Meet Male Groomer - Sonia Lee



 "I find beauty in everything," says male groomer Sonia Lee, "If people feel great after I do their makeup, it makes me feel great and happy." Her openness to experiment, coupled with her broad skills to achieve the right effect, allow Lee to explore a variety of projects and achieve the full depth of her skill.

Ms. Lee, who was born and raised in Seoul, believes that to be beautiful is to like one's self and feel confident. In her sixteen years of experience as a professional makeup artist and male groomer, enhanced by a background in studying fashion design and working on films, Ms. Lee has created a diverse world of beautiful people, including male celebrities Neil Patrick Harris, Kevin Bacon, Woody Harrelson, and Chris Rock - just to name a few. EVOLUTIONMAN had an opportunity to chat with Ms. Lee. 

Q: How did you get your start in the makeup and grooming industry?

 A: I studied art and fashion in Korea. One of my teachers suggested I transition into makeup as I had an eye for beauty. I then attended the best makeup school in Korea. Due to my skills, Amore and Judanhak are the two companies that influenced me to come to Los Angeles.

Q: What is the most exciting aspect of your job?

 A: It is exciting meeting artists and creative people. It's always a nice surprise when you become someone's makeup artist after working with them for the first time.

Q: What products are you addicted to at the moment, that you use on a daily basis on your clients?

 A: I love lip balms and bronzers to create a healthy glow.

Q: What are some of the most basic (yet really important) skincare tips you have for men?

 A: Good sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Also, it is important to find out what type of skin you have, then use the right products.

Q: Any skincare DON'Ts for men?

A: A common mistake is men thinking skincare is just for women. It is equally important for men to care for their skin. Skin is skin!

Andrew Garfield - Golden Globes

Q: Why do you think men are finally realizing makeup isn't just for women anymore?

A: It's the same as plastic surgery these days, it's more public and popular to use makeup for men. They are wishing to look younger and fresher as well. Smooth fresh skin, shiny eyes, and gorgeous hair have always been desired, and it is now more widely accepted to use products for men to achieve these effects.

Q: Have there been any celebrities gracing the pages of magazines and looking sharp thanks to EVMAN?

A: Neil Patrick Harris, Anthony Hopkins, Geoffrey Rush, Andrew Garfield... I've been using it for red carpet and press.

Q: Lastly, what public figure do you think perfectly exemplifies the modern man?

A: Andrew Garfield exemplifies a true gentleman. He's a successful young man with a great caring manner about him. He happens to be tall and handsome as well. :)

To get Ms. Lee's daily beauty must-haves, read more about Lip Balm SPF 15 and Moisture Protect SPF 20 Bronze.

EVMAN would like to thank Sonia Lee and Executive Artists Management Los Angeles for the interview and biography on Ms. Lee. 

LEMONADE - ABBOT KINNEY

Lemonade, by chef Alan Jackson, is a cafeteria-catering style restaurant spanning four locations in Los Angeles.

Something about Lemonade feels very familiar when you first step in. Stainless steel counter tops and a line-up of customers with trays in hand gives your a senses a hint. It's only until you recognize the cursive typeface and familiar chef outfit that you realize Lemonade's design choice. Lemonade has taken the grade school experience you had growing up and elevated it to a higher level. The staff is helpful and friendly, but more importantly, the ready-made food is a knockout. Going from a catered approach, Lemonade offers sandwiches, salads, side mixtures of culturally diverse portions that happen to be seasonal, and, to top it off, freshly baked sugary desserts.

I happened to go with a series of three portions, the Israeli couscous with wild mushrooms, Parmesan, and lemon truffle, chopped sweet potatoes with pistachios, and chicken salad with grapes, butternut squash, and oregano. My lady friend who accompanied me ordered the turkey pot roast sandwich, and in good fashion, both of us partook in two tall cups of kiwi-strawberry lemonade. The food has a feeling of comfort soul food, with the appearance of health. Lemonade caters to both sides of the spectrum. Want a cup of macaroni and cheese with a red velvet cupcake for dessert? Or perhaps you're making an effort to be light on the waistline by ordering a salad and a portion of winter squash with white truffle and chives. Either way, Lemonade has got you covered.

The price of Lunch at Lemonade isn't cheap, although the price accurately represents the quality and level of craftsmanship you'd expect of an LA establishment of this caliber. Once we packed in our last bites for the evening, my lady friend and I left Lemonade with full stomachs, feeling content and blissfully happy, with an earnest desire to return to an outstanding establishment in the future.

Lemonade is located in four locations in the Los Angeles area. The Lemonade we visited is located at 1661 Abbot Kinney, Venice, CA 90291.


Gentleman A of The Traveling Gentlemen

MALE TREND ALERT: All Saints Demise Boot

All Saints is a British-born brand founded in 1994 that follows one key ingredient: instead of following trends, it goes against them. Their boots are something we have a deep admiration for, military styling with a fashion conscious appeal that cant be ignored. Whether you are going out to your favorite nightclub or you're going to have dinner with your crew, there is nothing better then a pair of boots that will go anywhere with you, without causing issues. The Demise boot is nothing short of what is mentioned above. From the front lace-up and ankle cuff, to the heavily hand-washed and hand-treated leather for the perfect vintage effect, these boots will be ready for whatever you have planned.

Gentleman B of The Traveling Gentlemen