Sara Kardan on Hand Scrub & Turmeric Lattes
Plus, the inside scoop on our Gatekeeping x The Beauty Loop event!
I took an impromptu week off last week as I was in the Catskills the previous weekend (thinking a little recap for paid subs soon!) and I’ve been extra busy preparing for…my first-ever Gatekeeping EVENT, cohosted with my beauty editor pal (and past Gatekeeper) Erica Metzger!
The whole idea started a few months ago, when we decided to host this event for freelance beauty editors to have an open forum to talk about the unique pressures we feel, how we’re approaching this fall, and how we can support each other. Even just in planning, I think that Erica and I proved the power of this community; having regular touch bases and someone to bounce ideas off of again was so refreshing!
Before I get into this week’s interview, I want to thank everyone who helped us make it happen. First, Savi PR and the amazing team at Majesty’s Pleasure, the gorgeous luxury beauty social club that served as our venue. New York friends, you simply have to go. It’s everything you want in a nail salon, that’s also a bar, that’s also a lounge, and then some.
Then we couldn’t have done it without our key sponsors, e.l.f. Cosmetics and NuSkin. They heard about what we wanted to do and were instantly game to support us. And the pressure was also on to have amazing gift bags, and these brands stepped up: Major shout out to Rothy's, Uwila Warrior, Alice Mushrooms, Alo, Rifle Paper Co., OneHope, Hunt & Bloom, and Shed Rain for your generous donations!
Finally, our freelance editor colleagues: WE LOVE YOU! You energized us and made us want to hit the ground running and do this again.
Even more exciting news: Today’s newsletter subject is actually one of the co-founders of Majesty’s Pleasure, Sara Kardan! Sara and her husband Jeff Armstrong started the beauty social club in their native Toronto before bringing the concept to NYC, and it’s truly one of a kind. The space focuses on hospitality, and guests are encouraged to enjoy their treatments while they have a drink and relax. It’s beauty heaven by way of Flatiron.
One thing is clear: Sara knows her way around a luxurious moment. Ahead, she shares her current go-to skincare products, how she’d spend her ideal day in Toronto, and more.
Meet the Gatekeeper:
Name: Sara Kardan
Calls home: Toronto, Ontario
In a nutshell: Overthinker, creative, mother
What was the last great meal you ate?
I recently had the most incredible Persian dish at my girlfriend’s house. It was a lamb stew, with eggplant, tomato, and a baked rice dish.
What was the last link you sent someone?
Lewis Howes’s Instagram account! All his content inspires me so much.
What is the seemingly random product you can’t stop talking about?
I love the Hand Exfoliant from SIDIA. It’s a great cleanser and I think hand care is just as important as skincare!
What’s the item you wear most in your closet?
Everything Alo! I’m an activewear girl through and through and love wearing it as much as possible, I would wear it everyday if I could!
What’s your favorite place to shop?
Definitely Revolve. Their shipping & returns are unbeatable and they carry the best brands.
What’s your desert island beauty pick?
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment. It’s like a 10 minute at home facial, it’s truly such a fantastic product.
What’s your current favorite bev?
Lately, I’ve been very into dark chocolate and oat milk turmeric lattes. We actually have the best superfood lattes at Majesty's Pleasure!
You have a free day to do anything in Toronto. What’s on the agenda?
My perfect afternoon would be starting with a quick run outside, followed by a workout at Equinox. I’d then head home and make myself a healthy lunch then pick up my kids from school and head to a family dinner. We love Italian and usually go to a spot called Dimmis in Toronto. They have the best pasta and pizza.
From the Gatekeeping Archives: