $40, OtherWild.com
14
Calvin Klein Logo Print Low-Top Sneakers $95, FarFetch.com
the style report | true blue Distressed Stretch Denim Swarovski Crystal Patch Jacket by Scott Kunis $169, StitchedDenim.com
Love Collection: East-West Bag Denim Silver Heart $184, Shop.QuiltedKoala.com
Jen7 Denim Pencil Skirt $89, Nordstrom.com
Kelsey High Rise Long Flare (Glee Wash) $89, KutFromTheKloth.com
DENIM for DAYS By Mindy Gura and Paula Orlan
Darla Denim Jumpsuit Gila River $185, EticaDenim.com
With the recent fashion headlines screaming that skinny jeans are out of style, denim-obsessed fashionistas everywhere are searching for new options to fall in love with. Luckily, our favorite designers have flooded the runways and stores with flattering new denim trends. High rises, straight legs, boot cuts, flares, and baggies are all big winners for this season. Patchwork, distressed washes, oversized jean jackets, and denim accessories are also on point for your spring/summer wardrobe. And finally, with the rise of environmental awareness, upcycled and refurbished denim is a must-have for 2021. So, give your skinnies a nice, cozy place at the back of your closet for now, and try out these new and approved denim trends!
Teresa Wide Leg Ankle Jeans $109, NYDJ.com
ECYCLE Upcycled Sweatshirt Huntington $89, EticaDenim.com
Sophie High Rise Bermuda (Eagerness Wash) $74, KutFromTheKloth.com
5 steps to fabulous
inside & out Choices for living beautifully, By Vanessa Coppes
A few months into the pandemic, I let myself go completely. My overall health was feeling the brunt of it, so as the new year ushered in, I put self-care at the top of my priority list. As I am sure you already know, you cannot give from an empty vessel. Your body is your most precious one. I hope these resources help you come back to yourself. I know they did for me.
1
YOGA FROM PELOTON I have been practicing yoga for about four years now. With yoga from Peloton, you can reach for more on the mat with the guidance of their world-class instructors. The range of teaching styles and training is suitable for anyone wanting to begin their own journey to self through a yoga practice. Peloton.com
3 5
ZYIA ACTIVEWEAR ZYIA is an active lifestyle brand. It is also a culture that believes in embracing activity with excitement, vigor, and delight. With their mission to inspire and uplift by making activity a fun and essential part of life, as is founder Cheryl Devine’s goal with her business DVine Consulting, I couldn’t be happier. MyZyia.com/ LOOKGOODFEELGOODNOW
DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH ME? LET’S CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM! VANESSACOPPES
2
PAVLOK 3 Invented in 2013, Pavlok uses the principles of Pavlovian conditioning to bring awareness to and change bad habits. The device is unique because it not only tracks what you do, but is designed to help change what you do. With the push of a button, it uses vibrations, chimes, or—if those stimuli don’t work—a mild electric snap to alert you to a negative habit and create an aversion to it. Its mission is to help wearers improve their daily lives. Pavlok.com
THE PEER GROUP PLASTIC SURGERY Botox?! Yes, please! And Dr. Starker at The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery in Florham Park, NJ, should be your go-to. Injectables are such a personal decision, and I have always been concerned with looking too overdone. Nothing beats aesthetic professionals who take their time to walk you through the entire process and who respect your wishes for softening aging lines. My facial rejuvenation experience was absolutely fabulous, and this downtime has been the perfect time to get it done. PeerGroupNJ.com CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS WITH MY ETTWOMEN COMMUNITY Collaborations with other women actually help us all come out as stronger individuals. It’s what I remembered when I worked with Doreen Laskiewicz, also a BELLA photography contributor. We’ve wanted to work together for some time. After undergoing a life-changing surgery and health battle, I felt like a more vibrant version of myself. Looking through the images she took of me at the charming Legacy at Byron Barn in Plainsboro NJ, I was able to find new appreciation for not only my self-care journey, but also how far BELLA has come despite this challenging year. DoreenPhotography.com
Be a part of a fabulous community
of women entrepreneurs! ETTWomen.com
Join ETT Women!
ETTWomen is a community of women entrepreneurs that network with intention. We learn from and support each other in personal and business development.
ETTWomen.com | 479 RT-79 Suite 6-A | Morganville, NJ | 07751 | @ETTWomen
Handmade with Sand & Earth Elements from your favorite travels #We a r Yo u r Tr a v e l s
dunejewelry.com
BELLA
BEAUTY SCENE BELLA BEAUTY AWARDS 2021 ∙ LIGHT THE WAY TO RADIANT SKIN ∙ BEAUTY IN BLOOM THE EYES HAVE IT ∙ GIVING BACK TO BEAUTIFUL MOMS ∙ CHEAP TRICKS
Photography by Jessica Cirz Model: Kassandra Cruz Agency: Posh Models
19
beauty scene | beauty awards
BELLA BEAUTY AWARDS
2021
BELLA Beauty Director Janene Mascarella spent the entire year scrubbing, spritzing, spraying, and sampling all the products she could get her hands on to bring you the very best beauty products worth your time and money.
And the winners are…
20
Launch
of the Year
Be A 10™ was created for the multi-tasker at heart—people
in pursuit of easy-to-use makeup that provides a finished, professional-quality look in 10 minutes or less. This certified cruelty-free makeup line boasts an extensive range of high-quality and affordable products, from a heatactivated lipstick, weightless metallic eye shadows, mascara, lip glosses, highlighters, and much more. We literally love everything about this line! BeA10.com
Loveliest Little
Luxury
Best
Bond No. 9 New York’s Refillable Lipstick in "Highline" is a luxurious, high-performance
lipstick that creates the most perfect nude pout. The neutral pink flush shade is flattering for every skin tone, and this chic lippie is one of our most prized possessions. $105, BondNo9.com
Sexiest
New Scent
Calvin Klein ETERNITY Summer for Women encapsulates
the serenity and light at the point where the sky meets water on an infinite horizon. The splashy scent captures the feeling of golden hour during sunset. $93, Macy’s
BONDI SANDS
PURE SELF TAN FOAMING WATER $27, BondiSands.com
Beauty Innovation
Michael Todd Beauty's Hydrojet™ Facial System will take your shower to the next level. The pore-purifying power of propelled water, paired with true-state-of-the-art sonic technology, helps you power-wash away embedded debris, pore blockages, toxin buildup, and dead skin cells to to give your skin an unparalleled daily glow. It's quite an experience! $169, MichaelToddBeauty.com
Best Body
Beautifiers
SOAPBOX
COCONUT MILK & SANDALWOOD DEEP MOISTURE BODY WASH $8.99, SoapboxSoaps.com
OSMOSIS BEAUTY
EPIC SKIN TOOL $149, OsmosisBeauty.com
HEMPZ
CBD AROMATHERAPY ROSE OIL HERBAL BODY MOISTURIZER
LUMIBLOOM
ROSE PETAL BODY SOUFFLÉ $35, LumiBloom.com
$28, Hempz.com
21
beauty scene | beauty awards
Most
Powerful
Performers
Phyto-C Skin Care Selenium in C Serum
is the most powerful antioxidant formula clinically tested to significantly diminish the appearance of photo damage. $155, Phyto-C.com
AHAVA 24K Gold Mineral Mud Mask
combines two elements of nature to enhance your natural beauty—authentic Dead Sea mud and 24K gold. The results: pure radiance. $68, Ahava.com
SK-II SKINPOWER Essence is a luxurious serum that penetrates easily, leaving your skin energized, bouncy, and smooth all day. $199, sk-ii.com
Most
Miraculous Results
Mineral Air is a simple-to-use
airbrush foundation system from Japan that delivers seamless coverage via a fine mist at the touch of a button. It includes a rechargeable misting device and the foundation shade of your choice. This is a no-mess, nofuss way to get a flawless look fast, no makeup artist required. $150 (starter kit), Amazon.com
PALLAS Goddess Mask does double
duty as an exfoliating scrub and a deep treatment mask. Kaolin clay gently detoxes your pores, while essential oils, aloe, and herbal extracts brighten and soothe your skin. $95, PallaSkincare.com
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes is a
miracle mascara that delivers wow-worthy volume, length, and stretch. The brush is designed with diamond-shaped bristles on each side to follow your natural lash line, and give you some serious microdefinition. $29, CharlotteTilbury.com
Best Beauty Buys
15 or less
$
KISS
PHYSICIANS FORMULA
LASH COUTURE TRIPLE PUSH UP XL COLLECTION
BUTTER COLLECTION MATTE MONOI BUTTER BRONZER $12.99, Ulta.com
$6.99, KISSusa.com
NEW EARTH THERAPEUTICS
TEA TREE FOOT PEELING SPRAY
CERAVE®
FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER
$12.99, EarthTherapeutics.com
$14.99, Ulta.com E.L.F. COSMETICS
CAMO CC CREAM SPF 30
SCHICK
HONEY LIMONCELLO RAZOR REFILLS
$14, ElfCosmetics.com
$13 (3-count), stores nationwide
EOS
SHEA BETTER SHAVE CREAM
TREE HUT
$3.99-$4.49, Target
BARE MOISTURIZING SHAVE BUTTER COCONUT LIME
TONY MOLY
WATERMELON DEW ALL OVER SERUM
$9.99, Ulta.com
$15, TonyMoly.com
NEWA+ Wireless Edition
is a FDA-cleared facial tightening and contouring device powered by radiofrequency technology that remarkably lifts and reduces wrinkles. $499, MyNewa.com
OPTE works by digitally scanning skin, analyzing complexions, and immediately camouflaging hyperpigmentation while also fading dark spots overtime. $599, OPTE.com
Smartest
Skincare Tools The PMD Microderm Elite Pro is an easy and
conveniently portable tool to help you refine those lines and pores. The device combines variable vacuum suction and tri-speed capabilities for a truly customizable skin-care experience. $299, PMDBeauty.com
SolaWave
is one of the world’s most compact, all-in-one, at-home skincare tools that combines red light LED treatment, microcurrents, and warming massage in one powerful, beautifully designed device. $149, Solawave.co 23
beauty scene | beauty awards
Best Everyday
Essentials
Fancii & Co’s VERA will become
your new best friend to achieve clean and high-end makeup looks. With its 90-degree tilt, three dimmable LED settings, and a 30-minute auto shutoff, this vanity mirror will have you wondering how you lived without it for so long! $119, Fancii.com
ANISA's Everyday Makeup Brush Set is
perfect for home use or when you're on the go, and includes everything you need to put your best face forward. Once you try these top-notch brushes, nothing else will ever compare! $98, AnisaBeauty.com
SNOW’s Rejuvenating Lip Treatment will be your go-to
YOUNIQUE's WEEKEND Lip Butter in "Quick Getaway" features
protective treatment to lock moisture into lips while protecting skin against harmful sunrays and toxins in the environment. $35, TrySnow.com
a peppermint-infused formula that refreshes your lips without leaving behind a sticky residue. Glide it across your pout to add a pop of beautifully pigmented color. $22,YouniqueProducts.com
Best
Tress’d
LUNATA BEAUTY
BELISA BY LUNATA CORDLESS FLAT IRON $139.99, LunataBeauty.com
SEXYHAIR ARTISTRYPRO
AVANTGUARD HEAT PROTECTION & FINISHING SPRAY
CHI
LAVA 2.0 HAIRSTYLING IRON
$27, SexyHair.com
$199, Chi.com
GARNIER
MIRACLE NECTAR HONEY TREASURES DAMAGE REMEDY LEAVE-IN $8.69, CVS.com
UNITE HAIR
RE:UNITE SILKY:SMOOTH SYSTEM CONDITION $33, UniteHair.com
L'ANZA
HEALING STRENGTH NEEM PLANT SILK SERUM $40, Ulta.com
24
KBSHIMMER
ENCHANTED FOREST COLLECTION IN "MIST ME"
Best in
Glow
$11, KBShimmer.com
$52, PatrickTa.com
$27.90, CocoAndEve.com
HANACURE
PATRICK TA
MAJOR GLOW BODY OIL
COCO & EVE
BRONZING FACE DROPS
THE ALL-IN-ONE FACIAL - SET $110, Hanacure.com
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS
ICED OUT HIGHLIGHTER $34, ABH.com
Most
Mighty
EMMAUS BEAUTY
AHA 10% BRIGHTENING + EXFOLIATING CLEANSER
Brighteners
$35, EmmausBeauty.com
ALOISIA BEAUTY
7-DAY SKIN CARE SYSTEM $55, AloisiaBeauty.com
RODAN + FIELDS
REVERSE INTENSIVE BRIGHTENING TONER $50, RodanAndFields.com
LAURA MERCIER
SECRET CAMOUFLAGE CONCEALER BRIGHTEN & CORRECT DUO $32, LauraMercier.com
JOANNA VARGAS
BRIGHT EYE FIRMING MASK $60 (5 sets), JoannaVargas.com
25
beauty scene | beauty awards
Greatest Grin
Upgrades
SmileDirectClub's Pro Whitening System
is an advanced and innovative way to whiten your teeth. It helps to enhance your smile up to nine shades whiter in one week, so you can ditch the selfie filters and flash your pearly whites. $54.98, Walmart
Curaprox’s Hydrosonic Pro gives
you the feeling of a professional cleaning every time you brush by incorporating ultrasound technology with mechanical and hydro-dynamic cleaning action. $199.99, Amazon.com
Supersmile's Awake Whitening Toothpaste features an energizing
formula infused with caffeine, matcha, green tea, and other naturally energizing ingredients designed to supercharge your senses and get you ready for the day. $28, Supersmile.com
Yangu Beauty is a vegan award winning skincare line dedicated to helping modern women of color indulge in the secret and powerful formulas that were favored by ancient beauties of days gone by.
SIPHO GUMBO Founder
IT’S MY BEAUTY I OWN IT
FIND US at Neiman Marcus yangubeauty.com
26 MODERN SCIENCE + POWERFUL AFRICAN OILS AND BOTANICALS GIVE YOU INCREDIBLY SOFT, CLEAR AND BRIGHT SKIN, SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR DARKER SKIN TONES
beauty scene | beauty + brains
Light the way to
RADIANT SKIN By Olivia Griffian, founder and CEO of SevenSkin Beauty
W
WHY I CREATED THIS MASK
hat if I told you there’s a chemical-free solution for acne, scarring, wrinkles, fine lines, rosacea, and inflammation? A solution that’s also anti-aging, helps rebuild collagen. and is safe for all skin types...
I did so in an effort to make luxury spa treatments more domestic. Since the beginning of COVID-19, at-home skincare has been prioritized with women and men giving more time and attention to their skin. Dermatologist and aesthetician visits had decreased— including my own—and I wanted to introduce a more affordable and convenient product for those in the beauty community and those wanting to make improvements to their skincare routine. The LED mask by SevenSkin Beauty is unique in that it’s wireless, touch activated, comfortable, and lightweight, making it incredibly easy to use. The mask features a 25-minute auto timer, has seven color settings, and features a setting that changes all light colors for a multi-beneficial effect.
Welcome to the world of LED therapy! LED (light-emitting diodes) therapy has long been used by scientists (even NASA) and skincare professionals to promote cellular turnover and activate healing benefits to the skin.
HOW IT WORKS
LED lights send energy waves to the skin that penetrate the different layers to activate a cellular response. The depth of the wavelength is determined by the color frequency: red, blue, green, cyan, purple, yellow, and white.
THE BENEFITS
IS LED THERAPY SAFE?
Since it doesn’t contain any UV rays and is non-invasive (which means there’s no recovery time needed), LED therapy is safe for all skin colors and types including men and expecting and nursing mothers. However, if you’re taking Accutane, consult with your dermatologist.
