Following the success of the 2026 Gurus Beauty Awards held recently in New York City, the Gurus community gathered once again—this time in Los Angeles—for the Gurus Beauty Soirée, an intimate evening honoring the people, partnerships, and shared vision behind this year’s awards.
Hosted by television personalities Mary Bonnet and Sandra Vergara, the soirée welcomed founders, creators, media figures, and industry leaders for a night of connection, recognition, and continued collaboration.
Derek Warburton, Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of Gurus Magazine, reflected on the spirit of the Gurus Beauty Awards, emphasizing a platform where creativity, innovation, and meaningful community converge.
Set within Bloom Boom Boutique Florist and hosted by Megan Hoelle, the venue was transformed into an ethereal California garden. Lush floral installations in blush, lavender, ivory, coral, and soft blue enveloped the space, while a striking living flower wall and vintage velvet settee became signature focal points throughout the evening. Live piano by Jayden Ostler provided an elegant soundtrack, enhancing the soirée’s warm and inviting ambiance.
In a thoughtful gesture, hosts Mary Bonnet and Sandra Vergara were each presented with Bloom Boom’s signature handcrafted floral purses. Guests also departed with beautifully wrapped bouquets featuring curated portraits celebrating members of the Gurus community—extending the evening’s artistry beyond the event itself.
Culinary and beverage experiences reflected the same level of curation. Guests enjoyed handcrafted cocktails from Broken Shed Vodka, refreshments from Vital Proteins, a signature grazing display by Bloom Boards, and floral-inspired confections from Sweet Lady Jane. Personalized fresh coconuts from Runyon Canyon Cart added a playful, distinctly Southern California touch, while immersive beauty activations highlighted some of the year’s most innovative brands.
Attendees also previewed the latest issue of Gurus Beauty, featuring wellness expert and 2026 Gurus Beauty Awards New York co-host Hilaria Baldwin on the cover. Curated gift bags included selections from Nütrops, Beekeeper’s Naturals, Cotrini, VSOTO Skin, British M, and SipFace—offering guests a take-home experience of the brands shaping the beauty and wellness landscape.
As part of the evening’s program, three standout brands were recognized for their contributions to the industry. Claudia Charriez, star of The Trouble with Billy, presented the Best in Design award to SipFace for The Original Wrinkle Free Straw, accepted by founder Amanda Kesy. Jai Rodriguez—actor, singer, and the original “Culture Vulture” of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy—presented the Best in Day Spa award to Ole Henriksen Spa: Luxury Day Spa Hollywood, LA, accepted by President and Owner Vance Soto. Dr. Michael K. Newman, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Forever Breast®, presented the Dr. Michael K. Newman Award for Best in Supplements to Haroutine, accepted by Creative Director Jennifer Yun.
Notable attendees included Dr. Michael K. Newman; hosts Mary Bonnet and Sandra Vergara; William McNamara and Claudia Charriez of The Trouble with Billy; Jai Rodriguez; model and entrepreneur Ashley Alexiss and Brodie J; Camilo Triana, CEO and Co-Founder of Cotrini Skin; Frankie Blair; Andi Lew; and Robyn Newmark, Editor-in-Chief of Beauty Guru Magazine, among others.
Special thanks to Megan Hoelle and the team at Bloom Boom Boutique Florist for hosting and designing the evening’s extraordinary setting; Kate Morgan of Morgan Publicity for her continued partnership; and Bloom Boards, Sweet Lady Jane, Laura Baddish and Broken Shed Vodka, Vital Proteins, British M, Haroutine, Nütrops, Beekeeper’s Naturals, Cotrini, VSOTO Skin, and SipFace for contributing to an exceptional guest experience. Gratitude is also extended to the presenters, honorees, media, partners, and the entire Gurus community.
The evening was brought to life by the Gurus Media team, including Robyn Newmark, Marisa Hebert, Jennie Salmorin, and Faye Molina, whose creativity and dedication shaped every detail.
As the night came to a close, one sentiment resonated: the Gurus Beauty Awards are about more than recognition—they are about the community behind it.
From New York to Los Angeles, the 2026 Gurus Beauty Awards continue to unite visionaries, creators, and innovators—proving that while awards may last a night, community endures.
Photo Credit: Robin L. Marshall
