New Style Idea

So many brands have stepped forward to donate to COVID-19 relief in the past few months. Whether that's been donating a portion of their sales to various charities, like local food banks and hospitals, or making masks to send to the frontlines, the fashion world has stepped up in a big way. For Pride Month, we want to spotlight a few LGBTQ+ designers who are really making a difference in COVID-19 relief. From Christian Siriano, who has been donating masks for months already, to Michael Kors, who donated money to New York hospitals and charities, these designers are doing what they can to help. Scroll through to check them out and get in on their charitable efforts. Source: https://ift.tt/3dCRuld

Hyperpigmentation is the proper name for the splotchy dark spots I've been blessed with all my life (and I won't share the not-so-holy name I call them in private). Even if I haven't picked my pimples , I still get dots on my face after they settle down and, hell, even the area on my nose where my glasses rest has turned noticeably darker in the past. This is actually very common for people of color and happens because of an increase in melanin production , which then results in visible darkness in the affected area. Sure, I can cover the little spots and larger patches with concealers , but I'd rather have something that isn't just hiding the problem spots until I wash my face again. I'm hyper-cautious of products that promise to fade dark spots - which immediately makes me fear skin lightening - and always do a smaller spot test before slathering anything on my face (and would recommend this for any product, especially if you're sensitive ). I

As braids season approaches, we know you've been spending a lot of time thinking about your next protective style, but since it hasn't yet been deemed safe for everyone to book their next hair appointment, a lot of us have been inclined to take on the process of braiding our own hair at home . And because many beauty supply stores remain closed for now, getting all of your hair braiding essentials may be a little more difficult than usual - but one brand is attempting to fix that issue. NH Beauty Supply, a beauty supply store operating out of Dallas, TX, is currently selling box braid kits that come with everything you need to successfully braid your hair at home. The Black Box Braids Kit ($44) comes with six packs of synthetic braiding hair, styling gel, a rat tail comb, hair clips, rubber bands (for anyone using the rubber band method), and braid accessories. You can obviously use it to complete whatever style you desire outside of box braids, whether it be twists, cornro

When #BlackoutTuesday morphed from its initial music industry day of solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement to a social media moment for the wider public, a variety of brands quickly followed. One by one, designers and fashion labels added messages of support in the form of the little black squares that quickly took over feeds. Some went further , with donation pledges. For the majority of the brands, it was the first time they had ever spoken out against racism in a public forum.  That support may have been an historical first, but many are now questioning its authenticity as industry insiders respond with accusations of behind-the-scenes discrimination. On Tuesday, Celine posted a message on its Instagram account: “Celine stands against all forms of discrimination, oppression and racism. Tomorrow’s world will not exist without equality for all,” read the text in its little black box. View this post on Instagram CELINE STANDS AGAINST ALL F

I can't be the only one who has watched Storm Reid noshing on her toast in a blue floral Aritzia top, jamming out to "If It Isn't Love" by New Edition 1,427 times. Someone else is with me, right?! The 16-year-old Euphoria actress , activist , and "fashionista," as she calls herself, currently has one million followers on Instagram, and I am one of those true fans - dedicated to watching every Instagram Story she posts and tuning in to see which outfit she'll wear next. "I'm an athlete, and nothing motivates me more than a cute spandex set, because at the end of the day, I'm a fashion person too. Me and Storm, we're like two peas in a pod." It's not just because she's beautiful, relatable, focused on spreading light and positive energy, and willing to cherish the good in the world (like her relationship with her mom, who she dresses up with frequently), it's because I sit here like a cheese ball with a big toothy

With antiracism protests happening all over the country in support of the Black Live Matter Movement, a light is finally being shed on other areas of injustices and systemic racism in the US that the Black community has been facing all this time. In the beauty industry, that is being met with many brands and consumers wanting to change and support more Black-owned businesses . For Desiree Verdejo, the founder of Hyper Skin , this new self-awareness that people are experiencing is clearly visible in her own business and has impacted it more than she could have ever imagined. "This has been a heavy week as a Black woman with a Black husband and two young children that I'm raising in an imperfect world," Verdejo told POPSUGAR. "I think with all that's going on, the one positive experience has been how Black consumers and white allies have come together and pinpointed that police violence is not the only wrong thing in our community." What she's referrin