From skin firming to healing sun damaged skin, the anti-aging benefits that light therapy provides are rich and long-lasting as opposed to topical creams that have more short-term results. Each color frequency penetrates a different depth of the skin causing multi beneficial reactions:
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MY SKIN FOR TREATMENT? Always apply your LED mask to clean skin. There is no topical product needed before, as it may affect the ability of the light to penetrate deeply into the skin’s layers.
BLUE LIGHT is calming and kills acne-causing bacteria, preventing breakouts. RED LIGHT decreases fine lines and wrinkles through the promotion of collagen reproduction and treats rosacea. GREEN LIGHT balances out pigmentation and evens skin tone. PURPLE LIGHT heals wounds and reduces scarring. CYAN LIGHT reduces inflammation and helps relieve sunburn. YELLOW LIGHT detoxifies the skin. WHITE LIGHT accelerates wound healing and penetrates deeply to amplify the other treatments while increasing absorption.
OLIVIA GRIFFIAN’S passion for skincare began at a young age in her mother’s salon. She traveled internationally under the advisory of top skincare professionals and developed a desire to share her knowledge through her company SevenSkin Beauty. SevenSkinBeauty.com
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B
In loom
beauty scene | spring beauty
Photographer: Andrew Holtz @Holtz_Photography Flowers: Electric Deco Flowers @ElectricDecoFlowers Model: Lydia Holtz @Lydia_Holtz Makeup: Lauren Vena @MakeupArtist_lv Hair: Lock & Shade @LockandShade
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beauty scene | look ahead
THE
EYES
HAVE IT Photography and makeup: Danessa Myricks Makeup & Photography
@mameanta_wade 33
@sharamdiniz 34
@wawalyy 35
@_princessjasmen 36
@iamtuesdayrose 37
beauty scene | giving back
I
n the process of debuting her new book, “My Mom... the Best Mom Ever,” BELLA’s cover and feature makeup artist, Lauren Vena, was inspired to launch a “Mommy Makeover” campaign. Her goal: To recognize mothers making a difference and consistently putting others before themselves.
“MOMMY MAKEOVER” Celebrity makeup artist Lauren Vena showcases selfless women By Madison McHugh and Jennifer DeCillis Photography by Jessica Cirz
The initiative connected Lauren to a number of small businesses in New Jersey, which stepped up to gladly pamper the lucky mom who won the campaign. Nominations of deserving mothers came in from health care workers, educators, law enforcement, and beyond. The stories were so moving, emotional, and uplifting, explains Lauren, it was difficult to choose just one winner. After calling in all the local businesses that volunteered their time and services to pamper the winning mom, the unanimous decision was made to showcase four amazing moms, not just one. The lucky moms received a complementary photo shoot experience at Your Space NJ with Jessica Cirz Photography; videographer Isaac Perez of Ready Steady NYC; wardrobe by Melanie Gibson, owner of Lola’s Boutique; hair styling by salon owner Danielle Carpeneto; and makeup by Lauren—an industry veteran with 20 years experience.
Meet the moms and see how their amazing beauty shines from within…
Lauren Vena
Rennie Rankin self-nominated I am selfishly nominating myself for best mom, even though I am not a biological mother. I am a former teacher who is six years out of the classroom due to progressing multiple sclerosis, and I have so many kids! I have been to graduation parties, showers, weddings, christenings, and just about anywhere I have been needed, including doctor appointments, ER visits, and sonograms. My kids even call me “Mama.” I may not have physically given birth, but these children are everpresent in my life, and I don’t think anyone could be prouder if they actually gave birth to these now-amazing adults. They know how much I love them—we express it often—and they know they can talk to me about anything at all. They are sensitive to my illnesses, especially when I battled breast cancer just three years after I left the classroom. Their support for me is equally as appreciated as my support of them. Maybe God knew I was a mom who was just waiting for kids, and that’s why I get to have so many amazing ones who touch my heart on a daily basis.
Karen Voss
submitted by her boss, Cherylyn Murphy
Karen Voss is a seasoned RN who I had the pleasure of coming to know through our time together working in hospice. She is one of the professional women who has helped me grow and made me a better administrator; Karen challenged me in ways I had never been challenged before. In addition to being a well-respected nurse, she is also a mom. If you ask her what her most important job is in life, she will tell you about her boys, her two sons, and her grandchildren. Unfortunately, in just a short amount of time, Karen lost her beloved father to cancer, tragically lost her husband one month later, fought to keep her oldest son alive following an almost fatal skiing accident, and battled addiction with her youngest son, who today is fully recovered and ultimately alive, thanks to Karen’s will and strength. The same unique traits that make Karen an awesome mom also make her an amazing RN. From sitting bedside with her dying patients, to holding the hands of a loved one losing a family member, Karen does it all with poise and grace. Hospice nursing is a calling, and Karen was called to it.
beauty scene | giving back
Paula Sands submitted by her daughter, Jodi Franklin (also featured) My mom has always been there for me, but little did she know that at the age of 12, I would be diagnosed with lupus and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Her world stopped. Luckily, with lots of trials, I was “under control,” but I was often sick due to a suppressed immune system. When it was time for braces, we knew something wasn’t right, and doctors confirmed that my arthritis was eating my jawbone, which would require upper and lower jaw reconstructive surgery. After surgery, my mouth was wired shut for four weeks, and I could barely eat or speak, but my mom refused to let this disease get the best of me. Mom was my support, my caregiver, and my best friend. In 2013, after battling multiple Phyllodes breast tumors and surgeries to remove them, I made the decision to have a double mastectomy. It was a difficult one, but after 18 surgeries in total, it seemed to be the right decision. My mom was at my side from the moment I got out of the operating room until I was able to go home. She was also there during the weeks that followed, taking care of my two young children. Shortly after my final surgery, my husband asked for a divorce, and once again my mom was there to support me. My mom was by my side through the darkest days of my life. She was my biggest cheerleader, my shoulder to cry on, my therapist—my everything! I am very lucky to always have the best mom ever. I love you, Mom!
WWW.HIPNEWJERSEY.COM
40 S H I O N | W E L L N E S S | FA M I LY | H O M E | C E L E B R AT I O N S | L I F E S T Y L E FA
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beauty scene | expert insight
CHEAP TRICKS! Beauty
insiders share their best
money-saving secrets By Janene Mascarella
Want to save beaucoup bucks on your beauty routine? Here are 10 budgetfriendly tips from the people who know best.
Shawnda Dorantes RN, master injector, and co-owner, Beauty Lounge San Marcos BeautyLoungeSanMarcos
“Add products to your online cart and leave them there without checking out. Many times, to entice you to pull the trigger on your purchase, companies will send you a ‘reminder’ email alongside with a discount code, so you can save some money off a purchase you already intended to make.” 42
Allison Weiss Brady Model, Click Models Philadelphia AllisonWBrady
“You don’t have to be a supermodel or major influencer to get paid for recommending certain beauty brand products, and tons of stores and brands are now offering this to the general public. All you have to do is sign up (for free, upon approval) at various sites, including Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Murad Skin Care, Avon, butter LONDON, and more. Once approved, when you post your brand affiliate link to your IG bio or Facebook page, you get a percentage of the sale from anyone who purchases products through that direct link.”
Photography by LILLY K Photography
Joshua Ross Celebrity aesthetician and founder, SkinLab SkinLabUSA
“Ditch your scrub and replace it with a washcloth, which is better for your skin and your wallet! Washcloths are an easy, affordable option for exfoliating and cleansing the skin on a daily basis. The natural grit of the fabric grabs onto dirt and makeup particles easily for removal without being abrasive to the skin.”
Aomi Richter
Licensed aesthetician and owner, Evolve Skin Studio EvolveSkinStudio
“Don’t dish out big bucks for a facial oil, or worse—a facial oil deceptively called a serum. Check the ingredient label—if the first few ingredients are oil, it’s an oil. Many luxury oils are still in a base of grapeseed or other very affordable oils with the more expensive ingredients following. They may smell lovely, but they’re not worth hundreds of dollars.”
Photography by Brooklyn Jamison
Silva Nahabedian
Director of education, Dazzle Dry Dazzle_Dry “Whether you are a salon goer or a DIY-er on a budget, you can extend the length of time between manicures with a few simple tricks. When your nails get too long and unsightly, file them down. File with the polish still on your nails to help you shape them better. Also, Keep nail and cuticle oil anywhere you wash your hands and use it after every hand wash. Keeping your cuticles and nails well-moisturized and supple will extend the life of your manicure and prevent premature chipping.”
43 Photography by Claudia Johnstone
beauty scene | expert insight
Nechami Tenenbaum Creator and CEO , Karmela Cosmetics KarmelaCosmetics
“Before throwing out your lipstick tube to buy a replacement, scrape the lipstick out of the bottom. There’s a nice amount of product in the base of the tube that can be scraped out easily and utilized with a Q-tip.”
Charlene Osei CEO, CocoaShea Charlene.Osei
“Use different products during the day and night. Having separate daytime and nighttime routines will help your skincare products last longer. If you’re using the same products twice a day, chances are you’ll run out sooner and have to spend more in the long run.”
Erika De La Cruz
Author, personal development coach, and founder, Passion to Paycheck ErikaDeLaCruz
“My abuela taught me how to be thrifty to maintain smooth skin by taking raw vitamin E capsules, cutting them in half, and applying them to my entire face from an afternoon to the following morning. It will dry, absorb, and leave it super soft the next day. (My Dad does it to this day and looks like a stud.) The trick is to make sure you don’t have any plans that night because you aren’t getting any makeup over all that E.”
Alexa Collins
Social media influencer and model AlexaCollins
“Use a refrigerated cold teaspoon over your eyes to wake you up in the morning instead of a morning eye cream.”
Sayble Humphress CEO, Bali Lash Sayble
“Instead of throwing away broken compact powder products, fill the area with rubbing alcohol and press into place with the back of a spoon. Let it dry overnight and your makeup will be as good as new. You can also add a few drops of saline solution to rehydrate and extend the life of your dried out mascara.” 44
feel beautiful Esta Crompton President
ANTI-AGING LINE • ACNE LINE • SELF-CARE ACCESSORIES • AND MORE Our High-Quality Professional Products are Affordable and Simple to Use EstalaSkincare
EstalaSkincare
EstalaSkincare
EstalaSkincare
727-481-4337 45
team BELLA JANENE MASCARELLA BEAUTY DIRECTOR It’s pretty safe to say that at any given moment I have an arsenal of go-to beauty products to rave about. One amazing mainstay in my haircare routine is this top-notch hair serum that I absolutely cannot live without. Just a few drops of Ricardo Rojas AMORE SERUM gives my hair that shiny, reflective look and also a bit of texture. The more it’s used, the healthier, stronger, and more shimmering my hair becomes. Totally obsession-worthy! RicardoRojas.com
Team
JONATHAN CALIXTO FASHION AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR With adapting to this new normal of face masks, I’ve had some time to try out a range of skincare products, and my new go-to is NARS Multi-Action Hydrating Toner. I love that it feels very lightweight, but also leaves you immediately feeling a tingling sensation, like your skin is finally getting a chance to breathe. Plus, how can you not love that it is alcohol-free?! As we begin to enjoy nicer weather, give your skin the boost it needs to remain bright and hydrated. NarsCosmetics.com
BELLA must-have BEAUTY PRODUCTS
JENNIFER WALSH MIND+BODY CONTRIBUTOR I have spent the past 25 years in the beauty/wellness world, so I have quite a few favorites and must-haves. During the pandemic and beyond, I have worn very little makeup and I amped up my skincare routine. I have been using different Fresh products for 20 years and continue to fall in love with their new launches. I have now been using their Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask as a daily mask because it is just what my dry skin needs. Fresh.com
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LYNETTE BARBIERI BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Anyone who knows me knows I love to try out all different beauty products, especially if it has anything to do with reducing fine lines and wrinkles and helping me to look younger. But the one product that stands out above the rest is my Estala Skincare Age Defying Retinol Mask. My skin actually glows and looks hydrated, and it leaves me with a dewy, more youthful look. This product has also dramatically helped with the wrinkles on my forehead. I also have to say the Gel to Milk Cleanser by Yangu Beauty is another must-have as it has really helped with my dry skin. As we all know, nothing ever looks good without hydrated skin! EstalaSkincare.com YanguBeauty.com
VANESSA COPPES CEO + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF If I had to pick between putting on my own lash extensions or a root canal, I’d pick the latter—until I discovered Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara™ from Thrive Causmetics. I was blown away by how you can instantly create the look of extensions without the hassle! Best part? It’s vegan + paraben-free! ThriveCausemetics.com
GINA LAGUARDIA EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Laugh if you will, but when they say motherhood consumes every part of you, they weren’t kidding! One of my must-have beauty products is my daughters’—yes, my daughters’—Fairy Tales Sun & Swim Coco Cabana After-Sun Spray. I started buying this for the girls when they were toddlers to help smooth their knotted tresses all year round, not just for the summer. It ends up that the formula—light, effective, and with an aroma so calming—did wonders for my own hair. Over the years I’ve gifted this to my niece, my daughters’ friends, and my goddaughter, and they all love it too—it’s that good. FairytalesHairCare.com
MINDY GURA AND PAULA ORLAN FASHION STYLISTS We have always been girls who love to try new makeup products, shampoos, fragrances, and moisturizers! Sometimes we stay true to certain brands and other times we like to be adventurous and experiment with different lotions and potions. But the one beauty product that we are completely loyal to is La Mer Moisturizing Cream. It is expensive, but when we put that soft, buttery cream on our skin, we feel like a million bucks! The dewy glow it gives us under our makeup is worth every penny. If you want to splurge on an amazing product, this is the best one out there! CremeDeLaMer.com
AMANDA MACTAS FOOD EDITOR Can I really only pick one? There are so many products I feel like I can’t live without, but lately I’ve been obsessing over Ahava’s Dead Sea Crystal Osmoter Facial Serum, which leaves my skin dewy, hydrated, and glowing. I usually mix it with a hyaluronic acid and then apply all over my face and neck. Additionally, I can’t rave enough about Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Hand Cream, which has been a life saver for my overly sanitized and dry hands. Ahava.com Beekman1802.com
JESSICA LICCIARDELLO CREATIVE DIRECTOR I discovered the creations of Pacific northwest herbalist April Graham on Instagram, and I was captivated by her behind-the-scenes videos and deep knowledge of herb based products. She has seasonal shop updates and her products sell out in minutes, but I managed to snag a few over this past year. Two that stand out to me are the Season of Rose Face Serum which keeps my skin fresh and moisturized, and Tallowed Balm of Gilead Cream, which has healed my skin irritations within hours. It’s truly magic! WildwoodApothecary.org
JESSICA CIRZ COVER & FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHER I am completely obsessed with the IT-Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil in taupe. It goes on with the look of microblading and stays on all day. And, it is self-sharpening so it always has a nice edge to work with. ITCosmetics.com
VIVIAN NACIONALES “LIFE IS BELLA” PRODUCER I’ve been on the hunt lately for natural products and remembered that I once had a conversation with a healthcare worker and friend, Comfort Gold Okolie, about her skin product of choice. She suggested I try shea butter, so I have put it into my nightly and morning routine, and I love it. Shea butter—real, authentic shea butter, like Proclaim Professional Care Shea Butter—is a natural moisturizer and sunblock. Although oily when first applied, it sinks into my skin nicely, leaving no residue. I’ve read many positive things about shea butter, including that it is a natural sunblock, is great for correcting skin discoloration, has anti-aging properties, and provides relief to itchy skin, among a host of other benefits. SallyBeauty.com
JENNIFER DECILLIS PUBLISHER One of my absolute favorite beauty treatments is a facial— cleansing, resurfacing, refreshing—I’ll take them all! But when I can’t get to a professional, an at-home mask is my go-to. Right now, I love the MASKTINI Twilight Zone Tahitian Detox Mask. Made with purifying bamboo charcoal, polishing black pearl, and hydrating botanicals, it draws out impurities, gently resurfaces, and restores moisture—a must-have for my dry, sensitive skin. For a face that literally glows, give this “black magic” a try! Masktini.com
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BELLA boss
Boss
BELLA
7bosses BELLA we admire By Janene Mascarella
Running a thriving business takes drive, determination, and a whole lot of hustle! We’re spotlighting seven savvy entrepreneurs whose immense success proves how a little belief and a big leap of faith can land you a leading role in your own life. Looking to recalibrate your career path? Let their accomplishments be your compass.
