DORÉ

We can’t wait to introduce you to Denise Vasi, the founder of the inclusive lifestyle publication, Maed. Read on to learn how she navigates her beauty routine throughout the day.

What is your morning beauty routine?

I get up as early as I can so I have enough time to mentally prepare myself for the day, go through my morning skincare routine, and upload my daily motivational quote to Instagram. I’ll grab a glass of water with lemon and wash my face.

If my skin is looking a little drab, I’ll use Kora Organics’ Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating Mask; it leaves my face super smooth and glowy and I instantly feel more awake. I tone with a spritz of Biossance’s Squalane + Hyaluronic Toning Mist and follow with a serum. Right now, I’m loving Symbiome’s The Answer, a reparative serum that supports cell turn over, then I use Biossance’s Squalane + Omega Repair Cream. It’s been my go-to day cream for a few years now because it’s not too heavy and has just the right amount of hydration for my combination skin. It wears really well under makeup, too. I pop on some eye patches, then head into the kitchen to brew some coffee.

Once I’ve got the kids sitting down for breakfast and lunch is packed, I’ll throw on something comfy like MATE’s Organic Terry Classic Jogger & Raglan with a pair of Jordans and slap on sunscreen. My favorites are Biossance’s Squalane & Zinc Sheer Mineral SPF because it never leaves that grey cast behind, it’s super moisturizing, and I love its texture.

I’ll spritz my curls with Fekkai’s Shea Butter Curl Refresh to bring them back to life and then I’m out the door with both kids. I drop my six-year-old off at school and head right back home with my toddler. After I change, I do my makeup, which is a quick 5 product routine.

For skin, I use two shades of Kosas’ Revealer Concealer—#6 & #7. I blend with my Artis makeup brushes because I’m addicted! You always get a flawless, finished look. Sweep bronzer over a few key areas of my face. I like Mented’s Bronzer in Beach Bum. Then I’ll tap Saie’s Dew Blush in Rosy onto my cheeks and cheekbones, Bite Beauty’s Upswing Mascara on the lashes. I usually rock a red lip but I’ve been keeping my lips pretty bare and natural these days. Ilia’s Rosette Lipstick is currently on repeat.

What products do you use throughout the day and why?

I have the driest elbows and hands known to woman, so I keep Thrones 54 African Beauty Butter on my desk, in my bag, in the car—I basically spread a bunch of tubes all around.

I love Henne Organics’ Lip Mask for lip hydration. Reapply. Reapply. Reapply! Keeping your lips hydrated is the foundation for great lip application.

I keep Wildling’s Empress wand on my desk and I use it throughout the day to release jaw tension and loosen any stiffness in my neck.

I also use the Biossance Squalane + Hyaluronic Toning Mist to set my makeup and refresh my face whenever I need it.

And of course sunscreen!

What is your evening beauty routine?

The days are often a blur to me. It’s always go, go, go, so I make a point to have a real moment with myself in the evenings. Skincare is a big form of self-care for me. I’ll take a relaxing shower, and I might use a scalp mask because taking care of your scalp is all the rage these days. I’ve been using Monpure’s Stimulate Scalp Mask. I love that it has camellia tea oil, which has essential nutrients and fatty acids to help stimulate hair follicles. After my shower, I gua sha. I find the practice meditative. Lately, I’ve been using Costa Brazil’s Kaya Anti-Aging face oil. I’m also big on beauty tech, so I might use a microcurrent toning device or lay down with my LED face mask for 20 minutes while listening to a podcast or guided meditation.

What is your definition of beauty?

Individuality. Authenticity. Grace. Integrity. Loyalty. Kindness.

When do you feel most beautiful?

When I’m on a beach, the air is humid, and the ocean is nearby.

Tell us about Maed and what spurred you to found it!

Maed is a lifestyle publication that I launched in 2018 after spending 20+ years modeling, acting and working with almost every major beauty brand. Maed focuses on intentional living, self-care, and clean beauty from a very attainable approach.

When I looked at the health and wellness space seven years ago there was a tremendous lack of diversity and inclusivity. I wanted to bring wellness and beauty content to all women, but I wanted it to be attainable and accessible to as many women as possible, especially women of color. So I took my passion for curating the best products and built a platform where women could learn and shop at every price point.

My community trusts Maed to do the work for them so they don’t have to do all the legwork themselves—they come to us to find the best of the best, at a price point that works for them.