Get to Know Actress Actress and Singer Ruby Lewis, Currently Starring in Love Actually Live at The Wallis

If you live in Los Angeles and you're around during the holiday season, there's one activity absolutely worth doing — taking in a performance of Love Actually Live at The Wallis. I've seen it twice, and it's been overwhelmingly fun and joyous both times. That's thanks in large part to the astonishingly wonderful cast, helmed this year by the incomparable Ruby Lewis playing the part of Sarah (and, on the night I saw it, doubling as Natalie). I sat down with Ruby to chat about her beginnings in musical theater, how she came to be part of this quintessential LA holiday tradition (that's now celebrating the movie's 20th anniversary!), and even some of her go-to beauty product favorites. Keep reading to find out more!

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Get to Know Lindsey Gaughan: Creator of Best Day Ever Ears Co.

If you know me at all, you know I am a major Disney person. Every time I go to the parks (RIP right now, but in general), I plan out the perfect outfit to wear that day. And a lot of that starts with the right pair of Minnie ears! My absolute favorite small shop for Minnie ears is Best Day Ever Ears Co. Lindsey Gaughan creates so many amazing pairs of Minnie ears that truly bring joy and delight! She thinks of new designs each season (not to mention each month), and painstakingly crafts them with such love and care. The quality cannot be beat! I also love that Lindsey is now making masks during the pandemic, and of course those are just as amazing. I'm thrilled to feature her! Read on to discover how Lindsey got her start making ears, the number 1 beauty product she can't live without, and so much more.

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Salon and Spa Directory Meets First Look Fridays Interview Series: Cupping at Massage SoCal with Paloma Sanders

Have you ever tried cupping? And, if not, have you been interested? I did it once before, about 10 years ago, with my acupuncturist in New York. And I honestly loved it, but I just never had the inclination to do it again ... until I discovered Paloma Sanders of Massage SoCal, that is.

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An Insider's Look: Beauty and Complexion Bootcamp with Makeup Artist Kerry Herta

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Beauty and Complexion Bootcamp with Veil Cosmetics and Kerry Herta at Nigel Beauty Emporium. Kerry is a longtime makeup educator and founder of Colour Box Makeup Studios -- and she's also the makeup designer and department head behind the promo campaigns for all seven seasons of American Horror Story. Her master class focused on tips and tricks for a flawless complexion, creating the basic makeup look that really isn't so basic after all. I'm thrilled to bring you a behind the scenes look at what I learned from Kerry's master class!

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An Insider's Look: Oscars' Head Makeup Artist Bruce Grayson

When you watch the Oscars, you're probably looking pretty closely at the people's faces as they're presenting or accepting awards. Have you ever wondered who's making them look so gorgeous right before they walk out on stage? That would be makeup artist Bruce Grayson. Bruce, along with his team of up to 20 additional artists, makes sure every single person walks out looking absolutely stunning. I'm thrilled to bring you my interview with Bruce today! Read on to find out how he got his start in beauty, the concealer he can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Hairstylist Wendy Vario

You know that feeling when you find your hair soul mate? That's how it was when I discovered Wendy Vario. During the year and a half I spent in Pittsburgh, I made Wendy WORK. We went red, we went blonde, we went brunette -- we ran the gamut, all while she kept my hair looking and feeling CRAZY healthy. (It's my own fault that it broke off, since I cheated on her once with a different stylist and bleached my hair against Wendy's wishes. Oops.) In any case, Wendy is super talented and the nicest person to boot! I always loved visiting her at Studio Booth, not only because I knew my hair would look incredible, but because hanging out with her was just such a treat. Read on to find out how she first started getting involved in beauty, the hairspray she can't live without and so much more. (And get a glimpse of alllll the different colors she created for me, too!)