48
JOY M.
Hutton
Houston, TX ON THE GO GLAM FOUNDER onthegoGLAM.com MY BUSINESS: on the go
GLAM is an on-demand platform that delivers beauty services to men and women in the comfort of their home, office, or hotel. Although we are a consumer-facing platform, it is also important for us to show our providers they are valued through training and development and various incentives.
Photography by Nick Williams Creative
IN THE BEGINNING: In
November 2016, I was attending an event in LA and I wanted my makeup done. It was 7 in the morning and I did not have any options because everything was closed. I thought to myself, “Wouldn’t it be great if there were an app where I could book an artist to come to my hotel?” This is when on the go GLAM was born. Prior to starting on the go GLAM I was running my first business, Joy of Consulting, a management consulting firm that helps institutions with their organizational structure.
MOST REWARDING:
DEFINING BEAUTY:
Beauty is embracing what’s on the inside and exuding those traits on the outside through confidence, strength, power, and sensuality.
Photography by Angela Depusoir-Brickley
I love to see others win! A large part of why I am so passionate about on the go GLAM is not only helping consumers reclaim their time, but developing a strong workforce of beauty professionals. My goal is to give them the tools they need to be successful.
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BELLA boss
ELYSSA (LYSS)
Stern
New York, NY DIVA MOMS FOUNDER, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, AND “MOM-PRENEUR” DivaMoms.com, Kadoodle.Kids.com, ChamamaNYC.com MY BUSINESS: Diva Moms is a multi-platform marketing company
that connects brands to a specific type of mom: professional, socially aware, sophisticated, and family oriented. I’ve built a network of incredible mothers from all around the world through social, email, events and traditional media. Kadoodle Kids is a venture launched last year with two friends, Pam Mandell and Jodi Okun, that makes educational, tactile activities for kids to inspire their imagination and creativity in a time when digital connection is removing those ever-important development opportunities. We’ve started with a design kit for kids that lets children design their own masks, dolls, and stuffed animals. I’m about to debut Chamama, a more “grown-up” gift box people can send to loved ones and friends suffering illness during the pandemic with my COVID doula Liza Maltz. The boxes come with items like teas, CBD oil, dream water, candles, bath products, and other products to make anyone battling sickness smile—we call it a “hug in a box.” I also started a mom’s-time-out/off-the-grid retreat business with Wendy Siegel for busy moms who need to escape for a weekend to recharge their batteries.
IN THE BEGINNING: I’ve always been someone who can
identify the needs and wants for people like me, find niches in the marketplace, and create communities and companies that fill the void. Diva Moms was born out of a lack of reasonable, sensible forms for women dealing with children and family to stay true to themselves. It started out as a forum for women to share their experiences and honest, uplifting, and useful advice and perspectives. That evolved into a marketing company that connected brands to this audience. MOST REWARDING: So many! First and foremost, it’s
knowing I’m filling needs in people’s lives with the products and programs I’ve designed. It’s knowing that parents can give their kids something fun and imaginative to do during the pandemic that is not on a screen, as well as knowing I’ve created a way for people to send thoughtful, curated gifts to friends and family members struggling with illness. It’s also knowing I’ve built a way for women to join a community where they can give and receive honest and real advice and inspiring messages and support. Finally, it’s giving my kids a living example of entrepreneurship. I want them to see that if you use your mind, effort, and passion, you can do anything. DEFINING BEAUTY: Seeing the good and potential in others,
and thinking beyond yourself! 50
SABINA
Hitchen
Portland, ME PRESS FOR SUCCESS FOUNDER AND CEO PressforSuccess.com
MY BUSINESS: At PressforSuccess.com we give small
business owners, entrepreneurs, experts, authors, and coaches access to publicity education, tools, and resources—all online and for under $40/month—so they can get press for their businesses and themselves strategically, efficiently, and confidently. We educate and empower them to get in the news, build buzz, and leverage that into business growth and sales. IN THE BEGINNING: You can be the best at what you
do—the best graphic designer a yoga instructor, cupcake maker, accountant, fashion designer, you name it! But if nobody knows your business exists or why they should choose you instead of your competition, you simply will not thrive or even survive as a business owner these days. So, how do you figure out publicity and marketing when you’re not trained in that space? That’s why I created this online platform—because there was no resource or easy way for a business owner to get publicity unless they were hiring a PR agency (which is fantastic if you have the budget) or they are simply Googling it. I knew there had to be a better way, so I created it. In a way, this path feels preordained. Just like BELLA’s Editorin-Chief Vanessa Coppes, I used to be an educator and actually
Photography by Ana Gambuto
designed education curriculum for high school students. I then moved to New York City on a whim and in my New York chapter, I worked in publicity and eventually opened a PR agency. The evolution to making publicity accessible and educating entrepreneurs on how to do it just felt really natural and meant to be! MOST REWARDING: Seeing the way the press our students have
been able to attain has changed their businesses and their lives. At this point, we’ve had over 4,000 business owners download our classes, and many of those have resulted in press success. Seeing those things happen lights me up every time. Knowing they now know how to do something tremendously important for their business is exciting to be a part of! DEFINING BEAUTY: Glowing from the inside out because you
know you are special, unique, and purpose-filled, and you love yourself for it—all of you. It’s all part of the same vessel. Women who love themselves and honor their value—who celebrate every part of their body and love it—they truly do glow with a special kind of beauty! 51
BELLA BELLAboss boss
AMINAH
Sagoe
New York, NY EMMAUS BEAUTY CEO AND FOUNDER EmmausBeauty.com MY BUSINESS: Emmaus is a woman- and Black-
owned skincare company dedicated to celebrating all skin types and complexions, and is committed to using professional quality, high-performance, and effective ingredients designed to improve the skin. All products are proudly made in the USA. IN THE BEGINNING: I worked as a financial
analyst prior to entering the world of beauty, but skincare has always been my passion. When my friends were spending money on clothes and makeup, I was spending money on skincare. As much as I loved skincare, I didn’t think I would actually own a skincare company, but I started to consider it when I realized how difficult it was to find clean and effective, yet affordable products. Long story short, Emmaus was born.
MOST REWARDING: I have dealt with a lot of skin issues in the past, and
I know what it did to my self-esteem. I find it rewarding being able to help women (and men) achieve clear and healthy skin they are comfortable in. DEFINING BEAUTY: Beauty has nothing to do with physical appearance.
Beauty is within, and that which is within flows out for all to see. I would define beauty as kindness to all humanity. 52
EUNICE E. MD, MPH
Park
Syosset, NY AIREM FOUNDER AND CEO Airem.com
MY BUSINESS: AIREM is named after the Korean word for
beauty. The brand is based on the concept of “gwallee”—a centuriesold Korean principle of maintaining a self-care regimen that helps us take care of our wellness and beauty with purpose and intention. AIREM offers medical-grade skincare, aesthetic treatments, beauty retreats, and aesthetic surgery in a brand new state-of-the-art facility designed to balance the Eastern and Western principles of beauty. OUR MISSION: Nurture your spirit. Renew your beauty.
Empower your confidence. Inspired by the benefits of Western medicine and the principles of Korean beauty, AIREM aims to make you feel good so you can find your great. IN THE BEGINNING: After years of surgical training, practicing
in a traditional medical practice, and becoming a surgical partner in one of the largest group practices in the northeast, I realized what I had worked so hard to achieve was no longer exactly what I wanted. I envisioned creating a practice that offered the best of Western and Eastern aesthetic beauty treatments in an environment that nurtured timeless self-care rituals in a collective beauty experience. Navigating the construction and launch of AIREM in November of 2020 during the COVID pandemic was one of the most difficult and challenging experiences of my life. It pushed me to grow and develop as a leader. I learned that even the best laid plans can falter. In this new pandemic environment, working toward our goal required flexibility with limited resources and creativity in achieving our milestones.
Once we opened our doors, the outpouring of support was overwhelming. Visitors to AIREM felt transported to a calm, soothing, and nurturing environment that prioritized their well-being. It has been a special experience sharing my vision of beauty and self-care with our community. MOST REWARDING: The most rewarding aspect
of what I do is to help guide physical and emotional transformations. Whether it is a patient seeking balance and restoration after facial skin cancer treatment, a mother looking for a moment of self-care and rejuvenation, or someone seeking advice on taking the next steps in their aesthetic journey, as a facial plastic surgeon, I can offer the full range of non-surgical to surgical treatments that can be customized and tailored to each individual’s needs. DEFINING BEAUTY: Beauty is portraying the best
version of ourselves. It comes with the acceptance of our greatest features and our flaws.
Photography by Mark Weinberg
53
BELLA boss
Guanche
ANNA MD, FAAD
Calabasas, CA BELLA SKIN INSTITUTE FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR BellaSkinInstitute.com MY BUSINESS: At Bella Skin Institute, we specialize in cosmetic dermatology
and anti-aging beauty enhancements utilizing state-of-the-art skin rejuvenation procedures, laser surgery, and injectables. We also take care of medical conditions and diseases of the skin. I understand there is a constant need for learning and growth in the field, so I’m always seeking methods to improve care for our valued patients, meet their needs, and give them “next level results” with minimal down-time. My company is full of powerful women who all work together to serve our patients, from teens to CEOs, to moms. We cater to everyone and make sure they feel seen, heard, and taken care of. IN THE BEGINNING: Before opening up Bella Skin Institute, I was working
at a private practice in Thousand Oaks. I enjoyed my time there, I learned a lot, and I loved the patients. However, I wanted a practice of my own, where I could choose what procedures we offer and design the look and feel of the place from scratch. I also wanted to be very close to home when my children were young. Indeed, the practice was set up within five minutes of where we lived at the time. This reduced my commute and wasting time in LA traffic.
MOST REWARDING: It’s building connections with my patients
and helping them to look and feel their most radiant! It is truly an honor and a blessing to increase my patients’ self confidence and help them feel as good on the outside as they do on the inside. My work is about exchanging energy, lifting people up, encouraging, and inspiring. Imperfections that people focus on tend to cause them to feel diminished. When these are removed or improved, people feel confident and empowered. DEFINING BEAUTY: As Audrey Hepburn said, “Beauty is being
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the best possible version of yourself, both inside and out.” Beauty is a set of alluring features—yes—but it is so much more than that. It is the energy, aura, smile, and eye contact. It is confidence. So many times throughout my day I realize that I am not adding to beauty as much as I am unleashing inhibitions caused by insecurity and shame. When one is ashamed of themselves—because of acne or excess hair or a distracting mole, or because they feel “old”— they do not allow their energy, smile, poise, and confidence to shine through. I am only allowing people to reveal their best selves. Beauty is confidence.
ELIZABETH
Santiago
Brooklyn, NY CELEBRITAY NEW YORK, INC. CEO AND HEAD SKINCARE CHEMIST CeleBritAy.com
MY BUSINESS: We offer s ustainable and environmentally
friendly skincare formulations and health and wellness coaching services that promote self-love and a time for yourself experience. IN THE BEGINNING: Before becoming an entrepreneur, I was
Daphne Youree,
in college pursuing a science degree in chemistry and biology and continued my education in pediatrics. I had two amazing little girls and was married at the time. Around 1995, I discovered melt and pour soap-making. At first, it was just something fun for me to do. I researched the ingredients on the soap labels and was horrified to learn how toxic most of them were. I decided to learn how to make soap from scratch and nourish them with herbs that I extensively researched and scented them with essential oil. I started sharing my soap creations with people and they would come back asking me if my soap had some sort of medicine because they instantaneously felt relief from their skin ailments like dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, etc.
Photography by Daphne Youree, Daphne Youree Photography Hair and makeup by Tina Megan Solano, AllTellaroEverything.com Dress by Cenia New York, CeniaNewYork.com
In 1998, I became a part-time solo entrepreneur. We got pregnant with our third child in 2002 and something told me I needed to pursue a different career. I remembered how people felt about my handmade soaps and the incredible feeling I had hearing them say that about something I created from love. Helping them live a happier life made me immediately realie what I had to do—finish my BS degree in botany. I developed a formula with sustainable and eco-friendly healing botanicals and superfoods, and CeleBritAy New York, Inc. was born. MOST REWARDING: That we are a beauty company that
offers both sustainable green skincare products and health and wellness coaching services to help people achieve the radiant skin and lifestyle they want and deserve. DEFINING BEAUTY: It’s something that you are proud of,
flaws and all.
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The bright side
home & life
A touch of bright and lively color can instantly uplift and transform both your spirit and your space! Here are 10 splashy ways to add some unexpected vibrance to your life... By Janene Mascarella
SAGE IS THE RAGE
Whether you want to jam out with your besties or partake in a pajama dance session (party of one!), you can turn up the music in style with Nest Audio. From Boyz II Men to Ariana Grande, the clear audio will adapt to your environment and whatever you’re listening to. You can control your smart home by saying “Hey Google, turn on the lights,” and more. You’ll feel good about having this product in your home as it’s made from 70% recycled plastic. $99.99, Target
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Send someone a colorful and whimsical earth-friendly flower bouquet with FreshCut Paper™, an innovative environmental option to cultivated flowers or a traditional greeting card, offering beautiful, life-sized, pop-up paper flower bouquets. While fresh flowers may be irreplaceable for the most special of occasions, these enduring flower designs add color to a room and a smile to a special someone’s face every day and mail with just three Forever stamps.
$10 - $12, FreshCutPaper.com
ELEVATED SPIRITS
A fun and fresh twist, Kinky Beverages is a line of fruit fusion vodka liqueurs, perfect for brightening up your cocktails this season. Each flavor brings a different experience, from welcoming the unexpected with the original Kinky Pink (mango, blood orange, and passion fruit), to escaping the everyday with Kinky Aloha (coconut, pineapple, and lime). The liqueurs are perfect for mixing up refreshing drinks. Simply add to your favorite cocktails or mix with soda or sparkling water for a burst of color and fruit flavor. $19.99, KinkyBeverages.com 56
CLEAR THE WAY
Take the guesswork out of the equation when you're on the move. The Stoney Clover Classic Clear Mirror Open Top Pouch features a mirror on the inside, making this a necessity for every beauty guru on the go and allowing you to apply makeup no matter where you are. The top can easily be zipped open or closed to access all of your goodies, and this pouch is perfect for all of your cosmetics and hair products. $88, StoneyCloverlane.com
MAIN SQUEEZE
Shelled in a retro-chic casing and available in pink, mint green, or white, the HP Slow Juicer has a small footprint that won’t take up too much counter space. While it’s perfect for all your personal juicing needs, don’t be fooled—the juicer can also yield up to 10 batches of cold-pressed juice in just a few minutes and create nutritious nut milks, tofu, sorbets, and more. $379, Hurom.com
THE "WRITE" STUFF
With its unique and vivid color, this Pink Nebula Bullet Space Pen is sure to shine just as brightly whenever you put it to use. Cited as an outstanding example of industrial art, the classic design of the Fisher Bullet Pen has been exhibited for years in the New York Museum of Modern Art. The Bullet's timeless styling has been the topic of many art books and magazine articles. It comes in vibrant colors, each named for planets or space phenomena.
