Kayla Greaves on Red Lips & Landlines
Plus, the Beverly Hills hotel she's manifesting a stay at.
Can we fast forward to spring already…?
The ice in NYC is really cramping my style (not to mention an eyesore), and I feel like everyone I talk to is going through it right now. But at least Summer House is back, and I really do enjoy watching the Winter Olympics, even if there’s no gymnastics, Quad God’s now-legal back flip excepted. And this Johnny Weir commentating moment is living in my head rent-free right now:
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This week, my guest is Kayla Greaves, who, TBQH, is long overdue for her Gatekeeping moment. She’s a beauty expert, journalist, host, consultant, and speaker—not to mention my friend, and anytime we’re together, we joke we solve all the world’s problems. (And yet…nobody asks us??) Kayla also recently joined Substack with her newsletter More Pleasure, so hit that subscribe button.
In the meantime, keep reading below for Kayla’s kitchen gadget of choice, the riveting 1994 bestseller she just finished, and more.
Meet the Gatekeeper:
Name: Kayla Greaves
Calls home: Brooklyn, New York
In a nutshell: Intelligent, curious, tired
What was the last great meal you ate?
I love to cook. But I don’t follow recipes—I follow vibes, meaning I don’t really measure anything. I made a really delicious brown butter and rosemary butternut squash ravioli the other night. I also made these cognac baked pears at random a few weeks ago. I haven’t shut up about them since.
What’s your tea order?
Currently loving Earl Grey, black, with a spoonful of honey.
What do you do when you need a pick-me-up?
Call a friend on my house phone (yes, a landline)—or take a very long shower.
What is the seemingly random product you can’t stop talking about?
I recently got a mandoline. Can’t imagine my life without it now.
What’s your current desert island beauty product?
MAED Signature Lip Pigment. But honestly, the whole MAED line in general. My lips are my favorite feature and the entire collection is just really, really good and smart.
What’s your fashion secret weapon?
A vintage fur, or a statement waist belt. Can’t go wrong with either—both timeless.
What’s your favorite place to shop?
I actually don’t have a single place that I love to shop. When I’m looking for clothing, it’s usually something that I’ve visualized in my mind already. Then I’ll have an eye out for that specific piece until I find it.
What’s the last book you weren’t able to put down?
Nicole Brown Simpson: The Private Diary of a Life Interrupted by the “morally corrupt” (Camille Grammer’s words—not mine!) Faye Resnick. Finished it in one day after spending the holiday break cosplaying as lead investigator of the O.J. case. [Ed. note: I can confirm; I thoroughly enjoyed watching Kayla investigate the O.J. case in “real” time on Threads.]
What’s a hotel you’re dying to stay at?
L’Ermitage Beverly Hills. I went to their rooftop this past June and it was lovely. Incredible views and great food. I haven’t stayed in any of their rooms just yet, but hope to real soon!
What’s your current favorite scent?
I usually layer my scents, but I will say Tom Ford’s Oud Voyager is one I wouldn’t dare blend with anything else. It’s so good.
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THANK YOU!