INFECTA Magazine - The Year of Transformation | Jan/21 - Year I - Vol 2

The Year of Transformation January 2021 - YEAR I - VOL 2 JANUARY 2021 |

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C E F N I t u a e b r o f d l bo

a t EC ty e h t ld

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January 2021 BEST OF BEAUTY AT HOME

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ALISON KAY’S KEYS TO BEAUTY, JAN 2021

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BOMBSHELL ON THE BLOCK

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PERFECT SKIN

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COVERGIRL! THE YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION

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WINGS TO FLY, GODDESS NUTRITION

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NEW YEAR’S MUST-HAVES

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ZODIAC: CAPRICORN 32

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Through these uncertain times it has become more important than ever to stay positive and fill our hearts with love and kindness. In staying optimistic, this second issue of INFECTA focuses on transformation: Finding a way to come out of 2021 stronger, accomplished, and more confident.

I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate love, inspiration, and inclusivity than to feature LosAngeles based influencer, transgender model, designer, and beauty queen Kataluna Enriquez on our cover. This Filipino-American beauty on embodies the modern rmati o f s n a r T world and spreads the ar Of 21 The Ye anuary 20 J message of love, compassion, and the importance of staying true to yourself.

Let’s make this the year we spread our wings and fly, ON THE COVER: Moder: Kataluna Enriquez Photographer: Franz Orban

LISA OPIE Editor-in-Chief

Creative Director, hair & make-up artist and everything elce: Lisa Opie

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The same creativity that sets you apart can make you part of our creative community. And if you are passionate about Fashion, Miami International University of Art & Design is the place to be.

We'll help you turn your love of Fashion into the pursuit of a career that loves you back.

THE EDUCATION IS HANDS-ON. THE FUTURE IS WIDE OPEN.

We oer a range of associate and bachelor's degree programs including Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising & Accessory Design. You'll learn by doing-applying the same talent, tools, and techniques used in the industry

Where will your passion take you? Find out.

WWW.MYMIU.EDU AIMIUinternational@aii.edu 1.305.428.5903 Miami International University of Art & Design is one of The Art Institutes, a system of private schools throughout the United States.

2021 | Boulevard, 7 Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change.JANUARY 1501 Biscayne Suite 100, Miami, FL 33132-1418. Š 2020. The Arts Institutes International LLC. All rights reserved.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lisa Opie

EDITORS Beauty Breauna Washington Katy Moody Cusick Gizella Manzano Carlos Marrero Wellness Anna Vieira Joanna Trailov Zodiac Manish Arora

DIGITAL

Available year-round at infectamag.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS Karo Delgobbo, Americas Flávio Iryoda, EMA & ASPAC ART DIRECTOR Xavier Maranon

CONSUMER SERVICES

PRINT

INFECTA Magazine is a bi-monthly digital and print on-demand publication focused on makeup, hair, skincare and social media for the young and independent influencer girl.

CONTACT US

AVESSA Media Group LLC Brickell - Miami, FL 33130 United States of America

On-demand printing available at infectamag.com, delivered worldwide at your door.

Questions or comments? info@infectamag.com

PUBLISHER

A PROUD MEMBER OF

© 2020 AVESSA Media Group LLC, a Florida limited liability corporation. All rights reserved.

The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future.

No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a through examination of the particular situation.

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team

#iNFEcta 10

LISA OPIE

KATY MOODY CUSICK

BREAUNA WASHINGTON

@lisa_opie

@katymoodycusick

@beautyby_breauna

From owning her first business, Vizcaya Swimwear at 20, to spilling all of her beauty secrets on her YouTube Channel LadyCode, to working as a celebrity hair and makeup artist at the most exclusive events in the world, Lisa Opie uses her platforms to promote women’s empowerment and wellness.

Katy has years of experience working on set for national and international campaigns. “Being accustomed to high-stress fastpaced work environments, I’ve learned to roll with the punches with professionalism”. Carmella Marcella Garcia, infamous drag queen and mentor, influenced many of her class looks.