Black people are fighting for a lot right now, and as we continue to confront antiracist policies in the US, hair discrimination is an issue that, unfortunately, persists. A Texas high school senior, for example, went viral earlier this week after her school refused to let her graduate with her class unless she removed her braids. According to Essence , Kienjanae "KJ" Hooper is a student and National Honor Society member at Gladewater High School, and she recently treated herself to some braids for her senior photos. The braids reportedly took ten hours to complete and they look just like any other braided hairstyle, but her principal called Hooper and her mother, Kieana , on Monday to let her know that they violate the school's dress code and are essentially "a distraction." "Really, the whole thing is really dumb to me, to be honest," Hooper told the publication. "Why does it matter about my hair that I can't walk across the stage? I

If you haven't checked out Brother Vellies for cool footwear, you're missing out on some major shoefie opportunities. Founder and Creative Director Aurora James is a big-time accessories designer in the fashion world and we're obsessed with her on-trend creations. Furthermore, as a response to the death of George Floyd , the designer issued a vital call to action, asking corporations to support Black-owned businesses with a 15 percent pledge . She's using her voice and influence to uplift the black community, and that's one of many important reasons to support her brand. Brother Vellies was founded with a focus on keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive. Ahead, we curated a shopping guide of our favorite summer shoes from the brand - there's sandals, heels, boots, and more. Think of these special pieces as investments you'll treasure in your wardrobe for years to come. Let's check them all out. Related: 46 Black-Owned

Lucy Hale traded her go-to leggings for a more relaxed look yesterday at the dog park. The “Katy Keene” frontwoman stepped out in Los Angeles with her pup Elvis as they went for a stroll for some fresh air. The actress donned a slouchy green sweatshirt and studded baggy black jeans for the outing, topping it off with her go-to Ray-Ban shades and a face mask. Lucy Hale out with her dog in Los Angeles, June 4. CREDIT: Broadimage/Shutterstock A closer look at Lucy Hale’s Vans . CREDIT: Broadimage/Shutterstock In addition to swapping out her athleisure, the 30-year-old also decided on skate-style sneakers over her typical running shoes . The Vans Sk8 Hi style featured a unique perforated toe and stitched detail as Hale left the top half of the high-top unlaced. Similar versions of the “Silver Linings” colorway retail for $65 at Nordstrom.com and Madewell.com . Lucy Hale out with her dog in Los Angeles, June 4. CREDIT: Broadimage/Shutterstock A close-up of Lucy Hale

After demonstrations have been held across the United States to protest the unjust death of George Floyd, eyewear company Warby Parker has spoken out about how the brand will be taking action and showing support to the Black community . The brand is one of many in the fashion industry like Kering, Stella McCartney, and more pledging money to organizations that are focused on combating systemic racism. Warby Parker's announcement, which was posted on Instagram , states: "To our black community members, employees, customers, colleagues, and friends: We see you, stand with you, and are pledging $1 million to organizations and initiatives focused on combating systemic racism." When commenters asked Warby Parker which organizations and initiatives will receive the million-dollar donation - vital information that many people are requesting as they read about major companies putting in the work to help - the brand commented back saying, "We're seeking input from our

Since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, many different issues of systemic racism and injustices have been brought to light. If there's one thing that we should all take away from this powerful social justice movement that we're in the middle of right now, it's that long-term change needs to happen. To help put actions in motion, many Black members of the beauty industry are vocalizing what that looks like. In addition to just encouraging consumers to support more Black-owned businesses by simply spending money at them moving forward, Sharon Chuter, founder and CEO of Uoma Beauty, launched the Pull Up or Shut Up Challenge asking brands to share the presence or lack thereof of Black people in leadership positions at their companies, and Aurora James set forth the 15 Percent Pledge, asking major corporations to commit to carrying more Black-owned brands on their shelves. There's even more room for change in the beauty industry, specifically pertaining to

