February 6, 2023

DARK & LOVELY ANNOUNCES MEAGAN GOOD AS NEWEST BRAND AMBASSADOR

Dark & Lovely proudly announces Meagan Good as their latest ambassador at their ‘Making Bold Moves’ event held in support of the brand’s philanthropic initiative, Building Beautiful Futures. The award-winning actress, bestselling author and producer also debuted the return of her signature blonde hair.

“In a world where Black women are often disregarded, Dark & Lovely has always celebrated us. I’m honored to be partnering with this legendary brand to help embolden Black women to authentically walk in their power, dream big and celebrate who they are,” The ‘Harlem’ star stated.

Recognizing the growing “opportunity gap” for young Black women, particularly post-pandemic, Dark & Lovely developed Building Beautiful Futures in 2022 to help bring educational and career equity to Black female college students and young professionals. In 2023, the program will further its commitment to create opportunities for young, Black women and equip them with tools for success through even more masterclasses, scholarships, mentorship opportunities and networking events.

Good’s commitment to uplifting young Black women, approach to taking new challenges head on and enthusiasm for bold, show-stopping looks embodies everything Dark & Lovely stands for. She will serve as an ambassador for the brand’s Fade Resist collection and full product range. She will also help spread awareness about Building Beautiful Futures as it kicks off its second year by lending her voice and time to inspire and support young Black women.

The evening featured BOLD conversations with Good and Digital Creator, DonYé Taylor, moderated by Dark & Lovely’s Marketing Director Tenaj Ferguson. Dark & Lovely and BrainTrust Founders Studio also revealed the winner of their recent pitch competition, Janell Muhammad, Founder and CEO of SelfiēSkín Co. She was awarded a $5,000 grant and a trip to Dark & Lovely’s headquarters in NY to learn what it takes to build and grow a brand.

To learn more on how to:

  • Apply For a Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship HERE
  • Participate in our Mentorship Program – Follow DARK & LOVELY for our schedule of mentorship masterclasses focused on education, life and career coaching
  • Be The Change – Become a Mentor or Mentee and Inspire others by sharing your mentorship story using #DARKANDLOVELYBBF

About Building Beautiful Futures

Building Beautiful Futures is Dark & Lovely’s initiative that helps close the opportunity gap by bringing educational and career equity to Black, female college students and young professionals via scholarships, mentorship and career coaching opportunities. The “opportunity gap” refers to the fact that circumstances in which people are born, such as their race, ethnicity, ZIP code, and socioeconomic status, often determine education and career opportunities. Recognizing the growing opportunity gap for young Black women, Dark & Lovely is committed to creating paths to success for over 1,000 young Black women.

About Dark & Lovely

Dark & Lovely, founded in 1972, was created to help Black women express and embrace their individual styles. As one of the first brands to celebrate the Black consumer, for 50 years Dark & Lovely has been known for offering innovative products and technology made exclusively for Black Women to address their specific beauty needs. As a subsidiary of L’Oréal USA, Dark & Lovely continues to unveil breakthrough hair innovations for women of color. For more information, visit www.darkandlovely.com.

About Meagan Good

Actress, producer, director, author and philanthropist, MEAGAN GOOD is the lead of the hit critically acclaimed Amazon series, “Harlem,” from GIRLS TRIP writer Tracy Olivier, returning for a second season on February 3rd. She will next be seen reprising her role as ‘Super Hero Darla’ in SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS, the sequel to the hit DC Comics film which hits theaters worldwide March 14th. The THINK LIKE A MAN star most recently starred opposite Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg in Netflix’s DAY SHIFT, and directed the short film BLACK KAREN in partnership with Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Productions and The Sundance Institute, which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. Her breakout role in EVE’S BAYOU earned her critical acclaim for her powerful performance opposite Samuel L. Jackson, and nominations for an NAACP Image Award and Hollywood Reporter Award.

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February 5, 2023

Karina Brez Debuts The Jeweled Barn, an Elegant Mobile Retail Pop-Up, at the Winter Equestrian Festival

The Jeweled Barn, by Karina Brez, is an eco-friendly shop inspired by the tiny house aesthetic.

 

New York, NY. January 11, 2023.  Karina Brez Jewelry celebrates the bond horses and humans have. Influenced by the majesty of the horse, equestrian gear, symbolism, and myth, her designs honor both the sport and the connection created. They feature a harmonious balance of love for all things equestrian, while making fine jewelry accessories accessible. In her next branding expansion, Brez takes her equine style and brings it to the world of interior design through The Jeweled Barn, her tiny house retail pop-up concept. The newly debuting Jeweled Barn is located just outside of the VIP area of the Winter Equestrian Festival, which runs from now through April 2, 2023.

