When someone’s selfie makes you scroll back, you want to know the beauty products responsible for the double take. Inquiring minds get answers with TZR’s The High/Low series, where we ask our favorite tastemakers to reveal both the splurge-worthy and wildly affordable staples in their routines.
Denise Vasi has always been bold — both in her career or beauty choices. “I was raised on set,” Vasi tells me over drip coffee and cream at the Mandarin hotel in New York City, a kiss-shaped silhouette stain on her mug. “I was signed by Eileen Ford very young, and within the first four years of my modeling career, they realized I wasn’t going to get much taller — so the beauty world became my niche.”
After her beauty career took off, she soon got cast in her breakout role on the soap opera, All My Children. It was there that she developed her signature look — a bold, matte red lip — which eventually led to the creation of her own clean, ritual-focused lip brand, Maed Beauty.
For Vasi, rituals have always been synonymous with wellness and self-care. “Before any of the artists would put a lick of color on my face [on set], there was this element of care to the process,” Vasi says. “Now, I microcurrent, I gua sha — I can do it now without a mirror, while I’m meditating or listening to an audio book. I found yoga in my twenties too, and that showed me how to care for what goes on and in my body.”
Vasi’s community of over 200,000 on Instagram also served as inspiration for Maed’s mission. “A big part of my community had been using traditional makeup and skin care, but for the last decade, I’ve been taking them alongside me to choose cleaner ingredients that still perform,” she says. Maed’s hero product, the Signature Lip Pigment, promises the same long-lasting wear as traditional liquid lipsticks, without any questionable ingredients. (Vasi’s trick for getting a perfect red lip each time? “I line up my pinky to the center of my bottom lip, and use it like a tripod when applying lipstick,” she says. “It helps stabilize my hand, and I’m able to line my lips perfectly.”)
Ahead, queen of the red lip shares her favorite splurges and affordable finds.
Denise’s Favorites Over $25
Ice Roller
“I’m a big believer that you should only invest in beauty tools when you’ve integrated the practice into your routine. Ice rolling is one of those rituals for me, and this one is such an upgrade.”
The Skinny Confidential –
Revive Day + Night Lip Balm
“The gold tip is really cooling, and almost like a gua sha for the lips. It’s designed to shape and massage.”
MAED –
The Body Stone
“This bar leaves my skin nourished and hydrated without feeling heavy – plus, it’s travel friendly and carry-on approved.”
Kate McLeod –
Casablanca Eau de Parfum
“This is my current signature scent. Dreamy with a touch of warm cardamom and marshmallow. It’s just so yummy!”
Brown Girl Jane –
Stealth Cold Plunge
“This is definitely a luxurious practice, but cold plunging almost daily has helped so much with my anxiety. I’m a different person when I don’t do it. Just ask my husband!”
LIT Method –Denise’s Favorites Under $25
Gua Sha Rose Quartz Stone
“I love to gua sha for lymphatic drainage and to smooth fine lines.”
Sephora Collection –
Skin-Enhancing Concealer
“This is one of my go-to concealers. I don’t use foundation, so I dab a bit of this and blend it out with a sponge under my eyes and a brush on my face.”
Ami Colé –
Guava Rescue Hair Spray
“I love a multi-benefit product. This spray hydrates, protects against UV damage, and revives my hair. I never go to the beach without it.”
Ceremonia –
Bergamot Cedar Body Wash
“This is always in my shower! I love the grounding scent of bergamot, and the price can’t be beat.”
Being Frenshe –