One of the best things about being at home right now is that you can spend so much time experimenting with your hair, whether that means nursing it with deep treatments and masks regularly or switching between protective styles . If you're doing the latter, you probably already know that there are dozens of options at your fingertips, from passion twists to knotless box braids to the wildly underrated Ghana braids. Ghana braids (also called Banana cornrows) are extensions that touch the scalp. They usually begin like regular cornrow braids, with synthetic hair slowly incorporated to create a larger plait near the nape. The best thing about them, though, is that there's not just one way to wear them. Read ahead to check out a few of our favorite takes on Ghana braids. Source: https://ift.tt/3eLN9fI

If you've ever wondered how to contour, what new makeup products to try , or how to really get your skin to glow, beauty influencers have the answers. Countless YouTube vloggers have segments dedicated to everything from fixing flyaway hairs to applying highlighter , but some of the best come from members of the trans community . Trans voices thrive in this space, thanks not only to the numerous need-to-know makeup tips they share but also in large part to the unique experiences they have faced in the beauty world (and life in general) that they have so openly shared along the way. From Nikita Dragun to Gigi Gorgeous , these beauty vloggers have paved the way for makeup-lovers in the trans community and beyond. Some of these stars started with just a handful of loyal followers and they are now are widely known all around the world, while others were well-versed in the makeup space well before coming out, like NikkieTutorials . Each person has had a different journey, and their

Image Source: Getty Maintenance cuts and color transformations might initially send you to a hair salon or barbershop, but the community and atmosphere will make you a regular. After coronavirus-related closures rippled through the United States in late March, the industry was forced to take a temporary hiatus . Business owners worried about staying afloat; stylists feared the long-term effects of losing their incomes; these safe, familiar, and functional spaces became inaccessible for beloved clients to enjoy - including those created to serve the LGBTQ+ community. Queer, genderless, and LGBTQ+ owned salons and barbershops play crucial roles in the industry. They're inclusive to all, fairly priced (i.e. gender-neutral services), and create open, affirming, and judgment-free spaces. And like any other salons right now, they're trying to navigate the fallout of the last two-plus months of closures. Ahead, we checked in with two business owners to see how they're doing i

View this post on Instagram A post shared by L A S H I F Y . C O M (@lashify) on Jun 3, 2020 at 1:30pm PDT Many brands and people alike are trying to find ways to support the Black community and fight systemic racism in light of the recent death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police. Putting actions to words, the luxury eyelash-extension brand Lashify announced on June 3 that it will be launching a new incubator project to help a Black-owned beauty brand grow. Sahara Lotti, the founder of Lashify, announced she will be investing up to $100,000 in Black-owned brands that are either in the early stages of launching or already launched and in need of some additional help. "When I started this company, I didn't need money as much as I needed 'intelligent capital,'" she said in a statement posted on Facebook. "So this is what I'm going to do: I'm giving someone in the Black Community u

View this post on Instagram A post shared by PULL UP OR SHUT UP! (@pullupforchange) on Jun 3, 2020 at 9:13am PDT In the aftermath of George Floyd 's killing in Minneapolis and the organized protests across the country that followed, dozens of companies large and small have united to show their support for the Black community , mainly in the form of donations and social media posts. But as the conversations about antiracism continue online and more companies announce their ally-ship, one beauty brand founder is hoping to hold all of them accountable. Sharon Chuter , founder and CEO of Uoma Beauty , launched the Pull Up or Shut Up Challenge on June 3 in the hopes of putting a spotlight on the presence of Black people (or lack thereof) in leadership positions in corporate America. Per her notes, Black people make up eight percent of corporate roles in America and three percent of management roles, but the numbers are even more bleak