$31, SpacePen.com
$4200-$6400, ElmiraStoveWorks.com
PRETTY IN PINK
Having a small backyard soiree? Pioneer Woman Amelia Rose Tea Goblet 4-Piece Set is a great way to freshen up your drinkware collection this season. The pink-colored glass stands out on any table with vintage-inspired embossed designs for a touch of classic charm. Made from heavy, durable glass, this is the ultimate set for serving up mojitos, iced tea, or whatever refreshing drink you like best!
$15.75, Walmart.com
CAN-DO ATTITUDE
The beautifully bright, colorful, and vibrant cans of Elements adaptogenic functional beverages—canned drinks containing clinically effective doses of adaptogens in each can—offer a delicious, easy, and affordable way to add adaptogens to your daily routine and help regulate the body’s stress response. Try the “Vitality,” a zesty ginger orange that helps jumpstart your day or give you that pre-workout boost with ginseng, rhodiola, and B6. $3.49 per 11.5-ounce can, CVS
PEONY UP
A beautiful scent can be instantly transforming! This DW Home Petals Candle truly smells like a sparkling, sunny blend of dew-covered peony illuminated by crisp notes of garden rose, sugared fresia, and bright marigold. It comes in a medium single wick, large double wick, and a wooden wick candle—the largest size burns for approximately 56 hours! $5 -$18, DWHome.com
Photogprahy courtesy of Elmira Stove Works
RETRO COOL
Elmira Stove Works has added a new collection to its Northstar line of premium retro-inspired appliances, showcasing vibrant pops of color and chrome accents. The Color Splash Collection features a palette of expressive and upbeat colors that evoke optimism and an eagerness for a brighter future. Green Scene is a refreshing and renewing green that exudes hope and an intrinsic connection to nature, and it's poised to give your kitchen an ultra-cool look.
sophisticated spaces | non-members-only
Just in time for rooftop weather,
THE SENTRY FLATIRON opens 18 floors above New York City By Jennifer DeCillis Photography by Rachel Vanni
The Sentry, located atop the iconic American Copper Buildings, is an amenity-driven social club made for those who move, make, create, and shake things up a bit. While The Sentry members can enjoy exclusive benefits, nonmembers can now experience a location open to the public as well—The Sentry Flatiron. Perched above Hotel Henri, The Sentry Flatiron is the ideal rooftop scene for balmy springtime weather, expertly made cocktails, and premium bites overlooking the city. With 18th floor views, the space is inspired by more retro times and designed to ignite nostalgia of summers past, while breathing fresh air yearround into what’s often a stuffy New York City membership club scene. “We wanted to open a follow-up venue to our members-only Sentry Rooftop without its extra layer of exclusivity,” explains co-owner Tom Rowse. “The Sentry Flatiron serves not only the members of The Sentry rooftop, but anyone throughout New York who appreciates stepping out and enjoying the space as a cozy fall and winter oasis, or as a breezy, open-air escape in summer. It’s the ultimate destination for cocktailing, 365 days a year.”
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sophisticated spaces | non-members-only Concept + Design
Parched Hospitality Group partnered with Hotel Henri on this new endeavor. The Sentry’s first public space will allow access for members of the exclusive pool and social club during daytime hours and will open up to the public at night. Its penthouse location allows for city views and boasts a cocktail list carefully crafted by expert mixologists. This intimate penthouse bar is filled with cozy nooks perfect for your home-away-from-home night out. The design is chic and stylish, with a touch of mid-century charm.
Owner
Parched Hospitality Group CEO Barry Dry was born in Perth, Australia, and studied at Notre Dame University. After moving to New York City in 2011 to pursue a career in finance, Barry soon realized that hospitality was his true passion, so he left the financial world behind and opened his first coffee shop in 2014 called Hole in the Wall. Since then, he and business partner, Tom Rowse, have gone on to open an additional four Hole In The Wall venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn, a delivery-only concept called Ghost Burger, and the aforementioned Sentry Members Rooftop in Murray Hill. They’re now gearing up to open their latest venue, Isla by Bryant Park, in midtown, a modern New York brasserie with Australian influences set to open in early June.
Executive Chef
Executive Chef Brent Hudson is renowned for his Australian style of cooking with Asian influences, and will serve elevated small plates at The Sentry Flatiron. Brent is the son of two chefs who helped him launch his career during his teenage years, when working as a kitchen hand at a busy beach cafe in his hometown of Wollongong, Australia. He’s since worked his way through the ranks of several award-winning restaurants, from apprentice to head chef, to opening and developing kitchens of his own. A life-changing trip to the United States in 2015 sparked a newfound passion for American-style cuisine. A few years later he made America his home and is now executive chef of all three Hole in the Wall locations in NYC.
Food
The Sentry Flatiron will feature a menu of carefully curated small plates that pair beautifully with the drinks in this city oasis. Menu highlights include Impossible Sausage Rolls made with smoked beetroot relish, Crispy Pork with chili paste, fried shallots, tamarind, and fish sauce caramel. The chef has also created a Salt and Pepper Squid with fried curry leaves, limes, and a Kewpie mayonnaise. 60
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sophisticated spaces | non-members-only Lead Mixologists
Gates Otsuji and Jeremy Ortiz are the duo behind Controlled Substances, the beverage consulting group behind some of New York’s most engaging cocktail programs. Together, they’ve helped bring the bar to life for The Standard, Veronika, Il Fiorista, and 701West at The Edition. They believe in creativity, innovation, and fun and that the most important drink is the one you’d like right now.
Beverages
The Sentry Flatiron has an extensive list of cocktails, wine, beer, and cider alongside a vast tequila offering and 30 whiskeys. The beautiful cocktail and beverage program includes A Little Night Music featuring blanc de blancs bubbles with Cardamaro, Amontillado sherry, and banana liqueur served in a coupe with a single cube, as well as The Sentry Margarita with tequila, lime, Cardamom, Licor 43, and jalapeno tincture, just to name a few.
Schedule
• Thursday through Saturday, 5pm to 11pm, extending to Wednesday-Sunday in summer • Live music is available on Fridays from 6pm to closing • Summer entertainment may include a DJ on Sunday afternoons for Sentry Summer Sessions
TheSentryNYC.com/sentry-flatiron TheSentryNYC 62
JV
getting to know
ames
incent
Bringing his passion for education, opportunity, and equality to the beauty industry By Alexandra Anastasio
Photography by VITAL AGIBALOW for HENSEL Makeup by Lauren Vena
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W getting to know
ith a passion for education and giving back through the work he does, makeup artist, educator, business owner, and activist, James Vincent, has crafted his life in a way that allows him to help others. He is on a mission toward opportunity and equality, whether that’s within the beauty industry, in which he has been making his mark for the past 20+ years, or through his allyship with charities and organizations close to his heart. “Hopefully, my legacy will be helping someone figure out their dreams,” says James. “That’s the thing I love most about what I do.” As a quiet boy growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, it wasn’t until James began doing community outreach and working with skin care and makeup for The Body Shop that he felt like he had finally found his tribe. “All of a sudden the things that made me weird or awkward in other communities, the makeup community embraced,” James recalls. Today he works with organizations like The Makeup Show and The Powder Group, as well as artists and brands at all levels of the industry, in hopes of elevating and educating others while creating a space for inclusion and representation. Together with his husband, Jeremy, he runs a company called Rebels and Outlaws, which focuses on the use of candles and fragrances to help people bring a sense of energy to their workspace, wherever that may be. BELLA sat down with the talented artist for a deeper dive into his life within the beauty industry along with his steadfast commitment to community and social activism.
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What led you to a career in beauty?
I grew up in a great family—very large, very loud Catholic—that was blue collar in its ideologies and very work-oriented; there wasn’t a lot of glamour. There was also a lot of diversity in my family, which I didn’t see on TV and anything that felt glamorous I was drawn to. I loved the idea of giving back and being active in a community, and as I became more aware of what the world was like, the idea of being part of the community and having a job that made some impact was my motivator. When I came into the beauty industry, there wasn’t a lot of representation or inclusion; people were afraid of sharing information. I wanted to create a space where it was more about community than completion and where education and access are available for people who don’t come from privilege.
How did you actually get started?
As a teenager I didn’t talk a lot—I was really quiet—but I became a part of CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) and they hosted a haunted house where I would do the character makeup, and that gave me a taste for it. It wasn’t until college, when Anita Roddick, who created The Body Shop, came in and spoke to our class, that I started working with the company. From there, I found my tribe. A headhunter for MAC Cosmetics then found me, and at the time it was a new brand—a whole new world, really—all ages, races, sexes, everything I wanted makeup to be. I didn’t even finish my master’s degree; I started doing makeup.
When creating, where do you find your inspiration?
My first sense of inspiration is the person in front of me—bringing them forward. My makeup isn’t about hiding or covering, it’s about celebrating the person and the face; that’s where I start my inspiration. As far as inspiration overall, aesthetically, music plays a big part. I look to the elements of art, line, texture, color, form, and the world around me. I love culture, meeting new people, and hearing their stories. There’s also a rock and roll element to what I do. I love street style, new movements from the models of the 60’s to the LA punk scene of the 70’s to the CBGB scene of New York City. I like to see what’s happening with creators and take that into my inspiration.
As the director of education and artistry for The Makeup Show, how are you helping to elevate artists?
The Makeup Show is the largest pro makeup event in the U.S. for those in the beauty industry. The show was created 17 years ago by Shelly Taggar to bring education and artistry to the forefront at a time when that wasn’t happening. Artists at every level can learn from masters in the industry; it’s a place for inspiration. It’s also a place for amplification: We want to celebrate new talent and make sure we are giving people opportunities. The Makeup Show has worked to decolonize beauty by focusing on female-owned brands, queer-owned brands, and brands by artists of color. It’s important to us that we bring a global face to beauty. We want to talk about what’s now and what’s next, not what was.
Can you talk a bit about The Powder Group, another strong organization you’re a part of that celebrates artists and brands?
Created by Michael DeVellis 18 years ago, it was the really the first program to look at makeup education. They put together different programs and events where artists could come together and learn. Michael is the OG in creating makeup events and education and is a great mentor for so many people.
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getting to know As a passionate advocate, how have you been using your voice to bring awareness to social causes?
Would you say the industry has made great strides when it comes to inclusivity, or is there more work to do?
My company, Rebels and Outlaws, makes candles and conjurings to help people protect their space, but we’re also an active grassroots organization out in the streets at rallies and protests, marching for causes we believe in. Both my husband and I donate both personally, as well as from the products we develop. We have a new candle called “Faith,” and 20% goes to Sloane Kettering Memorial Hospital for female cancer research and support.
My hope is that Black Lives Matter and all of the support for the AAPI communities will help our Latin communities step forward and demand equal representation. The Latin community is global and such an important community for beauty, but it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Indigenous beauty from so many countries is appropriated so often for fashion shoots, but we don’t see that represented in the faces on magazines.
I think allyship has to be multi-tiered and involvement has to be multi-sectional, so what I try and do is look at what I have available and how I can use it to support the people and causes I believe in.
We also do fundraisers for organizations like the Trans Beauty Clinic and Hetrick-Martin to raise money and awareness. Another one of my favorites is the Lower East Side Girls Club. There are many different things people can do to give back. If you don’t have the money, give your time; if you can’t buy a friend’s product, talk them up. It doesn’t always have to be major actions, sometimes it’s small moments of mindfulness that make major changes in the world.
Beauty can be empowering and powerful and a great way to unify, but then you see the business side of it and people think the industry is toxic. I think it needs more people working from the inside and outside to demand change until everyone feels they have their seat at the table.
As we enter into a new season, what looks are you excited to create?
How are you bringing representation to the forefront of the beauty industry? With The Makeup Show, we have a lot of different programs; one is called “Girl Interrupting.” It looks at how we can build female bosses within the industry. We also have a session called, “We Need to Have a Conversation.” It’s a panel of artists who share real opinions and experiences.
Any community we go into, we do three to five days of mentorship in beauty schools, trade schools, tech schools, and we bring in artists and education—not just for makeup but for career, marketing, and social media—to try and give them a leg up in addition to what they’re learning to pass their state boards. The Powder Group also does a scholarship every year, the Kelly Gleason Scholarship, named after the former president of our union who passed away. The biggest thing with inclusion and representation is that we’ve been told our whole lives that there is no space for us. I’ve spent my career creating events, opportunities, and experiences that feel safe for people who have never felt included in the conversation; these are the things I hope make an impact.
JVincentMakeup •
As an optimist, I would say yes, it’s much better than it was for many people. I think we have come further from the days of seeing a lack of diversity of beauty, but I think there is always more we can do.
I’m finding makeup exciting right now. Even with vaccines, people are going to be wearing masks so the focus is on individuality and on the eyes. Liners and bold shapes, colors, and a return to mind metals. Gold, bronze, and silver work so well with the skin, and as complexion starts to return to looking more like skin, these shades work so well. The smoky eye is back every season and works for everyone. The return to the 90’s grunge is coming back, along with a vampy lip and smudgy eye. Another trend is wearable product—because we are behind the mask, we need product that is lasting—so wearability and durability are key right now.
What new projects are you working on?
The Makeup Show has a new mentorship program called, iArtist, where we’re helping individual artists define their career for themselves, putting together the tools and the network for them to get there. And Rebels and Outlaws is launching new products to help people set intention and stay focused.
What imprint do you hope to leave on the industry?
I hope I make it a kinder industry, more community driven, and one that allows people to find their own place and make their own space…an industry where opportunity is based on talent and not on who you know, along with being a fun industry that is also mindful and manages to make people feel included.
RebelsAndOutlaws • TheMakeupShow • ThePowderGroup
RebelsAndOutlaws.com
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up close & personal
70
J
amie Kern
Lima
All things are possible if you “believe it”
By Alexandra Anastasio
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F
up close & personal
As the co-founder of IT Cosmetics (alongside her husband Paulo), one of the largest beauty brands in the world, and now a New York Times best-selling author, the self-made entrepreneur’s road to success was filled with struggle and lack of belief from the many people she met along the way. But Jamie placed faith over fear, trusted her own intuition, and believed deep down in taking on her biggest life challenge as she let go of one dream to pursue another. IT Cosmetics was born out of a strong desire to not only help find a solution for her own skin condition (Jamie had developed rosacea), but to also flip the industry’s perception of beauty and showcase “real” women, not the flawless, airbrushed ads that dominated the space. In Jamie’s search for makeup that would withstand the hot HD lights of television, she continuously came up empty-handed. This led her to take the biggest leap of faith, not only starting from nothing in her living room, but also challenging the beauty industry in daring to be different. “As I was sitting there in my dream job, I kept having this gut feeling if I could figure out how to make a product that worked for me, it would help a ton of people,” Jamie explains. “I realized there was a big need to shift culture around beauty in general.” From the inspiring words in her new book, “Believe It,” to the powerful quotes and affirmations that have helped her during some of the toughest of times, BELLA spoke with Jamie about her journey and the ways in which she has left her imprint on the beauty industry. She is as sweet as she is successful, and you can’t help but feel empowered and inspired by her. Listen in…
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Before launching IT Cosmetics you were a news reporter, a job you loved. How difficult was it to step away from one dream to chase another?
I think we’re in this culture where everyone is like, “don’t quit,” like as if that is the victory, or the only way to have success is to never quit. I think that’s only true as long as you’re able to get still and hear your own knowing, and if it tells you you’re doing what you’re supposed to then even when it’s hard, I think that’s the victory—to not give up. I always knew I wanted to have a talk show where I would interview people and share their stories with the world. I thought it was my dream job, but then I went through this moment where I got rosacea and learned there was no cure for it. After trying all of the makeup lines out there, from the most inexpensive to expensive, nothing worked and I got the idea for IT. I thought I was in this season of setback in my life, but it ended up being a set-up of what I was to do next.
You talk candidly about these setbacks in your new book. While your belief in what you were creating was strong, were there times you questioned whether to keep going?
