Across the globe, stores and restaurants are closing and people are living in isolation. Life feels less like reality and more like a simulation a little bit every day.
But while times are gloom and the future is uncertain, it’s great to see the world banding together. Bright moments are happening across the globe. In Toronto, we’ve seen local institutions pivot their businesses to provide people with hand sanitizer and grocery stores putting those most at-risk first. And across the beauty, fashion, and retail industries, we’re seeing conglomerates step up their efforts to help stop the spread of Coronavirus, too.
Here is how 10 major brands and retailers are doing their part during the COVID-19 outbreak:
LVMH
Luxury conglomerate LVMH was the first on the fashion and beauty front to offer up its support in helping to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. On March 15, the company announced that it would turn its perfumes and cosmetics business into a hand sanitizer manufacturer. LVMH has committed to deliver the hand sanitizer it creates free of charge to French health authorities for “as long as necessary” to help “enable a greater number of people to continue to take the right action to protect themselves from the spread of the virus.”
L’Oréal
Under the L’Oréal beauty brand, La Roche-Posay said it would provide hand sanitizer to institutions in Europe that need it the most such as main partnering pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes. Garnier, also under the L’Oréal beauty brand, will distribute hand sanitizer to its European clients’ food distribution channels. In a statement to WWD, L’Oréal Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Paul Agon said, “Through these gestures, L’Oréal wishes to express its appreciation, support and solidarity with all those who mobilize with extraordinary courage and abnegation to fight against this pandemic.”
Los Angeles Apparel
Another of the retailers donating to COVID-19 prevention efforts is Los Angeles Apparel. In a statement made through Instagram, the company’s controversial owner Dov Charney (formerly of American Apparel) offered help to the municipal, state, and federal agencies. “Our experienced workforce and management team of over 450 people are ready and able to produce masks or medical products for any government agency,” Charney said.
Zara
Fast fashion behemoth Inditex — the owner of Zara, Massimo Dutti, and more — is also lending its workforce in the battle to prevent COVID-19’s spread. As one of the retailers donating to COVID-19 prevention efforts, the company’s factories and logistics teams will help the Spanish government by donating masks for patients and medical workers, stating to Vogue, that it “will make a delivery at least once a week of materials we purchase directly.” As of now, the company has donated 10,000 protective face masks and expects to have 300,000 surgical masks ready by March 21.
Moncler
In a statement on Instagram, Moncler’s Chairman and CEO Remo Ruffini announced that the company would donate €10 million towards the construction of a hospital in Milan with 400 extensive care units. He said, “Milan is a city that has given us all an extraordinary time. We cannot and must not abandon it. It is everyone’s duty to give back to the city that has given us so much.”
Giorgio Armani
Earlier in the month, Giorgio Armani donated €1.25 million to a number of Italian hospitals and institutions. According to WWD, “The Luigi Sacco and San Raffaele hospitals and the Istituto dei Tumori in Milan as well as the Istituto Lazzaro Spallanzani in Rome will benefit from the donation. The amount will additionally support the activities of Protezione Civile, the country’s civil defense.”
Kering
As reported by South China Morning Post, Kering — the luxury conglomerate that owns Gucci, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and more — has donated 7.5 million yuan to the Red Cross Society Of China.
Versace
Versace’s Chief Creative Office Donatella Versace and her daughter Allegra Versace Beck have donated €200,000 to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan. In a statement, Versace said, “Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this disease and to all the doctors and medical staff who have been working heroically non-stop in the past weeks in the effort to take care of our loved ones.” The company has also donated 1 million yuan to The Chinese Red Cross Foundation.
Prada
According to Business Insider, Prada co-CEOs Muiccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli, as well as Chairman Carlo Mazzi, have donated two resuscitation and complete intensive care units to hospitals in Milan.
Walmart
One of the big retailers donating to COVID-19 prevention efforts is Walmart. On March 17, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced a pledge of $25 million to help organizations on the front lines in fighting COVID-19. The large sum will be split between food banks and meal programs in America, as well as global efforts in preventing, identifying, and managing the outbreak.
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If you’re like me, then you hate packing with a pure passion. How could I be expected to know what beauty products while I travel? I detest packing and decision making in general, so I end up overpacking and bringing anything and everything I think I’ll need with me. Because I basically bring my whole beauty and skincare arsenal with me, I often have zero room left in my suitcase for clothes and shoes. If you can relate, and let’s be honest, I’m hoping that a few of you can, you probably need to switch over from bringing full-size products with you. Nowadays, there are so many of our fave mini beauty products that are perfect for travel.
Here are 7 mini beauty products to pack in your travel bag!
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, $34
Instagram/@summerfridays
Doing a full skincare routine on the plane is all the rage these days, and as ridiculous as it might seem, it’s actually a good idea. The air on planes is recycled and it’s known for being drying and stale. Combat the dehydration and slather on a quality moisturizer and there’s none better than Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask. Because this product is a leave on mask, it rubs right in so the whole plane thankfully won’t know you’re wearing a face mask.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir Mini, $24
Instagram/@taraleydon
Whether you’re travelling by plane, train, or car, your skin will need a little revitalizing whilst you’re on your trip. Instead of lugging around a large heavy bottle of your fave fact mist, opt for a lighter version instead. The cult fave Caudalie Beauty Elixir is a brilliant way to freshen up after a long travel day.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator Mini, $21
Instagram/@dermalogicamx
Just because you’re on holiday, it doesn’t mean you can skimp on your skincare. Don’t go without a good exfoliation – just pack a mini version of your fave. My go-to is Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant and I’m thrilled it comes in a travel-friendly size because travelling can wreak absolute havoc on your skin
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt Mini, $25
Instagram/@christopherobinparis
If you’re heading on a beach vacay, sweat, and sunscreen can result in lots of build up on your scalp, so packing Christophe Robin’s iconic scalp scrub is a great idea. This scalp exfoliator cleanses and soothes sensitive, flaky, and oily scalps.