Breauna loves everything from hair to makeup. She is very involved in the pageant industry with the big dream of one day becoming Miss USA. Breauna works for Beauty by Ladycode as one of their make-up artist and loves enhancing the beauty of all of contestants she comes into contact with!

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ALISON BOWLES

FRANZ ORBAN

KATIE ANN MAGYAR

@alissonbowles

@thecodecreatives

@katieannmagyar

Professional makeup artist and beauty influencer from age of 16. An advocate for helping women to reach their fullest potential. Named one of the “Top 20 Instagram Accounts to Follow” and continues to inspire through the beauty and modeling industry. Featured in Forbes, MAXIM, Yahoo Finance & more.

Franz has been part of beauty pageants for a long time, as a sponsor for Vizcaya Swimwear or judging multiple pageants including Miss Universe Iceland.

Franz is a self-taught photographer, combining his talent and experience of working with celebrity photographers with his natural instinct for perfection.

Dancer, model, actress, Vizcaya Swimwear spokesmodel, and pageant queen with experience in the entertainment industry. An environmentaliste, she uses her platforms to talk about sustainability through social media and dance. Her vision for the world has made her an award winning choreographer and director.

CARLOS MARRERO

JOANNA TRAILOV

MANISH ARORA

@camarrero

@iamlov_jlov

@manishastrologer

Widely recognized for his tongue-in-cheek and informed critiques of the fashion, beauty and entertainment industry.

Carlos is a seasoned fashion designer of Marrero Collection - a compilation of alluring statement pieces designed for the fashionista looking for unique fashion items.

Driven by good-old-fashioned heart and soul, as a mentor, coach, and intuitive teacher, Joanna has dedicated a lifetime to self-love and self-awareness. Joanna has taken her certification in Sports Medicine and experience as a Master Reiki Practitioner to help others find a path to healing.

Renowned KP Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Reader Vastu Consultant, rendering professional advice to clients with a high degree of success. Manish has been conferred with the title of Jyotish Varahamihir and Jyotish Aryabhatt, writing monthly astrological columns for 40+ international magazines.

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BEAUTY GUIDE

EYE BROW RULER

THE BEST OF BEAUTY

AT HOME! No more dried out makeup wipes on your nightstand, you deserve better

BY KATHY MOODY CUSICK

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F YOUR BEAUTY PRO IS BOOKED SOLID FROM POST QUARantine crowds, try these tried and true products from the safety of your home! We all love a good facial, spray tan, and brow shaping but if that’s just not in the cards right now these are the GOAT! I hope you love these products as much as we do! All items listed were tested and recommended by our beauty editors.

These eyebrow stickers are the secret to keeping your brows on point. From beginners to pros this is a great tool to have! Use them for simply applying brow makeup, shaping, and even henna tinting your brows. For the OCD brow girls, you will forget how you ever did your brows without it! It makes precision and symmetry easy!

SELF TANNER Before you dismiss this because of a bad experience just know, self-tanners have come a LONG way! This one in particular is leading the way with its moisture-rich formula. But here is the kicker that I know you don’t want to hear… you have to do some prep and post-work for self-tanner to work to its potential. Before using, shave, exfoliate, and drink lots of water!

Hydrated skin is the number one tip for loving your self-tanner results. After applying, waiting and showering allow your tan to last by applying lotion often.

AUSTRALIAN PINK CLAY POREFINING FACE MASK This is an instant results face mask!

You can feel your pores tightening within minutes. I personally like to use this after I wash my face in the morning before I apply makeup.

The pore minimization is real, it’s one of my feel-good products because it works so quickly.

MEDIUM

DARK

ULTRA DARK

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HENNA BROW TINT Spend your time wisely… if you want flawless brows for longer than a day, try henna tint! From our experience, the results last approximately two weeks. For the most precise application use a brow ruler, listed in this article. Leave the henna paste on for about 10-15 minutes.

Clean the henna paste residue from the brow with your facial cleanser, then dry with a soft towel! It’s really that easy.

HAIR REPAIR The winter is not friends with my hair SOS! The dull dry funk takes over and I need some nutrients quick before I regretfully get a new haircut. Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector has saved me more times than any other hair product. Don’t mistake this for a leave-in conditioner or a mask, this is a whole different product that changed the game! You have to use this on clean wet hair, and it must be shampooed after using. It’s legit and one of those products that I can tell when I miss a treatment.