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Hairstylist Jamie Cramer

Are you a fan of bold haircolors? Mermaid, unicorn, all around the best kind of crazy? Well, when I discovered hairstylist Jamie Cramer through Pulp Riot's Instagram, I was instantly hooked -- because she creates unbelievably gorgeous color like no other. From teal to pink, fiery red to multitudes of bright shades, Jamie's talent for color truly knows no bounds. (And I for one really like her name!) Read on to find out how she gets her inspiration, the shampoo she can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Hairstylist Serah Shirley

Unicorn hair. It's all the rage, right? Well, in the case of hairstylist Serah Shirley, it's not something one can just covet -- it's something you can have and totally ROCK. I discovered Serah through Pulp Riot's Instagram and all I can say about her is this. I. AM. OBSESSED. (And low key planning a trip to Utah so I can have her create a unique haircolor all my own!) I simply had to talk to Serah about how she gets her inspiration and why she does what she does. Read on to find out what led her to become a hairstylist, how she creates these incredible colors, the shampoo she recommends to keep your color vibrant and so much more. (Oh, and for some INSANELY incredible pics of her work, too.)

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Jewelry Designer Jennifer Loiselle

For as long as I can remember, I've been obsessed with earrings -- the bigger, crazier and more attention grabbing, the better. In fact, I was coined the "Pin and Earring Queen" of the 7th grade because I was always wearing the most out-there pieces, like shoulder-length houndstooth danglers (I even spent one month of that year documenting and cataloguing my jewelry looks so I wouldn't repeat them). So when I discovered jewelry designer Jennifer Loiselle, whose signature statement pieces -- especially the ones crafted in perspex -- are colorful, bold and, most importantly, FUN, I fell in love immediately. I snapped up five pairs of her earrings -- yes, five -- during one shopping spree on ban.do and haven't looked back since. So I'm beyond thrilled to bring you my interview with the truly fabulous Jennifer Loiselle today! Read on to find out how she got her start as a jewelry designer, where she gets her inspiration and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Beauty Blogger Shelley Plummer of Polarbelle

I've connected with many fabulous beauty bloggers over the years. But one of my very favorites? Shelley Plummer of Polarbelle. Even though we've never met in person, we've definitely got a similar outlook on life that's led to many rapid-fire conversations over Instagram direct message! I love Shelley's unique take on beauty, too -- she's always introducing me to products I haven't heard of but absolutely need in my arsenal. And she shares my love of crazy hair colors! Read on to find out what inspired her to start her blog, the powder she can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Manicurist and Nail Artist Nikki Diamond

Sometimes the best people come into your life in the most unexpected ways. Two years ago, during a trip to Los Angeles (my final trip before I moved two months later), I happened upon Nikki Diamond, a manicurist and nail artist at The House of Polish. I was randomly assigned to her, and I knew that I wanted purple nails with some sort of nail polish bottle art. Other than that, I was totally open to the design. Nikki and I connected instantly, and the design she created was SO GOOD. I seriously couldn't stop staring at my nails! (You'll have to keep reading to see what she did. Trust me, you're going to love it.) She's since moved to Las Vegas, but we've kept in touch over Instagram, and I knew I needed to feature her on The Beauty of Life -- because she is not only an incredible nail artist, but a truly inspiring person. Read on to find out how she got her start as a manicurist, the nail polishes she can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Celebrity Manicurist Jolene Brodeur

Doing nails for everyone from Sharon Osbourne and Vanessa Williams to America Ferrera and Dakota Johnson means that celebrity manicurist Jolene Brodeur certainly knows how to keep busy. Read on to discover how she got her start as a manicurist, which nail polish brand she can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born in California. I’ve been married for 20 years and I have four boys. We like to spend time together hiking, walking and exploring. A lot of our time is spent at the boys' sporting events and games.

How did you first become interested in nails, and what led you to become a manicurist?
I first became interested in nails when I was a little girl. I used to take my mother's liquid black eyeliner and make designs on my girlfriends’ nails. I set up a salon on my fireplace and they would come over. We would play for hours or as long as they would let me.

Later I attended beauty college at Citrus, where I got my manicurist license and then went on to get my cosmetology license. I worked at several salons before I landed at Creative Nail Design as an educational ambassador. I was there for over 13 years refining my skills and then joined their RED Team. This was my introduction into the world I currently live in. I love working on set and contributing my art to a creative work.