Yes, a lot of times!. Our self-doubt can get so loud, and in my case, the lack of proof that this was a good idea—we had no sales or experts saying, ‘We think you’ll make money…come into our stores.’ When the experts you trust and put on a pedestal don’t see the potential in your ideas, that can get really loud in your own head in terms of self-doubt. It can make you want to quit. To the people who say, ‘What do I do? My dream isn’t working…do I keep going?’ know why you’re doing what you’re doing, and make sure it’s bigger than yourself. If people want to keep going when times get tough, they need to learn how to hear their own intuition. If it tells them they’re supposed to be doing what they’re doing, then they need to listen to and trust themselves over other people’s opinions and over the lack of proof of success around them. Had I not done those two things, I would have given up a million times.
How did you handle not having people believe in you when you were trying to figure out how to believe in yourself ?
It’s hard to believe in yourself when you feel like no one else does. A lot of people don’t know how to hear their own gut anymore, which is the most important thing for anyone to do.
Photography by Sarah Witt
rom her early days as a waitress at Denny’s, to time spent as an on-air reporter, Jamie Kern Lima knew from the time she was 11 years old that, like Oprah—a woman she has always looked up to—she was destined for greatness. What she didn’t know was the wild ride she’d embark on to get there.
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up close & personal Here’s an example…a couple years into IT Cosmetics I thought a potential investor was going to be life-changing; they loved our product. We had meeting after meeting, and when my husband and I flew in for the final one, I thought they were going to invest. I remember the moment when the head guy said, “Congratulations, your product is amazing. We wish you all the best, but it’s a no— we’re going to pass on investing.”
company for almost nothing. Because he didn’t believe in me, by the time we sold to L’Oréal, we were still the largest shareholders. Thank God the first investor didn’t believe in me—rejection is protection!
At that point I was so used to hearing no, so I asked why. He looked at me and said, “I just don’t think women will buy makeup from someone who looks like you with your body and your weight.” I remember feeling like my fear was staring back at me—a lifetime of body doubt. I never got mad at him, but what I do remember was this feeling in my gut that he’s wrong.
The biggest reason I wrote “Believe It” is to share all of the “stuff ” in hopes that with this idea—with all of us together—we really do all rise higher. I talk about how my victory is her victory, and her victory is your victory…I believe it in every fiber of my being. If we don’t share the stories behind the stories, people will feel alone and embarrassed about the rejections they’re going through. My hope is that people go on that journey with me.
In your book you talk about having a toolbox to pull from when you get knocked down. What tools have served as invaluable resources?
For me it’s words of wisdom or quotes that I go back to the most. I will save stories of underdogs turned triumph. The Apple commercial Steve Jobs voicedover, “The Crazy Ones,” ends by saying, “The people who are crazy enough to believe they can change the world are the ones who do.” I watch it any time I am taking a risk I know is the right thing. One of my favorite quotes of all time is, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” So many of us, especially women, have ‘Imposter Syndrome’—we feel we’re unqualified. These famous words, which I talk about in the book, I always call on them. Another big one in my toolbox is a famous quote, “Rejection is God’s protection.” An example of that is when I heard from the investor six years later. He was kind and said he was wrong. And I learned it would have been the most successful investment in his firm’s history had we done it. If that dude believed in me back then, I was so desperate I would have given him the majority of the 74
The day you wiped off your makeup on QVC to illustrate how your product worked was a game-changer for the industry. As you begin a new chapter in your journey, what imprint have you left on the beauty industry?
When we finally got that 10-minute chance, I had this idea of showing real people as models. At the time, it wasn’t being done anywhere. I had people tell me women will only buy products from images of beauty they could never look like; it has to be ‘unattainable aspiration’ was Photography by Sarah Witt the word they always used. I understood it had always been done that way but because I went through that setback in my life, I realized every person out there probably feels like they’ve never seen someone who looks like them showing a product that works. I look around the beauty industry and see how common it is to use real people of every age, shape, size, skin tone, gender identity, and skin challenge now, and I’m so proud of that. I think there is still a long way to go, especially globally, but I hope I played some small part in that.
{
BelieveIt.com JamieKernLima
}
JamieKernLimaPage
Photography by Sarah Witt
I remember many times within that six-year window when his words would come back in my head, and I had to intentionally remember the feeling in my gut that he was wrong or I would be tempted to think, ‘If he doesn’t believe in me, maybe I am wrong.’ It was a situation of learning how to turn down the volume of other people’s lack of belief in me and turn up the volume of my own.
First with IT Cosmetics and now with “Believe IT,” you’ve created another outlet to help and inspire others. Was that part of why you wrote the book?
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arts + culture | inclusion
MAKEUP for
EVERYONE By Jonathan Calixto
W
ith historians tracing makeup and cosmetics back to 4,000 BC and the ancient Egyptians, no one could imagine that in 2021 the industry would be worth billions of dollars. According to Statista, in 2020 the beauty industry was worth $49.2 billion, and while its popularity grew, the reality is that the evolving concept of beauty was not always so inclusive. One brand, We Are Fluide, was created on the basis of supporting the young voices that are defying cultural expectations and gender norms. As CoFounder Laura Kraber shares, “the genesis of the brand and the company is my personal admiration for the people who are putting their lives on the line to create this societal shift and create a more inclusive world.” In 2018, We Are Fluide entered a very competitive space because, as Laura explains, it was about time people of all gender expressions and identities could be part of fashion and beauty campaigns. “For so long, makeup has been perceived as an instrument of an outdated and patriarchal beauty ideal,” Laura explains, adding that this idea of women wearing makeup to improve themselves set a traditionally white, cis female beauty standard. What Laura is creating through We Are Fluide is “the potential for makeup to be empowering for all people, rather than a representation of all the ways you don’t measure up.”
We have donated to a number of LGBTQ+ advocacy and nonprofit organizations since the company’s inception, and giving back is central to our brand mission. Recently, we have been donating a portion of sales from specific campaigns, which allows us to support a variety of initiatives and organizations. Recent donation partners include the Marsha P. Johnson Foundation, For the Gworls, the Black Excellence Collective, and the Black Trans Travel Fund. We have also been proud to support various LGBTQ+ campus organizations around the country through product donations and sponsorship since we launched in 2018.
On your website, you include your team’s pronouns, something we don’t see as often from other brands. Why is that important to you and the brand?
Including pronouns in bios and email signatures helps to avoid misgendering and also tells everyone that you are not going to assume gender. In our community, we don’t make assumptions about gender identity. We Are Fluide wants to create a healthy, safe space for our team, our audience, and our customers, so being clear about our pronouns is a first step.
Based in Brooklyn, NY, how did the past year of lockdown and COVID-19 affect your business?
It’s been a hard year for everyone, and we miss the pop-ups and events we did in 2018 and 2019, which connected us to our community and allowed us to demonstrate our products IRL. That said, as an e-commerce business, we’ve been fortunate to see online sales grow, as more and more customers are purchasing products online. We hope to continue to expand to retailers and to see that channel grow in 2021 and 2022.
Any upcoming launches you’d like to share?
Laura walks us through what it means to have a business in this new normal and empowering the LGBTQIA community as we celebrate PRIDE. 76
How does We are Fluide impact the LGBTQIA community?
Given mask-wearing, we’ve been focused on eye products, and we are so excited about our new Big Bang Mascara. Based on its popularity, we will be coming out with additional shades soon. We also launch our first 8-pan palette in June, and we’re looking forward to a holiday palette later in the year. We’re also debuting a few new shades of our 7-free polish shades this summer and fall, to keep our nails looking fresh and fun.
FluideBeauty #makeuptherules
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a novel idea
A bounty of books in
bloom
The pandemic might have slowed down publishing a bit last year, but we are rewarded this year with a bounty of books that will keep us reading happily all year long. Here are some of our favorites that we have added to our shelves. By Barbara Bellesi Zito
Big hair, don’t care:
1980S BOOKS FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME NOW: THE DURAN DURAN STORY STEPHEN DAVIS Hachette
An accomplished rock biographer, Stephen Davis has written books about Guns N’ Roses, Stevie Nicks, and Aerosmith, among others.
Duran Duran is arguably one of the biggest musical acts to come out of the 1980s. This biography chronicles the band’s epic rise from the British music scene to become headliners at Live Aid with fans throughout the world. With over 100 million albums sold to date—not to mention a new album and tour forthcoming—one can only imagine what it was like to ride the wave of their success. But now you don’t have to. Davis’ new book has exclusive interviews and never-beforeseen pictures that will delight long-time fans and create new ones as well. BRAT: AN ‘80s STORY ANDREW MCCARTHY Grand Central
Coming of age in the 1980s was hard enough. For Andrew McCarthy, it was even harder because he did it on screen. A key member of Hollywood’s illustrious young “Brat Pack,” he made his mark as a stellar actor and teen heartthrob. This memoir takes readers back to that magical yet turbulent time in his life and gives us a glimpse of the man behind the scenes. Andrew McCarthy is also an awardwinning travel journalist.
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OFFICE DRAMAS THAT WILL MAKE YOU APPRECIATE
working from home
THE OTHER BLACK GIRL ZAKIYA DALILA HARRIS Atria Books
This fierce debut is billed as a mashup between “Get Out” and “The Devil Wears Prada.”
Nella Rogers is a 26-year-old editorial assistant who is Wagner Books’ only Black employee. That is, until Hazel is hired and takes the cubicle next to hers. At first, Nella is thrilled to have an ally against the microaggressions of their ignorant coworkers. But as Hazel sees her star ascend in the office, Nella is alone again. Then the notes come. LEAVE WAGNER. NOW. It’s unimaginable the threat is coming from Hazel—or is it? Nella will have to act to save her career and perhaps even herself. IMPOSTER SYNDROME KATHY WANG Custom House This book begs the question: Is this what the American Dream is all about?
Julia Lerner is a leading Silicon Valley exec. She was recruited by a Russian intelligence agency early on in her computer career and has been feeding data to them ever since—but now they want more. Alice Lu is a Chinese American who is just starting out in her career at Julia’s company. Alice discovers a privacy breach on one of the company servers and realizes that Julia is likely to blame. Realizing she’s been discovered, Julia begins to wonder how much of her career she owes to the Russians and how much she can credit to her own skills and determination. This novel is both a satire of Silicon Valley politics and a riveting tale of foreign espionage.
warm your heart
MEMOIRS TO AND MAKE YOU
LOL
LILYVILLE: MOTHER, DAUGHTER, AND OTHER ROLES I’VE PLAYED TOVAH FELDSUH Hachette
Tovah Feldshuh is known for roles on the stage and screen, including the title role in “Golda’s Balcony,” Broadway’s longest-running onewoman show.
If you’re missing Broadway, Tovah Feldshuh’s memoir will feel like a warm embrace. The acclaimed actress takes readers along for an often bumpy ride through her life, from her Tony-nominated turn in “Yentl” to her life off stage as a daughter, mother, and woman. You’ll see what it was like for her to perform before countless audiences, as well as her struggle to play her biggest role without the help of a script—the daughter of Lily Feldshuh. SWING: A MEMOIR OF DOING IT ALL ASHLEIGH RENARD MW Books
Ashleigh’s hilarious advice on social runs the gamut from how to keep monogamy hot to how to get your kids to help out more around the house.
What happens when a do-it-all mom of three tries to save her marriage by going to a swinger’s club? She becomes the “world’s worst attempted swinger” and writes a memoir about it, of course. If you haven’t already met Ashleigh Renard on social media—she’s got over 2.5 million likes on TikTok alone—then you must pick up this book and get to know her. Like, really know her. Ashleigh dishes the dirt on how she pulled herself out of the downward spiral of her quest for perfection and how she successfully, “rehabbed a shabby marriage.”
INDIE AUTHOR
Spotlight
FINDING BEAUTY AND HOPE IN THE WORLD Denise Cesare gets choked up easily when she talks about her students. A speech pathologist from Staten Island, NY, she knows all too well how the pandemic has affected young people. Her book, “Moments in Motion with Love,” was inspired by her students and her desire to guide them through the stress they felt during the long months of the pandemic. Filled with inspiring words and accented by gorgeous watercolor images, the book helps children and their parents push past life’s stresses to find happiness and beauty in the world around us. Then again, finding silver linings is Denise’s specialty. Fifteen years ago, she was in a car accident that caused her to lose her voice. With therapy and an abundance of faith and determination, Denise made a full recovery. Her experience enabled her to live in the present and recognize the healing power of love. She hopes parents and children see the book as a celebration of life even in these difficult times. To say that Denise has a big heart is an understatement. When the book first came back from the publisher, her initial reaction was that her name was too large on the front cover. “It’s not about me,” she insists, “it’s about the children.” The mother of a college student, Denise knows the importance of protecting our children. “If we don’t secure their mental health and their social health,” she says, “then where’s our future?”
TONI COLLETTE TO DIRECT ADAPTATION OF LILY KING’S BESTSELLER
wood y l l o H A
er
n page-tur
A double celebration is in order! Lily King’s wonderful novel, “Writers and Lovers,” is getting the Hollywood treatment, giving Oscar-nominee Toni Collette the opportunity to make her directorial debut. King’s book tells the story of Casey, a 31-year-old woman struggling in the wake of both her mother’s untimely death and a failed romantic relationship. While her friends have given up on their creative pursuits for more “practical” lives, Casey works on her novel, but she is losing hope. When she develops feelings for two men who are as different as night and day, Casey finds she must make some difficult decisions if she ever wants to take the next step forward in her life as a woman and a writer. Collette will be adapting the screenplay with Nick Payne of “The Crown” fame, but there’s no word yet on casting. 79
tarotscopes
A
BELLA
Future LIES AHEAD… Beauty by (de)sign By Meghan Rose
Hello, astral babe! Welcome to the middle of Taurus season. During the season of beauty, we’re meeting under the Venusian influence of Taurus until May 20th and then swiftly switching into airy Gemini energy that lasts from May 21st until the 21st of June. Taurus and Gemini are nearly polar-opposite energies; Taurus asks us to be slow, comfortable, and sensual while Gemini is fast-paced, witty, and playful…and when these energies apply to beauty—and our perception of beauty—we’ll see clear distinctions around the way we look at the world, and how the world looks at us. During Taurus season, try to take your time getting ready and integrate pampering as a necessity rather than a luxury. Carve out time in the beginning of May to marinate in all five of your senses: Eat rich and delicious foods (slowly), listen to your favorite music while getting ready, sleep in and take a nap or two, light fragrant candles around your home. The first three weeks of May will be all about romanticizing your own life. When we switch into Gemini season on May 21st, you’ll feel an urge to multi-task, research, and get creative with your beauty routine! You may also feel called to go to new places to find creative inspiration such as COVIDsafe museums, art exhibits, and arts markets. Did someone say “sit at home and watch the Savage x Fenty fashion shows again”? Put on your best monochromatic outfit with an accent piece (a la cow-print purses) or settle the debate between a middle or side part. This is the time to step outside of your comfort zone and redefine the word beauty for yourself and others.
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Let’s see what the cards have to say. Read on for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs!
ARIES
QUEEN OF WANDS: The season of beauty is going to have all eyes on you, Aries babe. I can feel the heat radiating off of you from over here! Your confidence is going to attract more than just attention. Expect the unexpected when it comes to work, money, and love—you are unstoppable if you let yourself flow with this newfound momentum. Try to incorporate reds, oranges, and yellows to your wardrobe during May and June. It’s time to match your outfits with your inner flame, and watch the way your creativity and happiness multiply with this simple form of color therapy. I feel like there are patterns you’re trying to break at this time relating to daily habits. Spirit is pushing for you to step outside of your comfort zone. Take a workout class that’s new to you, try a recipe with ingredients you’ve never used before, and let go of your current numbing agent (social media scrolling, TV binging, or over-consumption of any kind is only going to dim your light). This is the month to glow-up and glow on!