It’s worth it, treat yourself!

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BEAUTY GUIDE

ALISON KAY’S

Keys to Beauty Jan 2021 Transform Your Skin From the Inside Out

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ELLO 2021! 2020 IS FINALLY OVER, IT’S A NEW YEAR, AND we are kicking it off talking about transformation. These dry winter months can really take a toll on our skin. It is critical that we know how to TRANSFORM our skin from the INSIDE OUT to get that glowing from within look all year round. It’s a new year, and it’s time to radiate the best YOU that you can be.

3 KEYS: 1. Nutrition.

Nourish from within.

2. Topical Antioxidants 3. Natural Glow Boosters

1 NUTRITION It starts from within.

Did you know that nutrition plays a key role in the appearance of your skin? Sometimes blemishes and flaws on our skin is actually our body telling us that it is lacking something.

Here are my favorite supplements that not only get my skin clear & glowing, but also make my hair and nails stronger and healthier too. - A double whammy!

ACV GUMMI Improved immune system = improved complexion. I have been trying these gummies out for two months now, and have seen a huge difference in the appearance of my skin! My skin is supple and glowing! $24.99 – acvgummi.com/

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HUM NUTRITION RED CARPET

NEOCELL SUPER COLLAGEN + C

Are you ready for your close up?

This vitamin is specially formulated for glowing skin & shiny hair.

Black currant seed oil along with other plant-based fatty acids & antioxidants will give your skin that glow from within. $25.00 – humnutrition.com

With all of the collagen supplements out there, this one is exceptional with type 1 & 3 collagen + Vitamin C. I have been using this for over a year and have seen incredible hair growth as well as clearer, more supple skin. $15.95 – neocell.com

2 TOPICAL ANTIOXIDANTS If you don’t already have this product, what are you doing?! This patented vitamin C formula is tried and true. It is clinically proven to reduce skin damage from free radicals generated by UV, Ozone, and Diesel Exhaust by up to 41%. Not only is this product a preventative to aging skin but you will see the difference in the way your skin glows from within right away. See below the photo of how the apple rots with & without this formula applied to it- now imagine that being your skin!

SKINCEUTICALS CE FERULIC SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF with Ferulic Acid- for more acne-prone skin Both $166.00 each – skinceuticals.com

3 NATURAL GLOW BOOSTERS First it is key to nourish our skin from the inside out with the proper nutrition and products to clinically heal and protect our skin. Now that we have gone over that, we can talk about my favorite products to give that significant glow boost. I love these products not only for the winter months, but right before a photoshoot when my skin is feeling dry from travel, these products do the trick! They will make you look and feel beautiful while still nourishing your skin at the same time.

SEPHORA PINEAPPLE FACE MASK I received this face mask in a gift bag once and I was pleasantly surprised by it. It left my face glowing the entire day and extremely moisturized! Now I can’t live without it- and right now it’s only $4! $4.00 – sephora.com

COSMEDICA PURE HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

ELCIE COSMETICS THE GLOW ENHANCER

Hyaluronic Acid is a MUST! It draws moisture from the air and virtually injects it into your skin.

It is inexpensive and is able to hold up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. Don’t sleep on Hyaluronic Acid! $11.00 – cosmedica-skincare.com

Infused with rich oils such as rose hip oil, jojoba oil, and meadowfoam oil, this formula locks in the skin’s moisture & provides anti-aging benefits while microscopic gold shimmering minerals illuminate your skin with a captivating glow. If your skin is acne-prone like mine, you don’t have to worry about breaking out with this oil! $48.00 – ulta.com

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BEAUTY GUIDE

Bombshell on theBlock

BY KATTIE ANN MAGYAR

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S WE ARE LIVING THROUGH A HISTORICAL TIME, and the world is changing around us it may feel like you are living groundhog day over and over. Routines were ripped out from under us, and new ones were quickly put in their place. It might be hard to feel inspired or change up your new routine. I say, let’s get creative with it. Over this time I’ve found that small and subtle changes have made staying at home a lot more fun without breaking the bank.

