Miami’s Top Beauty Influencers Dish On Their Favorite Products, Tricks And More

LOREN RIDINGER @lorenridinger

Photo Credit: Market America

What are your top beauty products you can’t live without?
-I can’t go anywhere without Motives® 10 Years Younger Makeup Setting Spray. It “freezes” my skin to look as good long into the night as when I first put on makeup in the morning.

-Motives® Mascara―gives me the look of full, long lashes.

-Motives® Maven Matte Lipstick in Daddy’s Girl is my signature lip color.

–Lumière de Vie® Serum Concentrate does absolute wonders for my skin.

What is your ultimate beauty hack?

I ice my face 10 minutes before a big night out to look fresh and plump.

Favorite beauty trends of the moment?

My favorite beauty trend of the moment is bold and graphic liners for the eyes. I love playing with eye liner―it just really defines the face, and I love the different looks that I can create.

Where does your beauty inspiration come from?

My beauty inspiration comes from women everywhere. I love and admire women; I especially love watching how they feel comfortable in their own skin. My mother was always a huge beauty inspiration for me, as well. Growing up, I loved watching her make herself up to look great for my father when he came home, which in turn made her feel beautiful and empowered.

JENNY LOPEZ @lopezjennylopez

Photo Credit: Oliver Olivella

What are your top beauty products you can’t live without?

The tongue cleaner in my morning routine to help me remove bacteria and follow my Ayurveda diet. Cupping the face to stimulate my skin and muscles. My last step in my beauty routine is the Tata Harper nutrient face to seal hydration into the skin.

What is your ultimate beauty hack?

My favorite is putting chamomile tea in a spray bottle in the cold fridge and spraying it on my face during the day to brighten up the complexion.

Favorite beauty trends of the moment?

My favorite trend is coconut oil―I love to eat a spoon of coconut oil, honey and bee pollen. I also include it in the shower routine; I like to do a hair mask and massage my whole body with it because it nourishes. I have been getting microneedling facials—I like to do it with Claudia Forza because she does the best facials. It’s a mission to get an appointment. She does lots of celebrities and is a celebrity herself. Microneedling helps me improve my skin pigmentation. 

Where does your beauty inspiration come from?

My beauty inspiration comes from always trying to keep my body in high vibration. I am always going to massages, [ following the] Ayurveda diet and different treatments to stay in top shape and on top of my beauty tips. I like reading and knowing what each ingredient does to my skin to make sure I use it properly and it does not have a counter effect. Knowledge is king, girls, so read before using everything. 

LISA HOCHSTEIN @lisahochstein

Photo Credit: Lisa Hochstein

What are three beauty products you can’t live without?

-I can’t live without retinol cream! It’s the ultimate night cream. My favorite is called “ReFissa”

-ZO Skin Health Renewal pads by ZO Skin Health. I use them every morning and night to clean my pores. I rarely get breakouts because of them.

-SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier. This is a multifunctional serum with hyaluronic acid that plumps [and] hydrates my skin like I drank a gallon of water. It’s the best serum out there. 

All of these products are available at our Medspa @hochsteinmedspa 

What is your ultimate beauty hack?

It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, but using Preparation H cream on my eyes if they look a little puffy. 

Favorite beauty trends of the moment?

Dip powder nails! I developed an allergy to gel nails after using them for years. I then discovered nontoxic dip powder nails, which last for up to three weeks and don’t require UV light. It’s a blessing in disguise. Also, microblading. I have uneven, sparse eyebrows, and wouldn’t leave the house without my eye pencil until I discovered semi-permanent eyebrow microblading. It’s a total game changer! 

Where does your beauty inspiration come from?
Instagram! I follow so many makeup artists and beauty accounts. This is where I get inspired and learn about the newest tricks and trends.

RACHAEL RUSSELL SAIGER @rachael.russell

Photo Credit: Alec Artidello

What are three beauty products you can’t live without?

-Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum

-IGK Thirsty Girl Coconut Milk Leave-In Conditioner

-Lanolips 101 Ointment 

What is your ultimate beauty hack?

