Lara- Manhattan
What is your skincare routine, and how has it evolved?
I’ve always used eye cream, moisturizer, and SPF. That’s the ultimate triple threat. What has shifted the most is that I’ve started incorporating different serums depending on my skin needs. Certain times of the month, I focus on acne-targeting serums; other times, I use hydrating serums. For acne, I don’t like to use super-powerful acids. Lately, I’ve been into the Ling Oxygen Plasma Potion. Ling is a female-founded facial studio in NYC that I enjoy going to. When I need some hydration, I love to use CosRX Snail Mucin Serum.
Do you have a go-to skincare product that you can't live without? Why is it your favorite?
The Naturopathica Vitamin K Brightening Eye Complex. I love it because it brightens my blue, veiny undertones, and it feels so creamy. Hot take: it’s better than Kiehls Avocado Eye Cream.
What’s your favorite beauty tip or secret you’ve learned from others or discovered yourself?
I genuinely believe everything is better with a red lip. I learned this from my grandma. Maybe it’s because of my high-contrast features, but I feel like I look so much more put together with red lipstick. Pro tip: Avoid the harsh makeup removers; instead, use Vaseline to remove red lipstick.
How do you balance your busy lifestyle with self-care? What are your favorite rituals for maintaining your well-being? Any favorite places in the city for wellness?
I’m a big planner. If something is on my calendar, I’ll do it. Firstly, I always try to have monthly facials, which I like to plan around my menstrual cycles. I like to go to Ling Spa in Union Square. They’re on ClassPass, so the deals are pretty good. I recently tried their cupping facial; it sculpted and depuffed my face. Secondly, I like to journal before bed during the week. It helps me flush out my brain before sleeping. Thirdly, I love sound baths, especially at the Official Ritual in Chelsea. I’m not the best at meditating, so going to these sessions helps me reach my place of zen and tap into my subconscious.
In addition to these rituals, I like adding moments of joy to each day. I work from home, so getting caught up in the mundane is easy. I love taking a midday walk to the Soup Kiosk on Prince Street. I get a delicious, nourishing lunch, but I also get to enjoy the walk through Soho. I also love to splurge on fresh flowers, but I do things a bit differently. Rather than spending a fortune on an entire bouquet, I treat myself to one flower, depending on the season/ my current vibe. For instance, I treated myself to a black calla lily with Halloween right around the corner. Even just one flower can bring my space and mindset quite a bit of joy.
Who is a woman that has inspired you, and what did you learn from her?
My grandma, Phyllis. She just turned 92. She’s a Libra, so very much an aesthetic girlie. She has always taught me to embrace the divine feminine nature we all embody. Although she’s all about the feminine archetype, she’s a Brooklyn-born, Long Island-raised baddie with the gusto and confidence most women only dream of. She is outspoken and has always taught me to be my biggest advocate. At 92, she is the modern woman, and I am in constant awe of her.
Can you share some advice that has significantly impacted your life?
Women are often afraid to create uncomfortable situations or to question the status quo. My dad taught me early on the importance of ‘rejecting the premise.’ He raised two girls, my sister and I, but I often think that his master plan was to raise two boys. He recognized the societal confines females too frequently face and always reminded us that they’re not true. This has impacted my life in big and small ways. In big ways, it got me a job! I applied for a job where I didn’t meet all the qualifications, but I knew I could do it. I applied anyways, and got the job. In small ways, it manifests as questioning things I’m confronted with daily. There’s a long line? Walk to the front and see what happens. There’s something you’re interested in trying that’s not on the menu? Ask about alternatives. You can follow the rules or pave the way for your future.
What are your mantras or affirmations that keep you motivated and grounded?
I believe in energy and the ability to transfer and receive energy from others. I love to apply Marie Kondo’s concept of ‘does it bring joy’ to energy. If something or someone doesn’t bring joy, get rid of it. I don’t think we do this enough. It’s incredibly important to protect your energy and your heart.
Tell us more about the play you're producing and how you got involved.
The show is called White Rabbit, Red Rabbit. It was written by an Iranian playwright, Nassim Soleimanpour, who wrote the play with the hope that it could be shared worldwide. He was forbidden from leaving his native Iran after refusing to participate in military service, which is required of all men in the country, so this was the best next thing for him to be able to share his work. While this back-story is epic, the play's premise is even better. There is no set, costumes, rehearsal, or director. Ten actors see the script moments before performing it live. It is such a unique experience, though-provoking and dark.
One day, I got an email calling for someone to produce the show with one catch- it had to be produced on 3/13, the day it is presented worldwide. I knew I had to jump on this opportunity because of my love for the play and my draw to the number 13 (Colgate alum- IYKYK). The first year I produced the play was for 15 people- the following year was for 40. I’m hoping the next performance will be for even more people. I love being part of this unique, global movement.
Who is your favorite playwright?
Hands down, Shakespeare. His plays handle questions we’ve all asked and show us the human blueprint of emotion like no other.
What about you surprises people once they get to know you?
People assume being extraverted means you like pets, but I don’t like dogs. I love them for you, just not for me.
If you could describe your aura or energy in a color, what would it be and why?
Two colors stand out. I love the power and fun of red. I feel very alive in that color. I also love black. It’s abstract and chic, like a dry martini in a hotel bar. I think I serve fun and powerful but also introspective and mysterious.
What’s next for you, and what are you most looking forward to?
I’m celebrating a lot of love in my life- my little sister is getting married in March, and I’m currently ‘dating intentionally.’ I’ve had a lot of fun in the city, but now I’m devoted to asking the right questions, peeling back the layers, and finding my person. I’m officially ready to show up as a partner and excited!