Switching my morning hot coffee to iced coffee on Tuesday morning’s as a treat to myself makes me look forward to Tuesdays, and it’s super easy to do. I make a pot on Monday to put in the fridge overnight. In the morning I pour over ice and top with my favorite creamer and a little caramel drizzle. Stir, sip, and enjoy!

Playing with makeup looks has been so much fun. My personal favorite new eyeshadow palette is the LADYCODE SHOP’s INFLUENCER palette! It has a wide variety of colors for all kinds of looks.

$13.95

LADY CODE SHOP INFLUENCER

been going on that week. I love to use lush products for this because they are such an amazing eco friendly brand, and they are really quality products. My personal favorites are the Sex Bomb bath bomb for it’s lavendar scent and the Rosy Cheeks facemask.

At the end of the day, making these subtle changes is about you taking care of you. Doing something to make yourself happy, and feel like each day is different. If you are in a cycle, trying something new and fun can really impact the way you look at the world. Self care and self love are more important now that ever.

$7.95 SEX BOMB BATH BOM

If you’re staying at home anyway, who cares if your eye shadow looks a little crazy or if you didn’t get it totally right the first time?! And it’s something to get you off the tons of screens we all have in front of us constantly and do something with your hands.

Try making a friday night ritual to make the end of your work week feel special. For the last few months, I have been taking a bubble bath every friday night to treat myself. Topped off with a facemask and a glass of pino grigio for a nearly perfect evening regardless of what might have

$35 ROSY CHEEKS FRESH FACE MASK

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BEAUTY GUIDE

The Perfect Skin BREUNA WASHIGNTON

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O YOU EVER LOOK AT A PHOTO OF A girl on Instagram or even in a magazine and wonder, “wow, how do I get my skin to look that perfect?” I used to do that all the time! Taking out the obvious factor that editing is involved, there is a way to achieve that beautiful dewy skin using 5 products!

To start, you want to go in with your primer and foundation. Making sure your skin is moisturized and primed is the ideal base to start your journey to achieve that “perfect skin.” After that you want to add your concealer. I recommend using a concealer with good coverage but not to bright. Once you apply that, if you do like a brighter concealer under

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your eyes, you can dab a small amount on the inside of your under eye and blend out. Next, you will go in with your blush, here is the trick!

Take your blush and apply it on the apples of your cheek and then dust the blush over the bridge of your nose. This gives the illusion of being sun kissed! Last but not least, you add some highlighter to your cheek bones, nose, upper lip, then dust the remaining on your chin and forehead, this will give you the dewy look you crave!

Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone! Try new trendy looks and different ways to create these looks, makeup is fun and a chance for you to be creative! Your face is your canvas, sit down and find your style!

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COVERGIRL!

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The

Year of transformation Our feature story is about 27 year old transgender beauty queen and fashion designer Kataluna Enriquez, who is paving the way to modernize the fashion and beauty industry through inclusivity.

INFECTA sat down with Kataluna to share her story in the hopes of inspiring others and raising awareness.

by LISA OPIE / Photos By Franz Orban JANUARY 2021 |

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INFECTA: Tell us about what it was like growing up, the challenges that you faced as a child knowing that you are a woman when others would refuse to accept/were not as open minded to support you: KATALUNA: I have been asked this question so many times and every time I still struggle to answer this question. Not because of having to share my story, but because of having to explain the unique way I navigated and viewed life. I’ve always had a deep connection and understanding of myself.

The world was never boy or girl, white or black, big or small.

I have always embraced the difference and complexity of life. However, I was taught to hate and to shame anything that did not conform to the standards of the world, including myself. I grew up angry at myself and the world, constantly praying to god to end my life and asking why I was different.

Normally kids at that time were asking for nintendo64, but I was asking for answers in life. Somehow at a young age I found a way to live two separate lives, where one is a body and one is a soul. I was a different person at home, and a different person in school or outside. I would literally always pack clothes to change to in school and change back be-

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fore I head home. There were also times when I stayed in my friend’s house for days because I wasn’t accepted in my own home. This went on for years until I was able to support myself after high school. By the time I was 21 I had experienced all 6 types of adversities.