Returning to the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at the prestigious Wellington International for the 11th year, the show is the longest-running equestrian event in the world. Attracting the top athletes in the sport, WEF is the premier backdrop for trendsetting equine style. The Jeweled Barn is a tiny house, inspired by the distinguished show, as a celebration of the equestrian lifestyle. Designed to appear as a barn on the exterior, it is an homage to the home of the horse. Its interior is meticulously detailed, for the viewing and purchasing of pieces from Karina Brez signature collections. 

Jewelry Designer Karina Brez states, “The Jeweled Barn is inspired by the spirit of the equestrian lifestyle, both rustic and refined. An interpretation of an English tack room, it is sophisticated, incorporating green, gold and reclaimed wood. It is making its debut at WEF, and will be used to showcase Karina Brez Jewelry at horse shows across the U.S.”

The Jeweled Barn was developed to be carbon neutral: consciously designed with environmental impact in mind, featuring eco friendly products, several local vendors, and surrounded by many plants. The structure was built by Melbourne, FL-based, Movable Roots. “As a complete custom design and build company, Movable Roots was excited to be part of Karina’s journey, helping her create a unique mobile ‘tiny home’ space that worked for her and her brand,” says Michael Cheatham, Co-Owner, Movable Roots. Its lights are from Barn Light Electric, in Titusville, Florida and the large windows were acquired by PGT, a local window company. In celebration of the equestrian aesthetic, Ralph Lauren tartan wool fabric is repurposed as wallpaper. The shelves are made from old tobacco barns, and there are reclaimed hardwood floors at the base of the structure. The entire barn is powered by solar panels on its roof, designed and installed by Expert Mobile Solar, from Brevard County, FL. The solar panels are assisted by a battery to allow the barn to be off the grid, including its satellite internet and air conditioning. Handmade leather trunks have been commissioned from Nick Coggon in Nottingham, England to decorate the building. The interior is furnished with shiplap walls, painted green, and it is decorated with equestrian antiques. Ebony-stained cedar wood and copper lights surround, and flowers adorn the exterior of The Jeweled Barn. Its innovative design offers a modern way to attend horse shows in a pop-up retail space, allowing for the aesthetic of the Karina Brez equestrian fine jewelry brand to show through on-the-go.

The Jeweled Barn is located outside of the VIP area of the Winter Equestrian Festival (between the international Club and Hermes), in Wellington, FL.  Karina Brez Jewelry is a corporate sponsor, and is sponsoring the Adult Amateur Hunters Division, ages 36-49, at WEF. Karina Brez signature collections are available online at https://karinabrez.com/, and will be shown in person at The Jeweled Barn, from January 4 through April 2, 2023. Follow The Jeweled Barn on Instagram @thejeweledbarn. For sales inquiries or retail partnership inquiries, contact Karina Brez at 561-400-4085 or email wholesale@karinabrez.com or info@karinabrez.com. For press inquiries, contact Pietra Communications at 212-913-9761 or email info@pietrapr.com.   

About Karina Brez

A first generation Ukranian-American, Karina Brez earned the title of Miss Florida USA in 2012, and was inspired to design a jewelry collection after fellow contestants were impressed by the design she created for her own pageant dress. A horse enthusiast with a passion for gemstones, Brez completed the GIA Graduate Gemologist program, is an appraiser, and advocates for non-profits introducing children to the healing power of horses. Her signature fine jewelry collections are Huggable Hooves®™, Horse LUV®™, Bit of LUV®™, Lucky Horseshoe, Horsea® and The Garden Collection. In 2020, Karina Brez was voted one of the top three Equestrian jewelers by Equestrian Living Magazine. She opened a retail flagship in Palm Beach, Florida in 2021, and is available in retailers throughout the USA.

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February 2, 2023

The Galentine’s Day Gift She’ll use all Spring!

Give the Gift of Ease & Style This Galentine’s Day With Lilla Rose!

Tired of gifting a box of chocolates or coffee mug to your Galentines? This year’s hottest hair trend to the rescue-The Lilla Rose Flexi Sport!


