Hi, I’m Krista Bennett DeMaio
Before I became a mom, I lived what many would consider a glamorous life. For those who don’t know my story, I was a beauty editor for Redbook magazine (and have held fashion and beauty positions at other notable titles). It was hard work. There were long hours, late nights, and a grueling commute to and from Long Island. But I loved every second of it (well, everything but the commute).
I enjoyed researching and writing about the latest makeup and hair trends and products. Understanding—and breaking down—the science of skincare provided a thrill that only a fellow science geek can understand. I’d often spend my commute consuming peer-reviewed dermatology articles. I loved collaborating with really smart editors, and working together to produce beautiful images on a photo shoot.
There was the social aspect, too. I could eat three meals a day at the best restaurants in Manhattan. I attended multiple beauty events a week (often multiple in one day) with my fellow beauty editor friends from every major publication. I got to meet so many different celebs from J.Lo to Beyonce.
It was literally my job to try the latest facial or massage offered at a luxurious five-star hotel spa. I got to travel to amazing locations including St. Barths and Paris—sometimes for a photo shoot but often for a brand’s latest product launch. I was comp’d by hairstylists who charge more than most car payments. I had a celebrity makeup artist in my childhood bedroom on my wedding day. (Shout out to Laura Geller, who will always be an industry fave.)
Then I had my first daughter.
I could’ve continued. Many of my colleagues were supermoms, who made it appear like doing it all was possible. But after much consideration, I made the difficult decision to resign and go freelance. I left my day job in NYC—and all the many perks that came with it—to work more quietly behind the scenes in my Huntington home, doing the rewarding work of researching and writing articles for national women’s magazines and websites, and creating content for top beauty brands.
I’ve spent the last 10 years doing just enough work to stay in the game. I went on to have two more daughters, so it felt like enough for me. Sure, there were days I longed for my old work life, but I was too busy doing the daily mom grind to think much about it.
Enter the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fortunately, my workload stayed stable, if not increased. I had less print work (which has been on the decline for years due to the sad state of the publishing industry), but I gained more digital assignments. With little to do but scroll the internet, there was more demand for content. But I felt a not-so-subtle shift within—a restlessness—that perhaps only a pandemic can provide. I couldn’t shake those feelings of missing my old work life and wanting to do something bigger and more creative. My old job wasn’t coming back; I knew that. But the downtime of the pandemic provided an opportunity to reimagine a new, exciting one.
My vision suddenly became clear: continue to write about what I’m most passionate about, use my two decades of beauty editorial experience to provide engaging beauty service for women, but also get back in touch with that glam, in-the-know woman I once was. Only this time, I’d do it on my terms—without a commute, without long days away from my littles, without NYC.
Enter LI Beauty Scene: your go-to source for Long Island beauty.
Here, I’ll use what I know about hair, skin, makeup, and Long Island to seek out the best pros, experts, services, and products in your neck of the woods. I’ll share my research on the latest trends, how-to’s, and trusted beauty advice—only with an exclusive-to-LI spin. And if you need a referral, tap into my extensive network of local experts who can achieve your beauty goals within your budget via my beauty concierge service.
I’m excited to start this journey with you—without leaving home. Welcome to LI Beauty Scene, where it’s always pretty local.