TAURUS
THE STAR: Big changes are coming during your birthday season, Taurus! Of course, being ruled by Venus (the planet of beauty, love, and sex), there is nothing short of synchronicity with the focus being beauty, now during your solar season. Spirit is guiding you to keep your hopes up. If you’ve felt disconnected from yourself or others, that cycle is coming to a screeching halt in May. Try incorporating gold, glitter, and metals into your routine—this could be new jewelry, make-up, clothing items, or accessories. Regardless of what it is, you deserve it! Try to think about investment pieces and purchases; not everything you swipe your credit card for has to be filled with guilt. Try to think quality over quantity, and watch the way your future opens up in truly beautiful ways. If you’ve been waiting on answers in love or career, expect them by the end of June. You’ll be having a hot summer in more ways than one!
GEMINI
EIGHT OF WANDS: Whether you are a May or June Gemini, you’re going to be reaping rewards from both of these months as your solar season arrives. As the witty, well-spoken wordsmith of the Zodiac, take this season to find the beauty in embracing your own unique vision of what communication can do for you and those around you. Whether this is speaking up for yourself in the workplace or within a close connection, try to see life through a new lens as you share your thoughts and opinions for the betterment of all. When you show up confidently, others are inspired to follow in suit. There is a great potential for travel and deep conversations with someone you love. Make sure that you’re willing to disappoint others when you speak your truth. Remember that life is not meant to be done perfectly, it’s meant to be done authentically. May and June will bring beautiful opportunities for you to deepen your connection to others as a byproduct of you deepening the connection with yourself.
CANCER
NINE OF PENTACLES: Cancer, the moon is your ruler, but money rules the world. It seems like you’re jumping on the abundance train and the next stop is an actualized dream of yours! Your advice for May and June is to find beauty in the time you spend working toward your goals. When you change the narrative from “I have to” to “I get to,” your whole life will change for the better. It seems like your energy levels have been lower than normal for the last few months, but you’re about to get a recharge from the Universe in the realms of career and creativity. Think bigger, don’t settle, and avoid playing small at all costs. The world is ready for you in your fullest expression, so what are you waiting for? Ask your talented friends to help you with the parts of this project that you don’t like doing: pay the plumber to do the plumbing, pay the graphic designer to design for you, and for goodness sakes, splurge on letting someone paint your nails! 81
LEO
SAGITTARIUS
VIRGO
CAPRICORN
KNIGHT OF CUPS: Leo, this season is all about giving and receiving love without fear. It seems that your past has been riddled with walls and blockages that kept you from loving freely. Have you been avoiding feeling a deep, old wound? During May and June, you’re going to find beauty in the breakdown. Start to embrace the idea that the entire spectrum of your emotions are not only acceptable but valid. We can’t suppress our deepest sadness and still expect to experience the highest heights of our bliss. I see that May and June are going to be filled with inner peace and contentment for you if you can be more vulnerable, and this is going to radiate out to others. Whether it’s a potential business partner, a lover, a housemate, or a family member that you haven’t spoken to in awhile–you’re going to have an important conversation that leads to long-term happiness. Life is going to feel like there’s sugar sprinkled atop everything you touch. Enjoy the sweetness, my lion!
THE MAGICIAN: Talk about full alignment, my Virgo maiden! It seems like you’re starting to get into the swing of things and following your divine path more boldly. Both your internal and external growth is undeniable. Your advice for May and June: Be sure to keep up with taking care of your mind, body, and spirit as you go through this energetic upgrade. I’m seeing physical exercise, herbal teas, and rest being very important as you enter into this new chapter of growth and success. Use the lessons you’ve learned in the past to make the best decisions in the present moment. If you’ve been guilty of listening to others before listening to your intuition, that will surely need to change this season (and for good reason). It seems that you’re making a decision that many won’t be able to ration with, but it will make sense further down the line when you’re living the life you always dreamed of. Trust the path you’re on with your career, your love life, and your craft. You’re not doing anything in vain, but you may also not get everyone’s approval at this time. Keep moving forward anyways, Virgo!
LIBRA
JUDGMENT: Ah, so this is how it feels to get results from your hard work, Sagittarius! May and June look like months of relaxing into an “outcome” of sorts. For some of you this will be tangible results to the long hours you’ve put into your job. A new home, car, vacation, or high-ticket purchase is on the horizon, and you’ll finally be able to do it without worrying about how to pay it off. For others, this is a relationship transitioning from it’s current dynamic (be it dating to a relationship or marriage to divorce). The choices that you make during these next couple of months are going to be life-changing, and should not be taken lightly. Find the beauty in change, and try to remind yourself from time to time that you have these fantastical dreams for a reason—you are part of a much larger Universal plan, and it seems like this is just the time for your dreams to materialize!
THE HANGED MAN: My dearest Caps, it seems like you’ve forgotten to stop and smell the roses as you continue to trailblaze through your life. May and June are going to be powerful months, more powerful than you and your plans. If you’ve been stressing yourself out with work, goals, and keeping busy, this season is going to leave you in a state of suspension. Pause what you’re doing and how hard you’ve been working in order to change your perspective on life, love, and yourself. It seems that you’ve been running away from something painful in your past, but you’re ready to deal with this head-on now, brave Capricorn. You are not stuck, you are not alone, and you are not going to crumble. Use this season to treat yourself with gentleness as you sift through hard emotions—nothing lasts forever, not even hardship.
AQUARIUS
STRENGTH: It’s time to hit the gas pedal and move forward, Libra. You’re entering into a season of your life that’s going to require confidence like never before. If you dig down deep enough, you’ll find the wellspring of faith in yourself that you’ve been searching for all this time. You do not need to doubt yourself, your intuition, or your desires anymore—May and June will be months filled with joy and laughter if you follow your desires. It seems like you may be taking a leadership role in some capacity, or mentoring someone else. When you create structure and boundaries for those around you, it leaves them no room to question your insight. Find the beauty in decision-making and independence; you are best when you trust yourself. Go after who and what you want shamelessly, and watch how positive the outcome can be from you creating your dream life rather than waiting for someone else to create it for you.
KING OF PENTACLES: May and June are going to be filled with big blessings for you, Aquarius babe! It’s time to understand that beauty in karma. If you’ve stashed extra cash away, or receive a raise, or unexpected windfall of cash, give part of this to a cause or organization that you believe deeply in. You could also help someone directly (whether this is a person you know, or someone who’s simply experiencing financial hardship). Regardless of who or what you’re helping, just know that you will receive what you give back tenfold. I’m seeing May and June being months filled with miracles in your career, finances, and home life. Remind yourself of just how deserving you are each time you experience newfound abundance; your spirit guides simply want to know that you are grateful when you receive what you’ve been asking for! You the world a more beautiful place when you lead by example with gratitude and worthiness.
SCORPIO
PISCES
KNIGHT OF PENTACLES: Slow and steady wins the race, dear Scorpio. Right now it seems that you’re trying to rush to the next chapter of your life without making sure you’ve dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s with the current lessons you’re supposed to be learning. For many of you, this is stemming from a lack mentality. Have you been feeling like there’s not enough love, attention, or money to go around lately? Learn how to embrace patience, abundance, and a full surrender to the Universe as your remedy. If you continue to put yourself into the seat of the victim, you’ll continue to be victimized. If you choose, instead, to embrace your inherent role as a victor, you will find yourself victorious. The choice is yours. May and June will be months for you to embrace the beauty of the process, planting seeds, tending to them, and reaping fruitful rewards later on. Can you begin to trust in what you cannot yet see?
@MeghanRoseTarot
FOUR OF CUPS: Alas, Pisces, there are always going to be ups and downs in life. If the goal is to live a life where you are constantly receiving, growing, and happy, you wouldn’t get the full scope of life’s beauty. There is beauty found in decay, destruction, hardship, loss, and grief that we simply can’t find or feel with a sugar-coated existence. Imagine how much less art and music we would have without heartbreak! This is not to say that suffering is deserved or necessary, but it absolutely can’t be avoided. Even feelings of boredom or confusion may be hitting you harder than usual now. Don’t lose yourself to your emotions, my beautifully sensitive water sign! Let yourself step back and be the observer to your emotions and witness as they dance in just as quickly as they will dance out if you let them. Honor the full spectrum of your existence during May and June, and watch how much lighter life becomes afterwards.
MeghanRoseTarot
TheMeghanRose.com
the love files | connections
little The
things
By Jarrod Thalheimer
Everyone is familiar with the “grand gesture” approach to life. You know, the one that promotes and values the kind of over-thetop, in-your-face gift, event, or happening designed to definitively prove “happiness” on a large scale. It’s why someone rents out the entirety of Yankee Stadium for an intimate dinner at centerfield. Or why a guy jumps out of a plane, ring in hand, as it skywrites, “Will you marry me?” It is intended for maximum attention and (hopefully) infinite memory. Grand gestures are meant to be remembered forever. Still, after more than a year of lockdowns, confusion, fear, and the strong-arm curbing of everyday life, I would propose that grand gestures have lost much of their luster. I’m not questioning anyone’s sincerity. Just that after 12+ months of near solitary confinement, certain things have actually begun to matter far, far more. Like the little things. That day you met Chris Hemsworth at the diner was a big deal, but it will never top the grandfather who took you to the duck pond every single week when you were small. Little things burrow their way into your heart and soul, lodging themselves deep inside your psyche forever. That’s something grand gestures simply can’t do. Unsure of my thesis? Consider the following “little things” and see which ones you experienced over the last year—and remember how much they actually mattered. 84
THE HOMEMADE GIFT The stores were closed and the rules were not to leave your home. Even if you ordered from Amazon, the deliveries took time. So you reached deep inside and made something instead. Maybe it was a hand drawn card, a personal note of sincere feeling, or even a Bundt cake, all made with love and presented to a neighbor or friend just to say “I care” or “It’s going to be OK.” The grandest trip or most expensive car in history will never top the sincerity of creating something with your hands (and heart) for someone else.
THE SIMPLE TRIP Taking a walk down your street…visiting a nearby park—these trips used to pale in comparison to hikes through Italy or maybe wine tours in the South of France. Today? Well, not that these exciting locales have dulled in any way, but the shine of the world directly nearby has intensified. Forced by circumstances to open our eyes widely, we once again see the neighborhood surrounding us more clearly—the corner store and the man who smiles as he serves us…the cute park on the corner with the squeaky swing. How about the shortcut between the buildings on 12th Street? When we slow down and truly travel through the world in which we live, we can see so much—and appreciate it far more. Travel is exciting and fun, but it doesn’t have to take you thousands of miles away to matter. Sometimes a few steps are all you need.
THE LITTLE CHORE Nobody enjoys chores. That’s why they’re called “chores.” But if you decide to do a chore for someone else, that little task can take on a meaning of such deep significance that completing it can become an absolute joy. Whether it’s cleaning a kitchen, installing a light, shoveling a sidewalk, folding laundry, or even making the bed, the smallest, most seemingly insignificant gesture can become an act of love simply by deciding that it’s become a gift for someone else.
HUMBLE TREATS 2020 (and now 2021 too) have taught us that a treat doesn’t have to come in a vase or a large heart-shaped box. It could be something as simple as a sliced apple handed to someone on a porch, a bed being made while you’re in the shower, or a dishwasher unloaded and put away. A treat is something that surprises, leaving a minor sparkle of delight and happiness in its wake. And it does not have to come from a store. Humble treats exist all around us, waiting to be noticed and costing nothing but time and effort to provide. Grab one and give it to someone you love today.
THE GIFT OF EACH OTHER
REAL AFFECTION
The face-to-face conversation, lost previously due to mumbles between iPhone glances and earbud adjustments, was all but eliminated thanks to masks and lockdowns. Now, the act of greeting someone face to face–actually noticing their smile, catching a far-off look, or even seeing a shadow of feeling cross their face has become a rarity. Human connections of all kinds should be treasured and appreciated whenever we can. We certainly didn’t think they could go away for as long as they did. Look for a face and offer a smile. Find a chance to engage and share yourself with someone, enjoying the natural beauty of truly being with others.
The understated joy of walking along with someone and holding hands cannot be missed. A hug, denied for so long, has re-emerged as a moment to be truly treasured. Neil Diamond’s COVID rewrite notwithstanding, hands touching hands or arms cradling a shoulder in comfort are absolute jewels of love to be gifted and traded with each other, each carrying more weight and significance than the priciest Tiffany ring. We are all fellow travelers on a journey that ends the same. Let’s spend our time together wisely. 85
the love files | your best self
3
best practices to create a
compelling dating profile
By Carmelia Ray, celebrity matchmaker and online dating expert
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hen looking for love online, I always share with singles that their dating profile needs to stand out from the sea of potential partners. Creating a compelling dating profile starts with you doing the work to understand who you are, the value you bring to a relationship, and what you’re specifically looking for in your dream partner. I teach my clients to understand and appreciate the techniques and tools that work best when choosing photos, completing all the question fields, and writing their main bio description.
Choose your most attractive and compelling profile photos When choosing your main profile photo, you should always select your most recent, mesmerizing, and magnetic picture. You want the kind of images that act as a “scroll stopper” and make someone want to click to learn more. Let your unique qualities shine through. References to candlelight dinners, wine. and walks on the beach are too common to make an impact. Allow your passions, quirks, and personality to shine through. For example, mention your ability to recount episodes from your favorite Netflix show or your ambition to travel to 100 different hidden cities in the world.
Here are three best practices to create a compelling dating profile.
Share an interesting story about yourself I know writing about yourself can seem like an impossible task. Most people dread the idea of having to fill in the blanks of their dating profile. It’s as if you get instant writer’s block. Reading through a list of personality traits is boring and typical. So many dating profiles read like they’ve taken their resume and “cut and paste” their employable skills into their bio.
“I am organized, punctual, thoughtful, friendly, reliable and funny.” Rather than writing a list of your qualities, I always advise my clients to share a story to showcase their character traits. Here are a few examples: FUNNY
“I was voted class clown of my high school graduation class and also at my high school reunion. As a kid, I made it my mission to make my mother laugh because I just loved how her smile made me feel. She also made me the best lunches at school for cracking her up.”
PUNCTUAL
“You’ll never have to worry about being late for any family functions because I’m the king of being on time. My dad was a military man, and he always prioritized the importance of getting up early and arriving before anyone else. You’ve got a built-in alarm clock with me!”
CHARITABLE/PASSIONATE
“Every year, I volunteer at the local food bank. My not-for-profit raises money for the homeless to provide them with necessities around important holidays. I’m looking for a partner who will be my kindness crusader and is willing to help less fortunate people.”
Those are a few examples of how you can share a story, rather than a generic list of personality traits. Singles connect to experiences and what it’s like to be with you! 87
3 the love files | your best self
Focus on what you want vs. what you don’t want Have you ever landed on a dating profile and thought to yourself, Wow, this person has been through something tragic! Or they sound bitter? Some profiles give you the notion that this person has been through a lot in the past. A common mistake many singles make on their dating profiles is to write a long list of things they don’t want or are looking to avoid.
“No cheaters. No liars. No one in debt. No one with baggage, and no one who has been to jail. If you like DRAMA, then move along.” Anyone who reads that in a profile description would have the impression this person is bitter and doesn’t have a great attitude about dating. It already feels dramatic, even though they said they don’t want drama! The Law of Attraction works in many mysterious ways. When you put it out into the universe, you are avoiding the situation, and it’s like a magnet to the same problem. Instead of writing a long list of things you don’t want, focus on the things you do want. Here’s a better example of stating your actual needs and wants in story form:
“You’re a tall, charming, and successful man who knows I can open my door, yet you reach for it anyway. Whatever you’re up to, you do it powerfully and confidently. I know my ideal partner wouldn’t be intimidated by my title or my hustle. I’m the boss at work, and not at home, which you admire. And, if you love dogs, you get major bonus points.”
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NEW YOU!