I: How did you find the courage to start transitioning? Do you have any advice or information that would be helpful and will serve as a resource to educate and inform our readers//how we can support transgenders as they come out and start transitioning?

K: When you are constantly bullied or discriminated against, sometimes you will become numb to that feeling. I got to a point where I realized that regardless of how much I “normalized” myself that somehow someone would always have something to say negatively. When I had accepted the idea that I have no control of anything else except my own peace, was when I allowed my soul to flourish and embrace its blessings. People often simply jump to the conclusion that to be trans is all about changing your body or identity. It is

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a lot more complex and truthfully harsher than that. People don’t realize that transitioning is a journey of life that the built structure in our system does not support. Meaning until we are recognized and given the same human rights, we would have to keep fighting daily to live our authentic lives.

For those who want to support trans folks like myself, I think simply showing up, creating a space where we can be visible and amplifying our voices are some of the ways that can help.

To me it was never about wanting to feel beautiful or the thought of transforming physically.

I: You are one of the most beautiful women like, ever. What are some of your secrets to being so gorgeous?

K: you are the sweetest ! I have to be 100% honest and confess I had some minimal work done. I guess you can also thank my doctor for that. One of the most important routines that I do is to always remove any make up and wash my face with a gentle cleanser every night. I also eat fresh greens for one of my meals of the day. However, one of the rarest and beautiful routines anyone should do that we don’t talk about often is practicing kindness. Kindness to yourself and others

around you. When you have a kind spirit, you generate a positive light that shines out and impacts people within. No man or woman can ever say anything ugly about a kind person.

I: We have to know about your dating lifespill everything: K: I haven’t been lucky with my dating life. I was in an abusive and toxic relationship for years. It took a lot of time for me to heal and learn from that experience. However, those experiences had led me to a journey of developing deep understanding and passion for vulnerability and mental health. I am currently single and waiting for my prince charming. He is out there stuck somewhere or in quarantine.

I: When did you start competing in beauty pageants and how did you get started?

K: I started competing in beauty pageants in 2015. At that time, I was competing only in Transgender pageants.

I had no knowledge of the pageant world at that time. It was simply me and my best friend trying to curl my hair with no mirrors. The most unforgettable moment for me was my

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wardrobe malfunction during my introduction. I was wearing a long white cape that got caught and pretty much revealed my top. I was pretty sure I was never going to compete after that.

However it was brought to me that I was 1 point away from making it to top 10. I was shocked, but thrilled. I then invested and studied more for future competitions. I was able to compete in numerous Transgender competitions internationally including the miss universe of the trans world, Miss International Queen in 2018 where I was a representative of our country. After competing in all the biggest competitions in the trans community, I felt like I had a bigger purpose and the journey had just started. Now I am currently competing in the Miss USA system, with hopes to be the first trans woman to compete on the miss USA stage.

I: Have you faced any discrimination or challenges competing as a transgender woman and how did you handle them?

K: Absolutely. Competing as the only Transwoman in a Cisgendered competition was exciting but also nerve racking. I had many moments where I had to walk away and fake a smile. For example, from my understanding I was the only contestant who had to do additional screenings and proofs during my application. I was also the only contestant who was not given a roomie or pair during the competition. There were also moments when I would hear other contestants saying that I shouldn’t be in the competition. It was hurtful and I could honestly say I would have broke-down if I did not prepare myself mentally prior to the competition week.

I also had dealt with a lot more tougher battles in life than I had faced during the competition. If anything, those moments only ignited more fire in me to continue and remember my purpose.

It’s always important to remember that everyone and anyone will always have an opinion and it is up to you if you would choose to listen to theirs or yours.

I: Tell us about your involvement with the Transgender Health and Wellness Center: K: Besides my fashion career, I also currently manage one of our Health Center Facilities for Trans individuals in the Inland Empire, Southern California. We provide the necessary and essential care such as Hormone Therapy, Voice Therapy, Hair Removal, Mental Health and many more for the Trans community. Our organization also works along with our city council and members to educate organizations and workplaces to practice sensitivity, inclusivity and provide help for the entire LGBTQIA and especially our youth.