Versatile, useful, and affordable, this innovative hair styling product makes it easy to put up hair for a fun game night, ladies wine night, or any other Galentine’s day activity on the agenda! No need to worry about damaged hair or a slipping ponytail, the Flexi Sport will provide top-of-the-line support without compromising style.

Lilla Rose Flexi Sport Highlights:

  • Comfortable all day non-slip hold
  • Easy slide release prevents hair damage
  • Dual pin flip to hold more or less hair
  • Fits all hair types
  • 100% waterproof
  • Over 20 colors to choose from

Treat your mom, daughter, best friend, or significant other with a Flexi Sport No-Slip Clip this Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day! It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving…

Only $15.00 – To learn more visit lillarose.biz

 

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February 2, 2023

Lindsey Olson Demonstrates the Difference Between a Single and Double-Waver

There are dozens of ways to create texture, volume and movement, and wavers are probably the easiest and fastest way to go about it.  Lindsey Olson, Sam Villa Ambassador @lindsey.marie.olson, demonstrates the difference between a single and a double waver as she creates glam waves two ways.

Regardless of which waver is used, Olson recommends the following:

  • Dry mousse with Redken Root Lifter 10 to build volume (apply mousse, comb through and blow dry)
  • Spray each section with Redken Thermal Spray 22, comb through.  Hair has to be smooth before compressing to get highly polished results.
  • The denser the hair, the smaller the section.
  • Count to 3 for each compression for consistency.
  • Use dry sectioning clips to section – they won’t leave a mark
  • Cool hair thoroughly before breaking up and styling, this will make the waves last longer
  • To finish, use fingers for a looser Boho finish, a wide-tooth comb to push waves together and a Sam Villa Artist Series Polishing Paddle Brush for an ultra-smooth glam finish.
  • Finish with Redken Shine Flash for added gloss

Olson used Sam Villa Pro Results Double-Waver and Single-Waver irons for the demonstration, along with diagonal back sections to create a soft flow away from the face.

The Results

Double-Waver: 2 subtle rounded barrels

Result: Waves are soft and round, good for boho updos or soft braids, perfect for creating romantic soft texture and on natural curls to accentuate and define texture.

Single Waver: 1 deep narrow barrel

Result: A poppy wave with more intense ripples, the ultimate accordion glam wave with a lux feel.  Makes more of an impact than the double waver and the perfect glam waves in far less time than a traditional set.

“If you do a lot of brides and updos, wavers will save you so much time.  They’re insanely faster than using a regular curling or flat iron, especially for making glam lux waves,” says Olson.  “And yes, they are different, so don’t choose one over the other, trust me, you need both!”

See Olson create effortless lived-in waves with a double waver and Marcel iron in just 10 minutes here.

 

 

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February 1, 2023

The Beauty Secret of Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton

It’s the beauty secret of the celebrities: Biotulin. Celebrated by the media as “Botox in the Bottle.” Now Biotulin is sweeping the World and is the most popular cosmetic product in 2022 and No. 1 on Amazon US.

International media report that Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama, Queen Letizia of Spain and Queen Maxim of the Netherlands also trust Biotulin as an herbal alternative to botulinum toxin.

Biotulin reduces wrinkles in just 1 hour. This has been proven through independent efficacy studies. Produced in Germany, Biotulin smoothes and tightens the skin with a plant-based formula. One of the main ingredients of Biotulin is spilanthol, a natural local anesthetic obtained from the extract of the plant Acmella Oleracea (paracress).

It reduces muscle contraction causing facial features to relax. Minor wrinkles, especially around the eyes and between the eyebrows, disappear.

Now it is reduced for a short time. 39% discount at Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TOGEGCY

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February 1, 2023

Sigma Beauty Launches First Collaboration with YouTube Makeup Mogul, An Knook

Sigma Beauty is proud to announce their first collaboration with YouTube makeup guru, An Knook, on a twenty-pigment eyeshadow palette. Carefully curated by Knook, the An Knook Pro Eyeshadow Palette merges Sigma Beauty’s beloved velvety eyeshadows and unmatched pigments with the artist’s signature bold style. Shades range from neutrals mattes (including Tan, Cottage and Cinnamon Roll), to cool toned pops of color (like Lana, 1992, and Knovos), metallic shimmers (named Gleam, Worthy, Adorn) and more.

