Read Time : 1 Minutes

Black-owned beauty and fashion brands to support now and forever

Linda J. Picard

Following the deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and others, many Americans are mourning, protesting and standing in solitude against centuries-long racial injustice.

Ways to support powerful platforms such as Black Lives Matter include learning through literature about race and privilege. You can also make sure to do your part in voting throughout election season and by finding ways to authentically amplify Black voices that need to be heard.

Last but certainly not least, you can put your money where your mouth is by financially backing Black-owned businesses on July 7 (and beyond) for Blackout Day 2020.

On July 7, people will participate in #BlackoutDay2020, a social media movement with an aim to support nationwide economic solidarity amongst Black-owned businesses.

This initiative was started by The Blackout Coalition leader Calvin Martyr and continues to pick up momentum.

“In order to break free from the chains of

… Read More
Read Time : 1 Minutes

Thrive Causemetics Working With Goldman on Sale or IPO

Linda J. Picard

(Bloomberg) — Vegan beauty startup Thrive Causemetics is working with an adviser to explore options including a sale or public listing, according to people familiar with the matter, as cosmetic companies attract investment from major brands.

The Los Angeles-based is working with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and could be valued at several hundred millions of dollars in a potential transaction, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the information isn’t public.

The company, founded by entrepreneur Karissa Bodnar in 2015, is set to generate about $150 million in revenue this year with $20 million of annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, they said. Discussions are at an early stage and may not result in any deal.

Representatives for Thrive and Goldman Sachs declined to comment.

As stay-at-home orders have kept customers away from salons and stores, e-commerce sales of beauty products have at companies such

… Read More
Read Time : 1 Minutes

Got sun spots on your skin? Here’s how to treat them in the summer

Linda J. Picard

Dark spots are common skin concerns for both men and women. With the stress of COVID-19 and the the extra-hot June we are having in South Florida, melasma and other pigmentation problems can get worse.

Many dermatologists are only seeing emergency visits, but our practice and some others are treating skin pigmentation problems via telemedicine. If you cannot get an appointment with a dermatologist for your pigmentation issue, here are some tips.

Wear SPF even when indoors

Blue light from your phone and computer screen have been shown to increase skin pigmentation. For that reason, the most important product to use on your face every morning is SPF. Look for SPF with iron oxides, which are the best blockers for blue light.

I like EltaMD UV Elements SPF. Another great option with iron oxides is Dermablend facial foundation.

Skin-lightening ingredients to use in summer

Some skin-lightening ingredients can cause skin

… Read More
Read Time : 1 Minutes

Florida lawmakers OK sweeping changes to crack down on deadly cosmetic surgery facilities

Linda J. Picard
Nicola Mason, 46, a Maryland mother of two, was left badly scarred from a botched surgery at one of the more troubled cosmetic surgery centers in Miami.
Nicola Mason, 46, a Maryland mother of two, was left badly scarred from a botched surgery at one of the more troubled cosmetic surgery centers in Miami.

After years of rampant deaths in Florida’s cosmetic surgery clinics, state lawmakers approved sweeping legislation Wednesday that calls for some of the nation’s strictest controls of the industry. 

If signed by the governor, the new law would allow the state for the first time to punish dangerous plastic surgery facilities and shut down the worst offenders. 

The legislation passed after years of no regulation in Florida, where private investors opened high-volume, discount clinics that became magnets for women seeking cosmetic procedures.     

“It’s been long overdue,” said Crystal Call, 34, of New York, whose mother found her in a locked recovery room nearly bleeding to death after her surgery in Miami. “[It’s] sad that so many people had to die or have serious injuries

… Read More