Archives for 2023

February 7, 2023

How”Clean Circle” is making your beauty routine more sustainable

Welcome to a new era of beauty, where sustainability is not just an option but a must.
Clean Circle is making sure that your beauty routine is as sustainable as possible, helping you reduce your beauty waste. Our lineup of products uses only the highest quality ingredients and packaging materials. All products are made with ethically-sourced ingredients, while all packaging is recyclable or compostable. Not only does this make you look good on the outside, but it also feels good on the inside, knowing that you’re doing something to help protect our planet!

About  Lena Chao.

Lena Chao  founded Clean Circle with one question in mind: How can we champion diversity, sustainability, and culture through beauty? The beauty industry creates 7.9 billion units of packaging per year. One person generates 1,600 lbs of waste annually. Overproduction threatens our natural resources and our planet’s temperature. We are a culture-forward, skin and body care brand positioned at the intersection of tackling beauty waste and addressing the impact of climate change on our skin. I created Clean Circle to bring all of these values and principles together, into my bathroom, into my space.

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February 7, 2023

How To Change Part Direction

The side part was never really dead, but it’s back in a big way.  Side saddle and butterfly fringes are great compliments to short hybrid cuts, mid-length lobs and longer layers.  It’s one the easiest ways to be on trend this season without having to do that much.  But how easy is it to change a part?  Top stylist Sam Villa, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sam Villa and Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken, explains how to train hair to switch directions.

“The middle part has been popular for so long that hair will tend to want to live there now, so you have to work to change your root direction, basically alter hair at the base, in order for it to fall to the side now,” explains Villa.

How To Change Part Direction

  • Apply a mousse or lotion to wet hair at the base (roots).
  • Use the hook of a comb to neatly carve out a side part.
  • Use the fine teeth of the comb to smooth and reset the growth pattern by combing hair to the side while trailing with the nozzle of a blow dryer focusing heat and air at the root in the direction hair should fall.  For natural textures, apply product on wet hair, comb into place and let air dry or diffuse to dry.

A comb works better than a brush because it can reach further down the hair shaft and grab hair closer to the root.  The fine teeth also provide more tension for redirecting.

How long will it take to retrain hair for a solid side part?  It all depends on how often hair is shampooed.  Hair should stay in place if it does not get wet…and sooner or later it will fall into the new pattern automatically.

Suggested Tools and Products

  • Sam Villa Signature Series Long Cutting Comb – has a hook and fine teeth.
  • Sam Villa Professional Light Ionic Blow Dryer – comes with a rotating nozzle.
  • Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Mousse

Credit: Hair/Sam Villa; Creative Director and Photographer/Teresa Romero; Model: Irena Kukh.

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). His inspiring education and innovative ergonomic styling tools can be experienced on samvilla.com. The Sam Villa brand brings free digital education to everyone including hot tips and techniques, as well as access to livestreamed educational events. The company also offers professional tools for consumers so they can achieve salon-quality results at home with minimum effort.

Facebook: @SamVillaPros; Instagram: @SamVillaHair;  YouTube: @SamVillaHair;

Twitter:@SamVillaPro; Pinterest: @SamVillaHair.

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February 6, 2023

COSMETICA LABS STEPS BOLDLY INTO 2023 WITH EXCITING CREATOR PARTNERSHIPS AND A VIRTUAL SHOWROOM FOR CUSTOMERS External Inbox

 

With a 30-year history in manufacturing the world’s most iconic beauty brands, Cosmetica Laboratories Inc continues to trailblaze the industry with a multi-layer marketing approach for 2023. Following ground-breaking 2022 successes such as an immersive pop-up in NYC and the BeautyMatter NEXT award for best Contract Manufacturer, Cosmetica announces a bold extension to their marketing strategy. The approach will include a virtual product showroom and a campaign partnership featuring industry key opinion leaders. Both will be launched through a bodega-themed showcase at the MakeUp in LA 2023 exhibit.

Cosmetica’s latest product launch is in collaboration with social media personalities and industry professionals: Afia Beauty (@afia_beauty), Sebastian Blagdon (@sebabulous), and Lou Swinden-Payne (@louswindenpayne). The content creators partnered with Cosmetica to produce engaging and educational demonstrations that capture product attributes, and behind-the-scenes action of the collection, with a viral twist.