“This is a palette you can use to create anything you want: a warm-toned or cool-toned smokey eye, halo eye look, cut crease, colorful look, you name it.” – An Knook

“An’s artistry is unmatched. She is undoubtedly one of the most talented makeup artists I’ve come across. Watching her makeup tutorials is like watching a masterpiece being created. It never disappoints and it always amazes me. I am so happy to be able to provide An with the opportunity to create her own palette in collaboration with Sigma Beauty and I cannot wait to recreate her amazing looks!” – Dr. Simone Xavier, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sigma

The An Knook Pro Eyeshadow Palette is a part of Sigma’s Clean Beauty Program. Crafted from clean and safe ingredients, the formulas are completely free of harsh chemicals. The An Knook Pro Eyeshadow Palette retails for $65 and is available at www.SigmaBeauty.com.

About Sigma Beauty

Global beauty brand, Sigma Beauty, was founded in 2009 by Brazilian power couple Dr. Simone Xavier, a veterinarian and professor with a PhD in Molecular Biology, and her husband Rene Xavier Filho, a civil engineer. Striving to find solutions in the market, Simone and Rene utilized their backgrounds in science and engineering to create innovative and revolutionary makeup brushes, brush care accessories and makeup. They continue to do that to this day! In the 10+ years since its inception, Sigma Beauty has produced innovative and solution-oriented products, even producing the industry’s first-ever waterproof makeup brushes. Each Sigma Beauty brush comes with a free 2-year warranty and features multiple patents, from the exclusive SigmaTech® and Sigmax® fibers to the interlocking, double-threaded ferrule system that ensures longevity and unmatched quality.

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December 4, 2022

Your Hair Needs Protection From The Sun: Get Familiar With GK Hair UV/UVA Protection Range

A common fact about frequent sun exposure is that it has long-term detrimental effects on your skin. The sun’s UV rays are harsh on your skin and damage the outer cell layer, which causes premature aging, wrinkles, dryness, sagging, and even skin cancer. What, however, isn’t talked about enough is the fact that a prolonged exposure to these harmful sun rays damage the hair as well.

Human hair contains cells which are responsible for the production of natural hair pigment. Frequent exposure to sunlight damages these cells, which results in hair discoloration and premature aging. Moreover, these UV/UVA radiations damage the hair cuticle layer which results in dryness, split-ends, hair breakage, frizz and brittleness. So, how do we counter the damage?

Just as the skin needs sunscreen to stay protected, the hair needs protection from the sun as well. GK Hair has an entire product range dedicated to UV/UVA & Color Protection, which saves your hair from detrimental effects of frequent sun exposure. This product range is infused with protective agents that shield your hair from deteriorating and keep it safe and sound. Here is the run down of the UV/UVA and Color Protection range!

Shield Color Protection Duo

Your everyday hair care basics! Add Shield Shampoo and Conditioner into your hair care routine and keep hair damage and degradation at bay.

Dry Oil Shine Spray

A finishing spray, to add glistening protection to your hair! Dry Oil Shine Spray is perfect to add shine to any style while keeping those UV/UVA rays away.

Lock Me Color Masque

New hair color fading too soon? Get Lock Me Color Masque, a true multitasker that locks in hair color, nourishes the hair while providing a shield against UV/UVA protection.

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October 27, 2022

Inclusive Haircare Brand for Holiday Gift Guide

Presenting an  inclusive haircare brand, The Potion Studio, from female BIPOC founder Aziza El Wanni. Aziza is passionate about helping curly haired people simplify their haircare regimes. The products are for any and all mixed ethnicities, hair types and genders. 

The Potion Studio is for everyone, but most definitely for everyone who is still on their natural hair self care journey, including Caucasian, mixed and Black hair types. Please see more on The Potion Studio and founder Aziza below.


The Products – The Potion Studio has 4 products which are formulated with potent and simple ingredients that have a natural instinct to moisturize and hydrate. Less is more! The Potion Studio helps you take control of your self care routine while embracing your natural beauty, including combs and brushes to maximize the effects of the products. Find all products linked here, www.thepotionstudio.com

  1. Confident Crown Conditioner – $21
  2. Monoi Mango Moisturizer- $32
  3. Potion Pack: Discovery Set – $45.99
  4. Rose Bomb Leave-In Conditioning Spray – $32
  5. Satin Silk Shampoo – $21
  6. Essentials Circle Tote Bag – $24.95
  7. Mini Comb- $17.95
  8. Rib Brush- $25.95
  10. Founded in 2021 in Los Angeles, California, each product in The Potion Studio is derived from founder Aziza El Wanni’s own story experimenting to find the perfect ‘potion’ on her natural hair care journey. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing and beautiful, The Potion Studio’s formula is created with the multifaceted curly person in mind. After Aziza’s own journey with her hair, she discovered the most effective ingredients for textured and natural hair, such as Coconut Oil, Shea Butter Mango Butter, Monoi Oil, Rose Oil, and more. All of The Potion Studio’s super-powered products are infused with the highest quality ingredients, are vegan friendly, are free of sulfates, silicone, phthalates, PEGs, dyes, artificial fragrance, and parabens.
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October 27, 2022

