For Moda Operandi, the decision to launch its beauty destination was a logical next step to round out what cofounder and chief brand officer Lauren Santo Domingo calls the “Moda lifestyle.” The platform, after all, is known for its unique fashion and design point of view, expressed through its trunk show model and emphasis on emerging designers. “For me personally, I’m excited about the convenience of it all: being able to buy my sunscreen with my swimwear, a fantastic red lipstick with an evening gown, or a hydrating serum with my skiwear,” she tells Vogue.
In typical Moda fashion, the beauty edit is highly curated—spearheaded by Jessica Matlin, who took on the role of Moda’s beauty director in May 2022. As a beauty industry veteran, having worked as a magazine editor, Matlin brings a discerning eye to help shoppers quickly discover the best of the best without perusing what often feels like endless items to choose from. “The glut of products and lines is overwhelming for everyone, even a beauty director,” expresses Matlin in a press release. “Too much of a good thing is, in fact, too much.”
That said, Matlin promises to deliver the beauty industry’s “heroes and hidden gems.” Alongside cult-favorite classics by Augustinus Bader, Dr. Barbara Sturm, and La Mer, there will be fresh marketplace additions from the likes of Isamaya, Violette_Fr, and Ourself. “Every product you will see is chosen deliberately because it is the best in its category or has something uniquely inspiring to offer,” says Matlin.
Photo: Courtesy of Moda Operandi
Photo: Courtesy of Moda Operandi
Photo: Courtesy of Moda Operandi
Products aside, Moda is also keen to create unique experiences for the Moda shopper. “One of the most exciting parts of the category that I’m looking forward to growing even more with time is our exceptional experience offering,” says Santo Domingo. “Where else can you skip the waitlist with Dr. Devgan or get a hairstyling masterclass from Mara Roszak?” Now, anyone can score a consultation with select industry leaders to receive expert advice on honing their beauty regimen.
“Just as we do for fashion, home, and jewelry brands, Moda has a unique position to be able to tell beauty brand stories so that our community can feel informed and empowered on what they are buying,” Santo Domingo explains. Today, the platform launches nearly 300 products across 55 brands spanning the makeup, fragrance, skin-, body-, and hair-care categories. But what does Santo Domingo personally gravitate towards? Read on to discover her ten favorite beauty picks now available at Moda Operandi.
Costa Brazil Oleo Para O Corpo Kaya Jungle Firming Oil
Santo Domingo dubs Costa Brazil’s body oil “the perfect pairing for abbreviated hemlines.” This promotes firmer-looking skin through a cocktail of natural ingredients sourced from the Amazon—rich in Omega 3, 6, 9, and vitamins A and E. “A bit of this on the legs, and you’ll look toned and glowy, but never like you are taking part in a Miami Beach swim shoot.”
Surratt Noir Lash Tint
“I’ve never been one for an overly made-up look, especially for day-to-day,” she explains, though Surratt’s Lash Tint has left a lasting impression. “[It] doesn’t clump and provides the right amount of definition to the eyes without looking obvious or makeup-y.”
Joanna Czech The Cleansing Wipes
“As much as I’d like to be someone that religiously follows a six-step skin-care routine, nobody’s perfect,” admits Santo Domingo. “Joanna Czech’s wipes (essentially the grown-up version of the Neutrogena ones we all used in our teens) have a firm spot in my bedside drawer, perfect for those nights when I just want to crash after an event and not wake up with mascara on my pillowcase.”
Revive Intensité Volumizing Serum Ultimé
“When I do take the time to commit to a skin-care routine, this is my go-to serum,” she shares. “It lifts and plumps like nothing else.” Powered by a supercharged blend of peptides, ceramides, antioxidant-rich ingredients, and the brand’s Bio-Volumizing Protein, this promises to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving skin tone and texture.
Tata Harper Vitamin Infused Cream Blush
“Another easy no-makeup makeup hack: Simply pop a bit on the apples of your cheeks and blend with your fingers and you have some life back to your face after a late night out,” she details of Tata Harper’s blush powered by a powerhouse botanical blend from camellia oil to calendula flower extract.
Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty Platinum Long Lash
Of the best eyelash growth serums, Santo Domingo names this option by Dr. Lara Devgan as a top pick. “This grows your lashes in record time without any worry of redness or irritation,” she says of the phyto-peptides, vitamin B5, and clover flower extract-powered elixir.
Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo
“My hair is always best on day two or three after washing, but of course, with a little extra oomph from dry shampoo,” Santo Domingo shares of this Vogue editor favorite. “After it was recently #hashtagcanceled, I made sure to throw out my aerosols and replace it with this one from Crown Affair. It’s a powder that you apply with your fingers that instantly lifts the roots, and you can use it for a bit of grip and texture on clean hair as well.”
Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick
“I’m not a fan of glittery highlighters in any way, shape, or form,” she says. “Gucci Westman’s highlighter adds a clear, dewy finish without shimmer.” For a gleaming, skin-like radiance, pick up the highlighter in Santo Domingo’s preferred shade, ‘Lit’.
The Beauty Sandwich Secret Sauce
“My facialist, Iván Pol, came up with this brilliant product. It’s the perfect base under makeup for that illustrious glow,” she notes. As the name suggests, think of this as a step sandwiched between serum and moisturizer to condition, repair, and protect the skin thanks to a blend of essential fatty acids, ceramides, and phytocholesterols. Not to mention it is infused with a fragrant aroma of wild rose, sandalwood, jasmine, and sweet orange for therapeutic benefits too.
Reverence de Bastien Horn Nail Buffer
As Santo Domingo admits she does not have the patience to sit through a proper manicure, she relies on quick treatments she can do herself—like Reverence de Bastien’s buffer hand-crafted from natural horn. “This buffer keeps my hands looking polished and takes about 20 seconds to use.”