“This collection is an approachable and playful look at what happens when you mix scientific formulas and innovative products that really work! I’ve worked behind the scenes with Cosmetica in the lab throughout my career, but this collection truly showcases the passion, skill, diversity, and innovation in the lab and throughout their team. Watching and learning directly from Cosmetica’s product development professionals on how their innovation process works to predict the trends of the future, has been an honour to say the least.” says campaign partner, Lou Swinden-Payne.

The result of this collaboration will be exclusively launched at the MakeUp in LA tradeshow on February 16th and 17th at the LA Convention Center, with head-turning activations from a virtual reality lab tour, a pop-art supermarket-inspired theme, and a digital experience that will bring the next generation of beauty products to life.

This event will also launch Cosmetica’s new digital footprint. 2023 will showcase a rollout of a new virtual showroom for customers and sales education with superior functionality and streamlined service integration. This marks the culmination of a year-long digital makeover that resulted in a full revamp of Cosmetica’s platforms including Instagram, with a 73% growth in followers.

“Our industry is dynamic, and our omni-channel marketing strategy continues to evolve to meet the needs of our customers. In 2023, we will continue breaking boundaries to inspire our partners and provide exceptional service” says Maria Osorio, Director of Marketing and Product Development, Cosmetica Labs.

About Cosmetica Laboratories

Cosmetica Labs is a Canadian cosmetic manufacturing and custom innovation house developing breakthrough beauty products for the world’s most iconic brands. We specialize in product development and manufacturing for color cosmetics and skincare. Our extensive team of experts collaborates with established brands and high-profile market entrants to create award-winning formulas. With over 30 years in the Beauty Industry, Cosmetica has over 600 employees including 75 research professionals that bring clients’ visions to life. The company has 2 manufacturing facilities in Toronto, and a state-of-the-art innovation hub in Los Angeles.

 

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February 6, 2023

Brunette the Label Launches Cinnamon Hearts Candle in Collaboration With Mala the Brand

Brunette the Label and Mala the Brand launch their Cinnamon Hearts candle to compliment your Valentine’s Day. The two Vancouver Canada based brands have teamed up for a signature candle inspired by the spicy candy for the holiday!

The Cinnamon Hearts candle is an eco-friendly coconut and soy wax candle with a wood wick to make even the most urban of spaces to feel like a winter escape. The two female-owned brands combined forces to spice up your holiday launching alongside Brunette the Label’s coveted Valentine’s Day collection.

The Brunette the Label x Mala the Brand Cinnamon Hearts candle is $40 and available at BrunettetheLabel.com

 

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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 5, 2023

Top Ten Easy Tips for Better Nutrition

Tik-Tok influencer and best-selling author Beth Linder-Moss has ten easy ways to jump start healthier eating, complete with the best timing, places to adopt new habits, plus where and how to cook.

To hear the Beth Linder-Moss podcast go to one of the following outlets:  ApplePodcasts,Boomplay, LibSyn, Soundcloud, Deezer, PlayerFM, ivoox, Bullhorn, Spotify, iHeart, and her website at https://bethlinder-moss.com.

  1. Go Slowly, do not make all changes at once. Trying to make a lot of changes about eating all at once or in a short period of time is almost certainly going to fail. As we have all spent literally our entire lifetimes learning to eat a certain way, it stands to reason that permanent changes will take longer to make.  So be patient and give yourself a break.
  2. Substitute, eat healthier versions of things you like. According to Beth there are usually healthier version of things we like to eat available. For example. instead of white rice, try brown rice. Or sweet potatoes instead of white, wheat pasta instead of traditional. This method can be part of the slower pace of change she also recommends.
  3. Drink more water. Not iced tea, or soda or sports drinks. Water. “Tea has caffeine and is a diuretic,” she told her audience. “You can have tea or coffee, but they cannot count as part of your water intake.” Most other beverages have sugar, caffeine, or artificial coloring. Avoid these by drinking water.
  4. Connect with your hunger? Beth advises that we ask ourselves if we have an appetite or we are eating just because something is there? As a test, drink a big glass of water. “You might be thirsty,” she said. But if you are still hungry after a glass of water, eat knowing that you truly are hungry.”
  5. Eat quality calories … pick your foods wisely. “Instead of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, put peanut butter on an apple,” Beth suggested.
  6.  Cook your own foods as much as possible. There is an element of control when cooking at home Beth says. “You know what you are putting in to cook and mindful of how much oil or salt or other ingredients you are using,” She stated. “When eating out, it is not possible to know the amount or types of things the chef used.” These are just some of the reasons why home cooked food is so much better than takeout or eating out. Plus, it is less expensive.
  7. Balance your meals … protein, carbs, and fats. According to Beth a balanced meal has protein, carbs, and fats. Protein is beef, chicken, fish, or eggs. Carbs are from things like sweet potatoes. She wants us to eat healthy fats. “Fat from the avocado is healthy for us.” Healthy fats also come from coconuts, sunflower or sesame seeds, cold water fish like salmon or even dark chocolate.
  8. Where do you eat? At times when eating in the car or in front of the TV, consumption is just mindless. “You can be shoveling popcorn into your mouth get to the bottom of the bowl and still not be satisfied,” she said. Rather than absent minded consumption, be aware of what and where you are eating. No shoveling.
  9. Do not be hard on yourself, this a journey. We often judge ourselves harshly when trying to change habits and fall short of perfection. Setting an impossibly high standard is not only unrealistic but can cause people to get discouraged and quit. “We are not perfect and will have lapses,” Beth said. “Forgive yourself and keep going.”
  10. Make your food tasty with seasoning. Eating healthy does not mean that our food must be bland. “Use seasoning to make food tastier,” Beth said. The addition of the right seasoning can make that broccoli bolder, salad more savory and rice cakes less terrible.