Many children suffer and fall into victims of abuse because of the lack of proper guidance, support or simply being disowned by their family. As a child, I grew up with no support and any representations of the LGBTQIA community. I had to battle many journeys alone and often felt lost and unwanted. For that very reason, I continue to provide services and help to prevent my experiences to foster and re-lived by anyone else, especially the youth.

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I: YOU ARE A VERY TALENTED DESIGNER WITH EXTRAORDINARY WORK. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A DESIGNER AND WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR WORK? K: Thank you. I had always adored my sisters toys as a child and secretly played with them. I was never gifted anything that was considered feminine or “girl toys” and so I always had to make my own. I used to cut my socks to make tiny dresses for the dolls. I have always been creative at a young age. I graduated high school with a background in multimedia and a scholarship for advanced or college level arts. I then went to college for Fashion Design. I started my red carpet or pageant gowns collection, KatalunaKouture after my first pageant experience. I had no knowledge of the pageant industry and didn’t have the funds for a team or a wardrobe that fit my budget and body type. I had a dream and wasn’t going to let any obstacle stop me from achieving them. I then began making my own gowns that I would use for events and competitions. Now I am able to dress myself and help other women feel empowered and beautiful in dresses

The questionnaire: YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH:

Nadech Kugimiya Dog person

ARE YOU A CAT OR DOG PERSON? ZODIAC SIGN:

Taurus

that are custom to their body and personality. Until this day, I had never worn a dress made by anyone else in all the beauty pageants I have done.

I: Our 2021 issue is about transformation.

What are you looking forward to this year?

Are there any exciting projects you are working on we can share?

K: I am constantly working on expanding my career, knowledge and true self. The pandemic has taught me that time will always run. Time is precious, I believe that we should all live our lives constantly wondering and growing the way we believe is best for ourselves and not by a specific structure. We should use out time to live a life of quality, filled with experiences, connections and knowledge.

In the end, we all end the same way. The only difference is that we all had lived differently. I will be competing again this year and continue my career in fashion, media and health care. There are so many that I would like to share, but legally not allowed to. But when the time comes, You will definitely know.

?

Daring, romantic, boujee I KNOW IT’S A LITTLE WEIRD BUT: I always dream about being chased by a t-rex in slow motion smiling like I’m running somewhere on a tropical beach.

IT’S REALLY UNATTRACTIVE WHEN A GUY: Think he knows it all. True power is one who is willing to be vulnerable and learn.

YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF: I don’t let anything stop me from reaching my goals. I am a goaldigger.

WHICH CITY ARE YOU DYING TO VISIT: Every city with good food and romantic settings IF YOU HAD $5,000 TO BLOW, YOU WOULD SPEND IT ON… A trip all over the world, and all continents. Learning about culture and languages.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE:

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BEAUTY GUIDE FEELING WELL

Wings to Fly GODDESS NUTRITION

BY JOANNA TRAILOV

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HAT ARE YOU FEEDING TOday? Has the taste for adventure been ignited? Has the thirst for passion and love been quenched? Feed your senses with inspiring environments and emotionally available people. Allow these mindful moments to evoke your inner beauty.

Awaken to all possibilities that expels creativity and inspiration. Take time for yourself and do what makes you feel good, for it is in those moments we are most authentic and thriving.

I often find the efforts of seduction to be the most liberating. So the question is‌ “when was the last time you were seduced or romanced by love, empowered by faith, or released by forgiveness? Take some personal inventory and notice what feels best, with whom, or where. These are your vessels from your creations in which you can rely on most to uplift and feel your personal best. I invite you to expand in loving yourself in ways that feed your emotions and dreams. I invite you to

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be the seducer within your own life and find ways daily to romance the things you love. Daydream and visualize what you wish for and feed your vortex with an endless supply of vision and purpose. You are the creator and YOU decide and therefore create the life in which you are living. Wanna live your best life? Create it! Get into the action of being and allow this action to unfold and prosper. Take a deep breath in,and relax... melt into this very moment as you exhale...begin to acknowledge what comes up or thru.