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Jeffrey Lin, M.D.
the beauty of giving back
B
Beauty from the inside out By Yolanda F. Johnson
y now, you’ve likely read about my own personal goal of “the philanthropic lifestyle.” This means connecting the dots between the products and services we know, need, and love with those that support charitable endeavors and “good work.” It is also the way we live our lives and how we give our resources and time. According to studies cited in U.S. News and World Report, science has proven that when we do things to help others, it makes us feel better and is actually good for our health. But it only works when it is heartfelt and sincere. Otherwise, like anything else we don’t really want to do, it becomes more of a burden. And, a recent article by researchers Sara Konrath and Femida Handy, both college professors, found that being nice and charitable actually makes you appear more attractive to others! It has been said for ages that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and it looks like this is true. So, in the spirt of the philanthropic lifestyle, I wanted to present you with some ideas for inner beauty that flows to the outside.
Use your words, darling!
Have you ever noticed how good it feels to lift someone up and to be lifted up by others? This isn’t about an ego trip, it’s about affirming the positive. When is the last time you told your significant other how much you appreciate them? The same goes for your team if you manage employees at work, especially during the pandemic when human contact has been so rare.
Lead the way
Leadership comes in many forms, and often by just setting the right example. According to research, giving of your time to causes dear to your heart can significantly lower your blood pressure and stress level. Have you ever wanted to serve on a board of directors or a gala committee? Do you have skills and talents that can help inspire others to action? Go for it. Think about your priorities and then take action. This could be with a local nonprofit organization or looking ahead to the reimagined post-COVID future, planning a spa day party with your nearest friends, in which you make care packages for those in need and use products from companies that give back to good causes. One of my personal favorites was a Pilates class I took, where the teacher gave a portion of registration fees to a local church’s ministries—a win-win situation all around!
The beauty of generosity
A 2010 study found that people experienced happier moods when they gave more money away—“but only if they had a choice about how much to give.” Your giving is a direct extension of who you are as an individual, and you should make the call on where and how you give to charity. When you’re in control of this, it makes for a powerful impact, both for the recipient and for the giver.
A simple, “Great job” or “I appreciate your attention to detail” can go a long way for anyone who is right within your orbit. And who knows, it could very well be the extra boost they needed on a hard day. We never know what is happening in someone’s life, so a little bit of encouragement and positivity can go a long way.
In fact, the most recent Women Give report from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University notes that most couples make giving decisions together, but this trend is changing to a more individual approach to giving. When women make decisions on their own, it sometimes tends to be a bit of a slower burn. We want to get to know the recipient of our generosity, as well as form real relationships, which is also why collective giving has become so popular lately.
Andrew Newberg, MD and Mark Waldman, authors of “Words Can Change Your Brain,” have noted that positive words “can alter the expression of genes, strengthening areas in our frontal lobes and promoting the brain’s cognitive functioning.” In contrast, their research explains that “a single negative word… releases dozens of stress-producing hormones and neurotransmitters, which in turn interrupts our brain’s functioning.”
This depth of generosity can also lend itself to an overwhelmingly positive experience and, quite frankly, make us feel beautiful. When we are kind, compassionate, and generous, it results in an authentic, inner beauty that emanates from the inside out. As human beings, our brains seem wired to see where real, true beauty lies, in being good from the inside out, and there’s no Retinol or Vitamin C serum in the world that can do that alone! 89
BELLA insider
The beauty of art
By Norah Lawlor Art and beauty have always been intertwined. In the sense of art, beauty is a measure of effective communication between participants— the artist's and the perceiver's ability to express a concept. Beautiful art succeeds in expressing the artist's deepest intended feelings and ideas, whether they are pretty and shiny, or dark and sinister. Whether it is visual or conceptual, making art is beautiful. Here are five artists and events that bring out the beauty in their works. THE VISUAL ARTIST: THE EXPERIMENTALIST, GERARD SENEHI Gerard Senehi, The ExperiMentalist, provides one of the most mind-bending and inspiring mentalist shows in the world. He has a unique interest and ability to use his art as a mentalist to create mystery, demonstrating impossible feats that even the most ardent skeptics can’t explain. World leaders, celebrities, and top corporations have been moved by the unique way Gerard combines mind-bending mentalism with an inspirational outlook on life. In addition to corporate and private shows, he also performs virtually on various platforms, including Zoom, Streamyard, Facebook, and YouTube. Experimentalist.com THE PAINTER AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER: DONALD HERSHMAN AND VICTOR ARIMONDI Artist Donald Hershman is set to exhibit his latest collection of original pieces as part of a retrospective series inspired by the late Victor Arimondi. The exhibit will embody Don’s visceral need to pursue interests and creative expressions as he pays loving tribute to his former partner who succumbed to AIDS in 2001. Driven by this need to continually improve, he lives a dual life of accomplished podiatric surgeon and painter. His process references photographic images to create freestyle pencil drawings, to which he then applies several layers of color until completion. While these become the fundamental building block of his work, the final vision always remains a mystery until completion. “Donald and Victor” starts May 13, 2021, at the Salomon Gallery in TriBeCa. The exhibit is a collection of Donald’s paintings and Victor Arimondi’s photographs, and illustrates the artistic influence they had on one another. DonHershmanArt.com
THE DIGITAL ART SHOW: MVVO’S AD ART SHOW 2021 Launched at Sotheby’s New York in February 2018, MvVO’s AD ART SHOW, a groundbreaking juried art exhibition, continues into its fourth year, featuring artworks by artists from around the world. The venue for 2021 is the Oculus at the Westfield World Trade Center. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the transportation plaza and shopping destination is one of the most famous architectural landmarks in New York City. MvVO’s mission is to provide AD ART SHOW artists with more exposure to the art world, art lovers, collectors, and to the public at large. The AD ART SHOW takes place May 1-30, 2021. mvvoart.com THE EXPRESSIONIST: ARTIST PAIGE BOLLER Manhattan-based artist, Paige Boller, has been designing, painting, creating, and studying various forms of art in America and Europe for more than 25 years. A single mother of two and a dedicated volunteer for various philanthropic organizations, she draws inspiration for her art through years of multifaceted life experiences, struggles with Lyme disease, time spent globetrotting, and her intimate relationships. Paige’s inner life is a part of each painting in an abstract expressionist style often with figurative elements. Collectors and followers of her art have expressed various emotions from overwhelming joy, thoughtful contemplation, unexplained tears, and an awakening of the psyche. PaigeBoller.com
THE ART OF CARING: SINDHI FOUNDATION The Sindhi Foundation has been established with the combined goal of celebrating the beautiful spirit of Sindh, while working to alleviate the many problems that afflict the region. The foundation is busy organizing the Long Walk for Freedom, Nature, and Love, a 350mile walk to raise awareness about global human rights violations and the climate crisis. The march will begin on April 7, 2021, at the UN headquarters in New York City, NY, and end in Washington, D.C., on April 29. They will cross through five states by foot: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. SindhiFoundation.org
BELLA
CHOW BELLA THE MOTHER & FATHER OF DELICIOUS GIFT GUIDES ∙ SUGAR COOKIE FRUIT TARTS
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chow BELLA | palatable presents
delicious gift guides The mother and father of
Mother’s Day MINDSET WELLNESS
CBD GUMMY SAMPLER PACK
($19.99) These vegan and organic craft full-spectrum CBD gummies are infused with terpenes and vitamins to help you “choose your mindset.” Their sampler pack includes all five—happy, calm, focus, health, and rest—giving mom a likely much-needed push to reduce her stress. And best of all, it’s just like eating a tasty gummy! 92
By Amanda Mactas
Zen
Out
FLUME
BOTANICALS DRIFT ($39.99)
Expertly crafted by a naturopathic physician, Flume offers consumers an array of plantbased supplements designed to help improve your overall wellbeing. Their Drift supplement is scientifically formulated to help both the mind and the body drift off to sleep, using botanicals such as ashwagandha, California poppy, hops, and ocean magnesium. You won’t even have to worry about morning grogginess.
CHARITEAS
ALL TIME FAVORITE TEA FLIGHT ($35)
The tea company that replants trees with every purchase sources teas from countries like Indonesia and Vietnam to help your taste buds explore the world. Chariteas works with sustainable tea farms to create custom blends, and their all-time favorite flight includes a rooibos, a high-grade single origin, and a wellness herbal blend tea. Morning, noon, or night, if mom needs a warm cup to relax with, this box will have her back.
Hit
Subscribe GRACE FARMS FOODS ($27+/month)
Brought to you by New Canaan, Connecticut’s stunning Grace Farms come their recently launched gift and monthly subscription boxes. With the goal to bring peace into the world through nourishing the mind, body, and spirit, their boxes contain chocolate chip cookies, organic whole bean coffee, and naturally sweetened herbal teas (aka chips, drips, and sips). All products are made from responsibly sourced ingredients, and each bundle includes monthly notes with interviews, insights, and happenings at Grace Farms.
Sweet
Surprises COOKIE DŌ
MOTHER’S DAY TASTER ($41)
The brand that brought edible cookie dough to the masses is serving up moms a combo pack of their classic and fan favorite flavors. Eat as is, or decide to bake them old-school style. The flavors you will find inside include their signature chocolate chip, cake batter, sugar cookie, brookie dough, gimme s’more, and dunkadōo.
CURDBOX ($49.95/month)
In this monthly subscription box, cheese lovers will find a dairy-filled paradise comprised of three cheeses, each with a specially tailored pairing. Inside you will find an information card with details all about your cheese and pairings, along with a Spotify playlist curated just for your enjoyment.
MUNCHPAK ($9.95/month or $16.95 one time gift) Help your mom reminisce about the good ol’ days of traveling with this subscription box that packs in snacks from around the world. Unique, tasty bites—some you may have heard of and others might be a brand new experience—are included, along with a handy guide describing all that you will find in your box.
Get
Tipsy HEY MAMA
3 BOTTLE BUNDLE ($110)
What better wine could you possibly get this holiday? This low-carb wine gives back to women-driven causes and this bundle includes their limited edition 2018 sparkling rosé, which is perfect for any mama this spring.
CHAIRMAN’S RESERVE
1931 ($114.98)
SOUTHERN CARAMEL
GIFT BOX ($50)
If sugar is something mom can’t get enough of, these handmade, small-batch caramels are a fun treat she’ll surely delight in. Their gift box contains 1 lb. of sea salted caramel, ½ lb. old fashioned caramel, ¼ lb. bourbon caramel, and a jar of caramel sauce. Perfect for topping off your ice cream or eating after dinner, this selection of caramels is already making our mouths water.
Hailing from Saint Lucia, this limited edition rum pays homage to founder Denis Barnard, who founded his distillery back in 1931. The rum is comprised of Coffey and pot still rums, aged between six and 11 years in both bourbon and port casks. Creamy caramel, hints of raisin, oak, and a touch of sweetness round out this unique rum. 93
chow BELLA | palatable presents
Father’s Day
bow(tie) on it Put a
HENNESSY
AKASHI-TAI
MASTER BLENDER’S NO. 4 ($98.99)
JUNMAI DAIGINJO GENSHU ($35)
Whether your dad’s a sake novice or a sake connoisseur, this incredible “grand cru” sake crafted at the Akashi Sake Brewery in the Hyogo Prefecture in Japan will inspire him to learn more. Made from Yamadanishiki rice, this sake gives you flavors of lemon and bitter orange and pairs beautifully with seafood and shellfish.
Another cognac to add to the shelf, Hennessy’s fourth edition of their Master Blender’s Selection series is a one-of-akind sipper, with subtle spices and candied orange peel notes. Crafted by eighth generation master blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde, the aromatic cognac is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
MEUKOW VS
COGNAC ($34.99)
While pops might have a bottle of cognac on his shelf, he can expand his repertoire with this stunning bottle from France. With notes of almond, licorice and woody spices, this cognac is made for sipping, with its complex character and round finish.
Gadgets
Well
Fed
Gainful BERGHOFF
TABLETOP BBQ
BONE-IN BUTCHER
($229.95) For the grill master pop who’s always on the go, this handy tabletop barbecue is an ideal addition to the cabinet. Ideal for grilling at an outdoor picnic, vacation at the beach, or tailgating at your favorite stadium, this portable grill makes bbq a breeze. Plus, its carrying straps make travel as easy as 1-2-3.
PRIME BEEF PORTERHOUSE STEAK ($123.64)
Texas-based online butcher shop, Bone-In Butcher, wet-ages all of their beef for 28 days, and their hefty two-pack of porterhouse steaks is just the ticket this Father’s Day. Weighing 30 oz. each, these cuts will give your dad something to smile about. ESPRO
FRENCH PRESS ($139.95) PEI
OYSTERS ($47.99)
From northeastern Canada, these Prince Edward Island oysters are sweet, minerally, and super fresh. Add a squeeze of lemon, a dab of cocktail sauce, or throw them on the grill for a tantalizing bite. There’s a reason they’re known as some of the world’s best. 94
A must-have item for coffee (or tea) lovers, this French press is no joke. A patented double micro-filter supplies two times the filtering power of a typical press, and the double-walled stainless steel has the ability to keep your coffee hot for hours. The result is a satisfyingly smooth cup of joe. If tea is more your jam, you can purchase a tea micro-filter to elevate the experience.
The
Perfect Display
Read Well
SCHUMANN’S
WHISK(E)Y LEXICON ($39.95)
LEFT COAST
CUSTOM CHARCUTERIE BOARD ($48.50+)
Completely customize the ideal wine, beer, cheese, and meat board with personalized engraving and choice of wood, all handmade in Florida. Each custom board is finished with a homemade board butter for a pristine finish. Plus, you can flip your board over to use it as a cutting board—it’s a two-in-one gift!
{
Hailing from Munich’s famous Schumann’s Bar, whiskey expert Stefan Gabányi delves into the world of our favorite brown liquor in this expanded and updated edition of Schumann’s Whisk(e)y Lexicon. Featuring whiskeys from all over the world, from Scotch to bourbon and single grains to malts, this beautifully developed and illustrated book is the ultimate guide to whiskey.
BELLA launches new namesake show, Life Is BELLA, and brings the pages of each issue to life on screen! The new show is set to air bi-monthly, with the release of each issue, and will feature BELLA’s own editors and brand partners, on all things BELLA. Catch each segment on all BELLA’S social channels YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook Watch, as well as online at bellamag.co!
}
chow BELLA | yum
Sugar cookie
fruit tarts By Kimberlee Ho of kickassbaker.com
The warmer weather calls for easy desserts, highlighting the freshest fruit of the season. In this seasonal recipe, sugar cookies serve as the base for this easy, onebite dessert. Layered with a sweetened cream cheese filling and topped with fresh berries, these cookies will be the hit of your next backyard BBQ!
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Yields: 24 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time: 12-14 minutes INGREDIENTS: Sugar cookie cups • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature • 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract • ½ teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour Cream cheese filling • 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar • ¼ cup (60 grams) heavy cream • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract Sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries for topping INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Spray the cups of two 12-cup mini muffin tins with nonstick spray. Set aside. 2. In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Stop the mixer, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, and then add in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix on medium speed for 1 minute until well combined. With the mixer off, add in salt and flour. Mix on low just until no dry spots of flour appear. 3. Using a small cookie scoop, measure the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls, roll between your palms into a smooth ball, and place one ball in each cup of the prepared mini muffin tin. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are beginning to brown. 4. After removing the baked cookies from the oven, use the bottom of a flatbottomed shot glass or back of spoon to press down into the center of each cookie making a well in the center. Allow cookies to cool. 5. Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Mix on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth. 6. Remove the cooled cookie cups from the muffin tins by gently inserting a butter knife or offset spatula straight down between the edge of the cookie cup and the muffin tin to pop out each of the cups. Place on a cookie sheet or serving platter. Fill each cookie cup with ½-1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling. Top with fruit and serve. NOTES: If you are making these ahead, store components separately and assemble just prior to serving. Cream cheese filling and fruit should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Baked and cooled cookie cups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to four days.