About Beth Linder-Moss

Beth Linder-Moss got interested in health and fitness at the age of 16 after her father had his first heart attack. After this devastating event, she and the other members of her family changed their eating and exercise habits for the better.

Today she is a much sought-after speaker, press interview and teacher. Her latest book is ‘Think Healthy Be Healthy’ and is available where books are sold. Her website is https://bethlinder-moss.com.

 

 

 

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February 2, 2023

Managing Trauma and Behavioural Issues in Foster Children

Managing trauma and behavioural issues in foster children can sometimes be one of the main challenges foster parents face. This may be especially true for those who are caring for foster children who have experienced difficult and traumatic situation such as abuse, abandonment, and neglect. As a foster parent, it’s important to understand the unique needs of your foster child in order to provide them with the support that they need to heal, grow, and thrive. 

Provide a Stable, Nurturing Environment

If you wish to become a foster parent with Orange Grove Foster Care, one of the most important things that you’ll need to be prepared for is managing trauma responses and challenging behaviour in your foster child. To do this successfully, you should provide a nurturing and stable environment. This may involve creating a physical space for the child that is comfortable and safe, for example, along with bringing a sense of routine and structure to their life. Children who experience difficulties with emotional regulation may benefit from a consistent and predictable routine. It’s also recommended to provide opportunities for your foster child to take part in activities that they joy and that help them improve their self-worth.  

Be Aware of Mental Health Challenges

It is crucial for foster parents to be aware of the mental health challenges that foster children may face and how these can manifest in everyday life. One of the most important things to be aware of is the potential for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in kids in the foster system. PTSD is common in children who have experienced trauma and comes with a range of symptoms, such as anxiety, flashbacks, panic attacks, nightmares, and even straight up avoiding certain situations. While not every child in foster care will suffer from PTSD, it is worth familiarising yourself with the signs of this condition and how to help kids manage and recover from it. 

Provide Emotional Support

As a foster parent, it’s important for you to be prepared to help your foster child cope with their emotional experiences. It’s important to understand that foster children may not always be able to regulate or express their emotions well, which can lead to challenging behaviours such as a lack of impulse control. If you want to be a foster parent, it’s important that you’re prepared to approach this in an understanding, empathetic, and non-judgemental way. 

Establish Clear Expectations and Rules

Many foster children who have come from traumatic situations have difficulties understanding boundaries and may benefit from an environment with clear, consistent rules and expectations. You should make sure that your foster child understands what is expected from them. Be clear on your household boundaries and have appropriate consequences for if these boundaries are crossed. 

Foster parenting can be a hugely rewarding experience, but often one of the toughest things about the process is helping a child through past trauma. Trauma in children can manifest in different ways, so the most important thing is to take a non-judgemental approach and be ready for a range of potential situations.  

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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

Suede Fringe Handbag Sized & Styled for Festival Season

CHECK OUT GUS & VIOLET

Gus & Violet This innovative line of handbags and belts has interchangeable hardware to fit your fashion vibe.  This suede fringe handbag in gray or nude can be paired with a chain strap for a crossbody look or clip on a bracelet handle for a convenient, modern carrying option.  All hardware available in gunmetal, silver or gold.  Build your bag based on your needs.

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