I’m all about multitasking, so I need my nighttime skincare to work hard while I sleep. I have a lot of products that I love, so I like to switch them up depending on where I’m traveling.

Favorite beauty trends of the moment?

I’m really loving the push and overall popularity of sustainable and clean beauty. Sephora makes it really easy to shop for products without harmful ingredients with its Clean Seal.

Where does your beauty inspiration come from?

The “French Girl” is my beauty inspiration. She’s effortlessly chic with glowing natural skin and cool-girl messy hair.

FARAH ABASSI @farah.abassi

Photo Credit: Aroma360

What are three beauty products you can’t live without?

– Obagi Sun Shield Matte sunscreen. I use it religiously because living in Miami, we’re constantly exposed to the sun. The matte finish is key because most other sunscreens make my face too shiny, whereas this one allows my makeup to last all day.

– SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum. I’m half Moroccan, and I have melasma (hyperpigmentation). This serum is the only hydroquinone-free product that works on my skin, and the results are incredible

– GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Mask. I travel a lot for work, and the plane wreaks havoc on my skin! I use this mask a few times a week because it’s gentle while being very moisturizing. It contains hyaluronic acid and leaves my skin with a dewy glow.

What is your ultimate beauty hack?

Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar! I drink a tablespoon every morning on an empty stomach―it’s very detoxifying and helps with digestion. I use it on my hair once a week―it helps eliminate fizziness and gives my hair a beautiful shine without weighing it down. I also use it as a toner before I go to sleep―it’s a natural exfoliator and helps with hyperpigmentation and fine lines.

Favorite beauty trends of the moment?

I recently had my eyebrows microbladed, and it has been a game changer. When my eyebrows look good, I immediately feel put together. Eyebrows are very important as they shape and frame the face, and are a great way to accentuate the eyes. 

Where does your beauty inspiration come from?

Social media is a great tool for keeping up with beauty trends. I have a few favorite social media accounts: @marianna_hewitt  @byrdiebeauty

@agirlcancope @hudabeauty

AMANDA BROOKE @fromappletoorange

Photo Credit: Camila Rosa

What are three beauty products you can’t live without?

Living in Miami, I face constant sun exposure, so I am particularly SPF conscious. It took me years to find the perfect everyday facial sunscreen, but I’m happy to report that I’m obsessed with my current product. My dermatologist recommended Elta MD, and I am hooked. I use its broad-spectrum SPF 41 in the lightly tinted shade, and it gives me just the right amount of coverage.

Next, let’s talk about the Cucumber De-Tox™ Hydra-Gel Eye Patches from Peter Thomas Roth. These are supposed to “awaken fatigued eyes,” and guess what—they do! I apply them anytime I’m putting on heavy makeup because they plump up the skin under my eyes and make the makeup sit so much more smoothly. I also tend to get really dry in that area of my face, and these reinvigorate me.

I also can’t live without my Bobbi Brown Electric Violet High Shimmer Lip Gloss. At first glance, it appears a little too fuchsia in the container, but when you apply it, it’s the perfect shimmery pink shade. I wear it on its own during the day, and then I layer it at night with liners and lipsticks. Not only do I love the color, but this gloss has a luxurious feel and a delicious, fragrant smell.

What is your ultimate beauty hack?

Like many people, my T-Zone gets oily, but the rest of my face is pretty dry. Combination skin anyone? I’ve been using Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil before bed every night, and it’s dreamy. When I travel, which I do quite frequently, I also apply it in the morning. Air travel dehydrates the skin, so this oil balances me out―and there’s zero shine on my face as a result. It becomes matte right after application. I know it feels counterintuitive to apply oil to oily skin, but give this one a shot.

Favorite beauty trends of the moment?

This is an easy one, gold lids! I’m not an eyeshadow girl, but I am a shimmer and glitter girl, so I’m fully embracing this trend. Wearing this look makes your eyes a metallic accessory.

Where does your beauty inspiration come from?

Just as I do with fashion, I love to emulate runway trends, but tweak them for my lifestyle. After Fashion Month, I peruse the slideshows from the big designers for inspiration. From nail shades to eyeline shapes, there’s so much to play with.