For more recipes, visit kickassbaker.com or @kickassbaker on Instagram and Pinterest.
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mind & body | medical advisory board
OK It’s
to be
BEAUTIFUL if that is what you want By Dr. Julie Davelman
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hen a woman says, “I want to make my house beautiful,” all her friends applaud this idea. But when she says, “I want to make myself beautiful,” everyone looks at her with concern, if not judgment. When did wanting to be beautiful turn into something to be concerned about? This question has an easy, but sad answer. A woman saying she wants to be beautiful often brings to mind cultural stereotypes of “beauty” and images of thousands of girls all around the world who torture themselves both physically and mentally to comply with a contrived standard. But is that really what wanting to be beautiful is all about? The key lies in understanding the power of the words “I want.” If beauty is a personal goal you set for yourself, no one should be telling you what to want as long as you are defining beauty based on your own opinion and only for yourself. Then what about the idea that “you should like yourself just the way you are”? Think about it this way. If you say, “I want to be smarter,” no one would begrudge you books or classes or say you should accept your level of intellectual development. Nevertheless, we say this regarding beauty because we assume that the opposite of wanting to be beautiful is believing yourself to be ugly, which is believed to produce selfloathing. We invoke the “accept yourself ” sentiment to combat such dire effects. But what if wanting to improve does not mean you are presently at zero on your own beauty scale? For instance, saying, “I want to have smoother skin” does not mean that I hate how I look, it just means it would make me happy to see smoother skin in the mirror. Beauty can be seen as an area of personal growth just like any other, and people should be encouraged to spend their energy improving in the way that is most pleasing to them. Let’s say you now believe that beauty can be an acceptable personal goal, but what does it actually mean to be beautiful, and how will you know when you have achieved
it? Saying, “I want to be beautiful” is just like saying, “I want to be happy” without defining happiness. Understanding what you mean by “beautiful” will allow you to target your self-improvement energy. It may involve getting your body in shape, changing your hair style, or wearing an amazing outfit. Taking this one step further, if the outfit is what makes you feel beautiful that day, having a killer hair style would not be enough even though that is an element of beauty as well. Being beautiful is about looking the way you want in those aspects that are important to you. Now that we can better define beauty as a personal self-improvement goal let’s re-focus on the motivation. The idea that women could want to improve their appearance solely for themselves is hard for many to believe. This is because, sadly, when many women say, “I want to be beautiful,” they have an ulterior goal in mind. They may believe that, “I have to be beautiful to be lovable” or “I have to be beautiful to achieve what I want in life.” These statements are truly concerning and go beyond feeling like you are not measuring up to societal norms. They reflect an attempt to gain self-worth from physical appearance. The fact is that no amount of beauty treatments can increase someone’s self-worth since those are unrelated things. If the power of making yourself lovable is given to beauty, then the failure to feel lovable when “beauty” is achieved just makes you seek higher and higher levels of “beauty.” When these attempts inevitably result in failure, society ascribes the problem to the desire for beauty since it is visible. However, the real problem is the feeling of being unlovable that is hidden from the world. A question you need to honestly answer is “Who do I want to be beautiful for?” Each person defines beauty for themselves, and no one has the right to dictate what beauty means or judge the desire to be more beautiful. No one needs a justification for wanting to look the way they want to look. It is OK to look in the mirror and say, “I am gorgeous” because that is how I want to be.
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mind & body | healthy smile
Among the brightest spring trends:
A brilliant
smile By Jennifer Walsh
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hey say the eyes are the windows to the soul and the smile is the front door to the heart. That front door to the heart is having people run in droves back to their dentist offices around the country. After a year living through the pandemic, and most not being able to get to their dentist during that time, people are hoping to get their smile healthy once again. Here at BELLA, we also couldn’t wait to get back to our favorite dentists to get our healthy smile ready for summer and possibly the opportunity for less masks (fingers crossed). Indeed, we aren’t alone, says Dr. Steven Davidowitz, also known as Dr. D and founder of Luxury Dentistry in New York City. “Many of my patients have fallen off the oral hygiene wagon and are in desperate need for a good cleaning and tooth repair.” Dr. D is also seeing a heightened awareness of one’s smile and aesthetics. “Many patients want to perfect and highlight their smile now more than ever,” he explains. He reports a rise in requests for clear aligner teeth straightening (MOD Mouth or Invisalign), teeth whitening, veneers, along with Botox, fillers, and Evoke. “It’s the ‘ZOOM effect’ caused by hours and hours of working from home with a camera directed at the one’s face and screened on their computers.” It’s no wonder then that so many brands are zeroing in on oral care. Better yet—the majority of them are using healthy ingredients and sustainable packaging, which we couldn’t love more! While this may not sound new in the beauty space, the oral category has lagged behind, but with the incredible amount of new “must-have” products, we think this is just the beginning of the wave.
Take a look at some of our product choices that’ll surely make you smile: The tagline of Davids truly says it all: “To create sustainability of nature+America+you,” which upholds the company’s commitment to the earth, to creating American jobs, and to health. They found the best healthy, natural ingredients to create a good-for-you and delicious line of toothpaste. $4.95 and up, Davids-USA.com Huppy brings a healthy smile in a tablet—yes, a Toothpaste Tablet—ensuring much less waste
for the planet and a non-toxic alternative to many toothpastes found on drugstore shelves. Pop a tablet in your mouth, chew, wet your toothbrush, and begin brushing. $12 and up, BeHuppy.com Klen offers a three-step teeth cleaning system—their Bundle—
with products that can be used together or one at a time. There’s a unique tongue cleaner to help kill bacteria, a natural mint toothpaste to ensure fresh breath, and a bacteria-fighting mouthwash that offers a rinse with a reason. $45 (bundle), KlenProducts.com Colgate Keep is the brand’s first ever manual toothbrush with a replaceable head. So yes, you can keep the handle, and replace only the head. And why is that significant? It offers 80% less plastic waste in the landfills. $9.99 and up, Target.com CBDent 100mg Peppermint Flavor Toothpaste is not only delicious, it also
contains broad spectrum CBD oil (no THC). The combination of natural ingredients (CBD included) helps whiten teeth, fight inflammation, kill bacteria, and reduce sensitivity. And, 10% of all profits provide life-changing dentistry to those in need in underserved communities. $14.99, GetCBDent.com Unlike regular gum that just masks bad breath, Mouth Off dissolves as you chew it. One of the biggest complaints of having to wear a mask for the past year has been the rise of bad breath. Fight it with plant-based gum that’s also free of artificial flavors and coloring. $18.99 (two-pack), MouthOff.com
mind & body | wellness wearables
Work and wear your
wellness goals By Jennifer Walsh
Not long ago, wellness wearables typically consisted of only a heart rate monitor and band, and were mostly worn by hard-core athletes, or they came as a watch that also tracked your steps. In a very short period of time, the wellness world has exploded, bringing with it the opportunity for all of us to enjoy wellness devices in new and unique ways. Like all of you, the BELLA team loves to find new fun ways to get active, including connecting with tools that help us stay active. After the tough year we have had, it’s no wonder more and more of us are ready to jump off of the couch and into new wellness routines. Here are a few of our favorite products that have helped us monitor our heart rate and also relax. We hope you enjoy a few of our must-haves this season and that they motivate you, too, to enter into a new and improved mindful wellness space. 102
Ear seeding has taken off over the past three years as a new way to practice traditional Chinese medicine. takes it to a new level. When these seeds are placed in different acupressure spots within the ear, it stimulates the reflex centers of the brain to soothe a multitude of symptoms. This practice is known as auriculotherapy. $34 and up, VieHealing.com
VIE HEALING CALM 24K GOLD EAR SEEDS
FITBIT LUXE
is the newest fashion-forward product just added to the Fitbit family of wearables. Luxe not only tracks your daily steps, it also gives you access to key weekly health metrics in the Fitbit app to help you identify changes in your well-being like increased stress, fatigue, or potential signs of illness. $149.95 and up, Fitbit.com
HAPBEE,
We are electromagnetic beings, so a circular ring you can wear around your neck or on your head like a cap, taps into our fields to align with the moods we wish to connect with. Hapbee utilizes proprietary ultra-low frequency energy technology that distributes specific magnetic fields to produce distinct mood-altering signals. Choose from relaxation, focus, happiness, sleepiness, and more. $299 and up, Hapbee.com
HANDIGURU
, a super comfortable watch-like wearable, is a lightweight, 20ml refillable silicone wristband designed to carry a variety of gels and lotions for easy, on-the-go access. This is great for those chasing the sun this summer and making sure that sunscreen is never out of reach. It’s also perfect for hand sanitizer. $14.95, Handiguru.com
LOOP EXPERIENCE allows us to tune out the unwanted and tune into what
soothes you. As we know, there is a lot of noise in our lives, and Loop allows us to lessen that which we don’t wish to hear. Loop’s patented acoustic channel imitates the length of your ear canal, allowing you to reduce noise by 4x while staying alert and not blocking all noise. Prices vary, LoopEarplugs.com
OURA RING is a beautiful fashion-forward ring that’s sure to become one
of your new favorite accessories this summer. This high-tech ring has sensors on the inside band that track your biometric data to provide personalized insights. Sync the app to get the best results to understand exactly what your body needs and get scores on your goals for what you might need right now, like deeper sleep. It needs charging every 5-7 days, and is great for men and women. Prices start at $299, OuraRing.com
EMILY ROSE GEMS allow you to use crystals and gem stones—often used
for their healing properties—to set intentions for the day. Their collection of rings, bracelets, and necklaces are adorned with specific crystals to aid in your wellness journey. The rings are crafted with large crystals so you can feel and touch the uniqueness of each one. The Smokey Quartz, which promotes balance, calm, and grounding, is our favorite! Prices vary, EmilyRoseGems.com 103
mind & body | medical advisory board
A
s we enter into springtime, days are getting longer and nights a little shorter. The chill of winter begins to fade, and the promise of warmer weather on the horizon puts a “spring” into our step.
SPRING is the
SEASON FOR CHANGE
“It’s a special kind of spring,” points out Dr. B. Aviva Preminger, one of Manhattan’s top plastic surgeons. “In general, spring is always an interesting time for plastic surgeons; it’s a small window we have to get things done before the summer months.”
By Alexandra Anastasio It’s a season where most people are looking forward to coming outside and shedding some of Dr. Preminger also points out that it is a good time to focus on our the bulkier clothing of the last few months. It’s also a time when we skincare before heading into summer when the sun exposure is much question what we can do to make ourselves look good now that we’ll be greater. showing more of ourselves. With this new season comes some fresh, exciting products to help us After COVID-19 put a halt to last year’s excitement over the season, look and feel our best. Dr. Preminger shared with BELLA what’s new this year we’re seeing a renewed sense of hope as many people start in her arsenal of options for patients. “It’s as if we’re going to war against getting vaccinated and re-emerge after spending much of 2020 and aging, and we want to have all of the weapons on hand,” she says. even the first half of 2021 inside.
What new products have hit the market for spring?
There are a number of new products out now—some are facial and some are body related. There’s a whole new line of fillers from a company called Revance Aesthetics, also known as the RHA Collection. In general, most fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a compound that is naturally present in the body. What happens as we age is it’s lost to an extent, and that’s when we start injecting it to restore what’s been lost. One of the things I like about hyaluronic fillers is that they’re pretty versatile; essentially we’re putting back what was lost.
What is it about fillers that you like? Can you share the way in which the product is used?
One of the nice things about this particular product is it’s a hyaluronic acid product. The way they talk about it is RHA2, RHA3, and RHA4, which has to do with the thickness of the product. It’s also the only product that has been approved for what they call ‘dynamic wrinkles and folds.’ It’s nice to be able to add this Swiss product, which has been in use for awhile, to the toolbox of what we can offer our patients.
When it comes to the body, what new products have you incorporated into your practice?
There’s a new product called QWO that was originally used for a different purpose involving the hands. That same product, which is FDA approved, is now being used as an injectable treatment for cellulite in the buttocks, and it is pretty amazing. Injected into the divots in the buttocks, it works by breaking down the fibrous chords underneath the skin. In addition, Coolsculpting and liposuction have always been popular this time of year, right before summer when people start to wear less clothing and the weather’s getting better. Everyone’s had a tough year and the lack of access to gyms and working out in the way in which they are used to was hard. Body contouring procedures are a constant, but they’ve come back with a vengeance. I also do a lot of breasts in general, especially when it comes to bathing suit season. I think right now, with people still home, it’s a great time to get things done, especially because they can still lay low while they recover.
RHA2 fills really fine lines and can be used more superficially than a lot of other fillers. It’s something new coming into the mix for patients to request. When they say, ‘Hey, I have these very superficial lines around my eyes even though I’ve had Botox and you can still see the fine lines,’ or ‘I have those thin smokers’ lines above the lips’ even if they rarely smoked, this is a nice, malleable filler for very superficial lines.
Why is spring a great time to do anything skin-care related?
Right before summer is a good time to do any skin interventions because once those summer months hit, sun exposure becomes the bigger issue. I have this “cool peel” laser in my office, which offers less downtime than the more traditional lasers. Now is the time to do those skin peels and laser resurfacing to get rid of the dry skin leftover from the winter months and irritation from masks.
Then there is the RHA3, which is comparable to your classic Restylane and Juvaderm, kind of a mid-weight hyaluronic acid product. And lastly, there’s RHA4, which is like a Radiesse type of filler, that’s a little heavier than the others. Radiesse is composed of hydroxyapatite, which is a thicker product that is not made up of hyaluronic acid. What’s nice about RHA4 is it’s a filler that’s used deeper in the tissue to create more volume, especially in areas like the cheeks where you can lose a lot of that fullness.
Masks seem to be here for a while longer. Do you expect a continued interest from patients in treating the eye and brow area?
Yes, 100%—and we’ve been so busy with that. Eyes are one area in which you can make a big impact without having to be too obvious.
When you meet with new or existing patients do you suggest these new options?
Fillers can get a bad rep but what they’re actually doing is restoring what’s been lost. It’s nice to be able to offer patients something new—in addition to what we already have—in helping them look their best.
PremingerMD
I like educated patients, and it’s great when a patient comes in and has heard about a new product and wants to try it. On the flip side, I have patients who’ve been coming to me for a long time, as well as those coming in for the first time, who trust me to use whatever is most versatile and cutting edge for them.
Preminger Plastic Surgery
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BREASTS
ENHANCE, LIFT AND SHAPE RESTORE FULLNESS
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INCREASE YOUR SIZE
BREAST AUGMENTATION By Dr. Aviva Preminger
BREAST REDUCTION & LIFT By Dr. Aviva Preminger
“Enhancing your breasts can provide balance to your figure and greatly boost your self-confidence.” - Dr. Preminger Do you think your breasts are…Too small? Too large? Asymmetric? Do your breasts droop? Have you lost fullness? Some women have never been happy with the appearance of their breasts, while others have experienced significant changes over time. Whatever your concern, there is a solution. If you want to increase breast size and fullness, a breast augmentation may be the procedure for you. Three dimensional imaging can even help you visualize your result and find the breast size you desire. Some women have enough volume, but it’s all sitting in the lower part of the breasts causing sagging and drooping. This is particularly common after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss. A breast lift may be the key to restoring fullness in all the right places. Breasts that are too large, however, can cause back and shoulder pain and interfere with exercise and weight loss. If that’s your issue, a breast reduction may be the solution. At your consultation, we will discover what you like and dislike about your breasts and create a customized surgical plan that will address all of your breast concerns, leaving you looking and feeling your best - a more confident, beautiful you!
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B. Aviva Preminger, M.D., F.A.C.S. 969 Park Avenue, #1E New York, New York 10028
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