All In ONE Stocking Stuffer for Teens & Adults

Once a planner, always a planner. When it comes to the Holiday season we have three types of shoppers. The early bird, the strategic sale shopper and the last minute, what’s left shopper. Some may be a bit of all three, GUILTY.

Stock up while you can and knock off one thing off your list, stocking stuffers. Mantra Mask is discounting their Holiday kits just in time for the season.

The “I AM” kit is not only affordable, vegan friendly, packed with the highest quality of CBD but it’s also a reminder to take care of yourself and the affirmations alongside of it.


Mantra Mask: Gift of ultimate home spa and relaxation – I Am Kit $35 (3x masks, 2 x eye gels = $55 value!)

Kit Includes:

  • 1 Anti-Aging sheet mask
  • 1 Pore Refining sheet mask
  • 1 Collagen sheet mask
  • 2 Coconut Eye Gels

About Mantra Mask:

Mantra CBD Sheet Masks contain the highest quality CBD to enhance your skin. This series of specialty CBD sheet masks are designed to penetrate your skin and target the special needs of your complexion. CBD applied topically reduces redness and inflammation and can help with skin conditions such as rosacea, rashes, irritation, and acne. The anti-inflammatory benefits of this natural addition to skin care have been well researched and well documented, and even those with dry skin can enjoy CBD skin care as Mantra Masks are developed to include emollient oils that enhance dry skin.

 

 

 

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October 15, 2022

Halloween Look: Medusa

 It’s creepy crawly season and what hairdressers doesn’t LOVE a Halloween look?  Karla Valenzuela, Sam Villaâ Ambassador and Redken Artist @kolor.me. karlaa, shares a fun look for inspiration.  “I was inspired by J-Lo’s high buns for this Medusa look.  I wanted to give the idea of snakes by waving the hair in a snake-like way and weaving it throughout golden snakes,” explains Valenzuela.

How to: Medusa

  1. Apply Redken Water Wax 03, smooth hair with a Sam Villa® Artist Series Polishing Paddle Brush, gather a high ponytail and tie a butchers knot with sewing elastic to secure.
  2. Wrap extension wefts around the ponytail and secure with pins.
  3. Insert a large donut form by pulling the ponytail through the hole and secure with bobby pins.
  4. Spray Redken Iron Shape 11 on all the ponytail hair for thermal protection and hold.
  5. Wave hair by alternating between the Sam Villa® Pro Results Single-Waver and Double-Waver to give a variety of texture.
  6. Wrap hair around the donut form to create an oversized bun. Leaving some strands hanging to show the waves.
  7. Embellish the bun with rubber snakes from a craft store sprayed gold. Make “snake pins” by poking holes through the snakes and insert open end pins through them.
  8. Apply Redken Hardwear 16 to baby hairs and tendrils and use a small detail comb to create a wave that frames the face and mimics the shape of the snakes.
  9. Stick on small gems around the face framing waves.
  10. Finish with Redken Triple Take 32 for strong hold.

Credits: Hair – @kolor.me. karlaa; Makeup – Sarah Evans @hair.by.sarahevans

Sam Villa is Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of the Sam Villa Company (Allvus, LLC), a leading education and styling tool company for the professional hair industry. He is also Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken 5th Avenue, a L’Oreal brand. Villa is the 2021 NAHA Educator of the Year, Hair Awards USA Hall of Fame Inductee, 2021 AHP Icon Stylist Influencer of the Year, 2020 International Hairdressing Awards ‘International Hair Influencer of the Year,’ the 2017 NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Intercoiffure America/Canada Member, Behind the Chair Stylist Choice Award Winner for Favorite Platform Artist and Educator (2012, 2011 and 2007) and Favorite Overall Educator of the Year (2015).

Facebook: @SamVillaPros; Instagram: @SamVillaHair;  YouTube: @SamVillaHair; Twitter: @SamVillaPro;; Pinterest: @SamVillaHair.

 

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