POPSUGAR: How does it feel to be in the metaverse? Is this your first time?
Leiomy Maldonado: It's actually not my first time. But every time I come here, I learn something new. I've loved the experience so far. I loved being able to create my avatar. It's also fun to interact with people and to see how much emotion these facial expressions can give us.
PS: I'm still taking it all in. Did you have anything special planned for Pride this year?
LM: Usually, I'm not huge on events on Pride because it's too much going on, lots of people. When I was younger, I would always go out to the New York City parade and enjoy my nights. But I like to just be more calm, maybe with friends. We will get together and just spend time together, talk about memories: how we met and how our journeys have been together. I feel like that's very important because we get caught up sometimes with time going by so fast that we forget what we've been through. So I enjoy that.
PS: We're also in the middle of summer. What are your packing essentials for this time of year?
LM: I'm huge on skin care. So, of course, I gotta have my hyaluronic serums with me all the time. SPF cream. Everyone needs SPF cream. Moisturizer, period. A good cleanser. Two or three pairs of sweatpants because I like to be comfortable. Two pairs of jeans because we all like to throw on a pair of jeans, of course. When it comes to footwear, I like neutral sneakers — things I can switch around and just wear. I can dress it up or down.
PS: Which loungewear brands are you shopping right now?
LM: I use a lot of Nike gear because it's comfortable. I can use it for dancing or just lounging around. When it comes to sweatpants, I love Fear of God. Their sweatpants fit so, so comfortably. I love that their drawstrings are so long.
