Meet Aliya LeeKong, chef, cookbook author, and creator of the app ‘Issa’s Edible Adventures’. The Hamptons & New York-based chef is most notable for her first cookbook, Exotic Table - Flavors, Inspiration, and Recipes from Around the World – to Your Kitchen, where she combines international flavors with culinary innovation. Today, LeeKong keeps her palate clean by exploring ways of translating her culinary knowledge and maternal experiences into new adventures. Follow along as we take you through Aliya’s big event ritual and skincare practices as she prepares to attend the Parrish Art Museum’s Midsummer Dinner as the new co-chair:
What event are you getting ready for today?
Today, I am getting ready for the Parrish Art Museum’s Midsummer ‘Magic’ Dinner as my first year being co-chair. It is their 125th anniversary and the artists being honored are all so incredible. This event supports the museum itself and the work they do showcasing accomplished artists. I’m specifically looking forward to the music and entertainment put together. The dance floor is going to be a great time.
On days like these, how do you start your day?
I like to start my day with a protein shake that has collagen peptides from Vital Proteins, a metabolism-boosting powder from Sakara, lots of greens, mushrooms, and a microbiotic plant extract blend from Athletic Greens.
Why is skin prep important to you?
After having two kids and figuring out what works best for me, I’ve found skin prep to be extraordinarily important particularly for events. It sets the foundation for how makeup is going to look and sit on your skin.
Have a look at Aliya’s flawless 5-step skincare regimen using Ourself:
Aliya starts and ends each day with this gentle, non-stripping formula that creates the perfect base for skin care absorption. It’s perfect for makeup removal as well, post-event.
She swears by this award-winning serum featuring our Brightening Intitide™ for radiant and visibly more even skin.
No regimen is complete without this filler un-jection, formulated to visibly restore volume and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
To lock in moisture, Aliya applies a lightweight moisturizer for skin that feels firmer, soothed, and hydrated.
For the finishing touch, Aliya applies Lip Filler for plump, youthful lips and drenches them in hydration using Lip Conditioner.
What are you wearing to the event
Kamaali Couture. I wanted to support a new brand from India that I thought was doing cool things. I’m wearing a modern lehenga. I love when people take something traditional and transform it through their own creative lens.
How has art shaped your life?
I think about everything that inspires me whether it is food, visual art, design… It’s really important for me to think about the next generation of artists and make sure we are highlighting the amazing art being done by artists yet to be noticed.
Lastly, what is your favorite Ourself product?
My go-to is the Lip Filler. It made the biggest difference for me, especially during COVID when I began noticing a lot of “withering” [of skin elasticity in the lips]. Injectable lip filler is something I did not want so Lip Filler was the perfect alternative.
Stay up to date with Aliya and her enticing future projects including art, cooking, and an exciting new animated series:
Website: www.aliyaleekong.com
Instagram: @aliyaleekong
Twitter: @aliyaleekong