Glossier Milk Jelly Cleanser, $11
Glossier
Even if you’re bringing your whole beauty cabinet with you on your trip, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a multitasking product. Glossier’s Milk Jelly Cleanser can be used as a makeup remover when used on dry skin, or as a cleanser that cleans deep on wet skin. What’s even better is it’s cruely-free, vegan, dermatologist tested, and ophthalmologist tested so it’s safe to use around the eyes.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $58
Instagram/@heyitscutiee
With baggage weight limitations in effect, it doesn’t make sense to waste space bringing your full size foundation in its heavy glass bottle. However, don’t think that I’m expecting you to travel without your essentials. It pays to buy a mini version of your go-to foundation and save it for travel days ahead. Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is a fave for a reason as it’s weightless and gives skin a gorgeous, radiant finish.
Rahua Voluminous Travel Shampoo, $12
Instagram/@rahuabeauty
There’s something about travelling that just deflates your hair. If you need a bit of a pick me up in the haircare department, try a volumizing shampoo. This travel size shampoo from Rahua delivers noticable volume and body while nourishing strands with ingredients like omega-3s and rahua oil.
Featured Image: Instagram/@summerfridays
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When it comes to skincare and beauty products, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by not only how many there are, but how many are launched constantly. It can make even the most beauty-obsessed feel inundated from time to time. The truth is, there are a handful of products out there that are definitely worth the hype and need to be on everyone’s radar like yesterday. Whether these products cost $5 or $100, these are the products that actually do what they say they will. As beauty and skincare buffs, we’re sharing cult beauty products that we’ve not only tested, but we love and truly believe in.
So sit back, get your credit card ready and prepare to shop these 9 holy grail products that are totally worth the hype and the money.
Glossier Boy Brow, $20
Instagram/@glossier
Whether you’re after bold, dramatic brows or you’re looking for a more subtle look, Glossier’s best-selling Boy Brow is exactly what you need. Inspired by traditional hair pomade, it has a waxy consistency that doesn’t leave hairs looking stiff or crunchy. It comes in blonde, brown, black, and even clear if you just want some hold.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation, $80
Instagram/@francisca.carvalhoo
This award-winning, lightweight foundation delivers buildable coverage and a long-lasting, hydrating glow with a luminous & natural finish. But more importantly, it leaves you with the perfect balance between a dewy and matte finish, conceals even the most stubborn acne marks, and hides redness without feeling cakey or heavy.
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, $199
Instagram/@skinceuticals
Don’t let the price point scare you, this serum is what skincare dreams are made of and after one use you’ll understand why skincare professionals can’t get enough of it. It’s a daytime Vitamin C antioxidant that delivers advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness, leaving you with a glowing and youthful complexion.
NARS Blush in Orgasm, $40
Instagram/@narsissist
Easily one of the best-selling blushes on the market, and equally as famous for its name. You’ll be swearing by its perfect pink colour that looks natural and has a slight shimmer to it, so it leaves you with a flattering and beautiful glow.
Pixi Glow Tonic, $20
Instagram/@samanthachepi
How do we love thee? Let us count the ways. Free from oil and alcohol, this toner is made for all skin types (even the most sensitive) and contains 5% glycolic acid, which is a gentle, exfoliating AHA, so it sloughs away dead skin cells. It’s also equipped with aloe vera extract to help calm and soothe the skin, leaving you with a bright and glowing complexion The best part? You can pick this up at your local Shoppers Drugmart the next time you need to grab paper towel.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $6
Instagram/@deciem
Toronto-based beauty company Deciem launched The Ordinary just two years ago, which is an affordable line of vegan and cruelty-free skincare products. Easily the most coveted product in the collection is the Hyaluronic Acid, which is not only under $10, but it also gives you an intense dose of moisture and will leave your skin feeling plump, soft, but most importantly insanely hydrated.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray, $16
Instagram/@gabsurefashionista
This is a cult favourite and makeup artist must-have for a reason. A quick spritz on your faces leaves your skin feeling revitalized, and gives you with a dewy, moisturized glow. Whether spritzed for a hydrating boost or mid-day pick-me-up, this facial spray helps revive dehydrated skin anytime, anywhere.
Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment, $31
Instagram/@katesomervilleskincare
Whether you struggle with cystic acne or you woke up to a frustrating zit, this spot treatment works fast to give you acne-free skin. It contains the highest level of sulphur allowed to effectively heal blemishes, reduce acne, and help keep skin free of new breakouts.
Ouai Beach Waves, $34
Instagram/@olivecooke
You don’t need to spend the day near the ocean to achieve enviable beach waves thanks to Ouai. This weightless mist is infused with rice protein that’ll add hold and just the right amount of texture to achieve the ‘just got out of the ocean’ look. Simply spritz on damp or dry hair to activate natural waves, enhance hair texture, and boost body. Plus, it smells like a tropical paradise, so yeah, it’s pretty amazing.
Featured Image: Instagram/@taraleydon
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