What are your favorite nail polish brands?
Essie. They are the color authority. They have so many colors that I am never at a loss when working on a project. Currently I work for Essie as an educator.

CND, Chanel, Tom Ford, Londontown and Azature. All are high-end, professional products that have trademarks which can be recognized the second you see them.

What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) Always apply a clear top coat.

2) Always have a tube of nail glue with you. It fixes almost everything.

3) Always have a detailing brush and black polish in your kit. They can save you if you have to improvise a quick design on the spot.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
The most rewarding part of what I do is being with other up and coming artists. I love being part of the creative process and of course I love the instant gratification of a job well done.

Being a manicurist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
When I’m not on set, I love spending time with my family just as much as I love what I do. So it's a hard balance for me.

How can The Beauty of Life readers find you on social media?
You can find me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

First Look Fridays Interview Series: Celebrity Manicurist Patricia Yankee

Celebrity manicurist Patricia Yankee is quite the powerhouse. From educating for major nail companies (including one of my longtime favorites, Dashing Diva) to creating looks for shows at New York Fashion Week and owning two salons, she definitely takes the nail world by storm. Read on to find out how she first became interested in nails and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Beauty Blogger Honey Kaho'ohanohano of Honeygirl's World

So I have a bit of an obsession, and it's reading the blog Honeygirl's World. Beauty blogger Honey Kaho'ohanohano is a fantastic writer, provides amazing in-depth reviews of products I simply have to have, and come on ... she's gorgeous to boot. Can we please talk about that HAIR? Plus, she lives in Hawaii, so I'm basically super jealous of her all around. Read on to discover how she started blogging, her number one skincare tip and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Beauty Blogger Allison Cohen of Never Say Die Beauty

One of my go-to beauty blog reads is Never Say Die Beauty. Blogger Allison Cohen has a very unique perspective on beauty, and I love how detailed, educated, researched and thorough she is in her reviews. Plus, she's a truly fantastic writer. And even better? She's a wonderful person to boot! Read on to find out how she started her blog, the eyeliner she can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Beauty Blogger Lisa Heath of Cosmetic Sanctuary

If you're not reading Cosmetic Sanctuary yet, you really need to start. This beauty blog, written by the fabulous Lisa Heath, features some of the most impeccable nail polish swatches I've seen to date. And, while I know about a LOT of nail polish brands and colors, I'm always learning about new niche brands through Lisa, which I love! Read on to find out how Lisa decided to start her blog, her number one beauty tip and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Beauty Blogger Phyrra of Beauty for the Bold

If you're into reading beauty blogs (and, if you're on this site, I really hope you are), then chances are you've heard of Phyrra - Beauty for the Bold. Phyrra has been one of my favorite beauty blogs for quite some time, thanks in large part to the fact that when she says bold, she MEANS it. Where else could you find a beauty blogger with purple hair and the willingness to wear black or purple lipstick -- and who looks AMAZING doing that? Phyrra's swatches are unparalleled, and I love that she features cruelty free beauty products, which gives her a unique take on the beauty industry. Keep reading to find out how she came to start her blog, the eyeshadow primer she can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Beauty Blogger Krystal Emery of Polish Galore

I'm thrilled to bring you this week's First Look Fridays interview with the lovely Krystal Emery of the beauty blog Polish Galore. If you're looking for impeccable nail polish swatches and honest, well-written reviews, this should be a must on your blog reader. Read on to find out how Krystal first became interested in nail polish, the cuticle oil she can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Valerie Bee

From her work in Vogue Japan to working with Daphne Guinness, makeup artist Valerie Bee has created some truly fabulous makeup looks. Read on to find out which mascara she can't live without, her top makeup tip and so much more.

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First Look Fridays: The Voice Key Makeup Artist Sherri Simmons

Makeup artist Sherri Simmons has quite the fabulous life. Among other fabulous projects, she's one of the makeup artists for the hit television show, The Voice! Read on to find out how she first became interested in beauty, the eyeliner she can't live without and so much more.

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