Clear your mind of doubt or worry and transmute it into a space of personal power. Hold this space as long as needed. When you feel ready write a list of actions you can do right now to exhilarate your internal wellness. From this moment on, you now have a plan of action. This plan is your all access pass to those liberations, seducers, and romance. A playground of dreams that soothes with self love and awareness of your deepest desires.

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OBJECTS OF DESIRE

JACKIE O ROUND SUNGLASSES RAY-BAN – If you like exquisite style like Jackie O, these sunglasses are for you!

100% UV protection. Logo at lens corner and temples. 60mm. COLOR: Shiny Havana/Brown Gradient Dark Brown. $169

NEW YEAR’S MUST-HAVES

NOLITA BODY SILK BOND NO. 9 NEW YORK – Skin smoothing reinvented. This unspeakably lush cream is a sumptuous body smoother that simultaneously soothes the skin-in the city that never sleeps. What’s more, it’s so rich in perfume that it will leave subtle traces on your lingerie and bed linen. $145 / saksfifthavenue.com

Here are some goodies to start the year off on the right foot.

BY CARLOS MARRERO

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LUG SOLE HORSEBIT LOAFER

SLEEPING ON THE ROOF

GUCCI – A lug sole Horsebit loafer with blue rosebud print lining on the insole. A homage to the House’s heritage rooted in the equestrian world, the emblematic shape is reworked in a contemporary shape on a rubber lug sole. $980 / Gucci.com

FLORAIKU – Eau de Parfum. Developed with noses Alienor Massenet and Sophie Labbé, Floraiku creates Japanese-inspired, French-made fragrances. The key notes are Lily of the Valley, Orange Blossom Oil and Amber Musk. $350 / floraiku.com

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ROXANNE WRAPPED DOOR-KNOCKER EARRING TORY BURCH – Bold, sculptural and extremely lightweight. The Roxanne Door-Knocker Earring is an oversized design, featuring smooth resin hoops wrapped in delicate gold wire. $198 / toryburch.com

KEYCHAIN AND BAG CHARM VALENTINO GARAVANI – Mink and leather keychain and bag charm. Antique brass hardware; Made from mink fur and lambskin nappa with metal, resin bead and rhinestone details. $477 / valentino.com

LUXE DIAMOND GLOSS FORMULA Z – Ultra-Sparkling & Mega Hi-Shine. Enriched with kissably soft and moisturizing shea butter, sunflower, and jojoba oils to enhance natural lips or magically alter Formula Z’s 4Ever Lips into a wet, glossy version. Color: Superstar. $18 / formulazcosmetics.com

MICHELLE TOTE LOVE AND CHECK CASHMERE JACQUARD SCARF BURBERRY – A Scottish-made cashmere scarf jacquard-woven with our love motif and check. The fabric is washed in local spring water and carefully brushed with teasels for a super-soft finish. $620

F&W STYLE – Stunning pink tote made with luxurious Pebble grain and croc embossed leather. Perfect for the woman on the go! $415 / www.fwstyle.com

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ZODIAC

CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY

BY MANISH ARORA This is going to be a time of great growth for you, in virtually every aspect of your life. Hang on for the ride of your life. Your willingness to explore uncharted territory could well pay off for you in many ways—some of them unforeseen—in the immediate future. There’s romance in the air, and the chance to kindle beautiful and vivid relationships. A romantic, memorable adventure is heading toward you at breakneck speed, so be ready. The love you’ve been hoping for could well be on its way at long last.

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AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY

This month is going to make some serious demands you may find you’re just not up to the tasks at hand. Your natural social grace and self-deprecating manner should get you through this will little trouble, however. Changing the ways you connect with others seems key to self-improvement. You might also be feeling on the fence emotionally, and it can be all too easy to concentrate on things that have been lost or buried. Issues of sharing, ownership, and support can be touchy.

PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH

This is a busy time for you and you’ll need to keep your life organized in order to maintain some semblance of efficiency. Keep your overnight bag packed for last minute, surprise journeys. You will find comfort in those close to you this month, make sure you appreciate what you have and show your gratitude.You may well find yourself in a new and better place with regard to romance by the time the month comes to a close. You seek to enhance your connections and personal involvement or contributions in any way that’s currently feasible.

ARIES ( 21 MARCH – 19 APRIL ) -

Your curiosity leads you to discover new and interesting facts about the world around you. This will be strictly for your own personal growth and development, however. A small windfall is heading your way this month but be sure to spend it wisely once you have received it.New romances could also figure prominently at this time for those who are not already in a committed relationship. It is important to leave plenty of time open to explore any new relationship opportunities which may come your way.

TAURUS 20 APRIL – 20 MAY

You will achieve a far greater prominence in your academic circles and see an unprecedented advance in your career objectives. Don’t hesitate to use the technology available to you to streamline your workload. You’re especially ready to take on a mental challenge. A bit of healthy competition might motivate you.

With your action-oriented frame of mind, you can be especially interested in start-

ing something new or building upon a fabulous idea. Your friends appreciate you more than you think, stay positive and you will find your tasks easier to manage.

GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUNE

You would do well to use this period to make your plans for the rest of what could be a very interesting and productive month for. Don’t get too ambitious with pie in the sky ideas but just concentrate on getting the simple things right for the best results and maximum payback. Artistic and creative ventures will excite you like never before and you will find yourself pulled toward these sort of endeavours despite your best efforts to keep your nose to the grindstone.

In the end, you’ll get more done in less time than you might have previously imagined.

CANCER 21 JUNE – 22 JULY

You have finally set some serious and achievable goals for yourself and now is the time to move ahead with those. The light is going to shine on you with renewed brightness anyway. Examining the past and reorienting yourself as you prepare for a new beginning may be in focus now. Make sure you grab every opportunity to make things happen.If you’re already in a committed relationship, good for you! But remember it is important to keep the flames of passion burning brightly; even the best relationship can benefit from a little serious romance.

LEO ( 23 JULY – 22 AUGUST ) –

You’re inclined to make room for pleasant activities and sharing your ideas can be especially enjoyable. This period will be given over to learning new things and acquiring knowledge in hitherto unfamiliar fields.

Thoughts and ideas you’ve had in the past, but did not quite know what to do with, will return to your mind, and this time you will be able to see myriad practical applications for those mental “rough drafts.” Your curiosity leads you to discover new and interesting facts about the world around you. Things are starting to heat up for you on the romantic side of things. Whether attached or single, expect thrills and excitement this month.

VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER

crease, to an extent that it will be difficult to not notice. Spur of the moment decisions made may well turn out to be bad ones. If possible, put off long range plans for another time, especially those that would be difficult to change at a later date. It’s also likely you’ll be getting more involved than usual in hobbies and entertainment, including outdoor activities, sporting events. A relationship or special someone can inspire or challenge you to push a little further and reach new heights.

LIBRA (23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER) -

You’re pleasantly stimulated and motivated, and your emotions are strong but contained. You seek interaction and your relationships are strong on your mind. Someone might gently motivate you to take action or do something fun and interesting that you may not have felt motivated to do otherwise. Now is also the time to re-establish those lanes of communication and get yourself back on the fast track when it comes to love relationship.

SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER

You will get your reward this month but only if you are serious and show how committed you are. Keep your feet firmly on the ground though, don’t let your heart rule your head. Your personal interests are engaging, and you might thoroughly enjoy sharing them or your ideas. Learning comes easily. You might connect with someone on a mental level, and it’s motivating. You can be rest assured that there is a beginning to a new relationship or even entering into a new stage of your current relationship on the horizon.

SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER -21 DECEMBER

This month is going to see an explosion of creativity, action and personal expression.

It’s a potentially excellent time for tapping into deeper needs, desires, and wants.

Nevertheless, it’s unlikely to be easy to focus on practical priorities. You recognize your love/need for family or other special people in your life. you’re taking more and more interest in connecting with friends, networks, the community, or your higher goals, dreams, and plans. Your goals and dreams seem more doable, and this lifts your spirits.

Your capacity for analytical thinking will in-

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