Thursday, December 9th guest in Los Angeles were flipping out in excitement celebrating the launch of Flip. Flip is the latest app that is changing the beauty shopping experience by making the experience social as well. Think TikTok meets a beauty shopping network, but better.

Flip was founded in 2019 by serial entrepreneur and ecommerce veteran Nooruldeen “Noor” Agha in Los Angeles. Flip is a social commerce platform reinventing the beauty shopping experience through user-generated reviews that become instantly shoppable with a seamless single-click checkout. Shoppers get to discover and shop beauty, skincare, and personal care products by flipping through social-media-style content created by other users on the app.The apps patented technology allows shoppers to post video reviews of their purchases or create shoppable live shows that they ca in turn receive commissions on sales made from their posts, and have access to real-time data on their content’s performance. Flip also provides brands with full service, back-end support, and offers free, same-day shipping, seamless returns, and best-in-class customer service straight from the convenience of the app on your phone.

The launch party celebration was hosted by none other than Grammy-nominated artist
Halsey with special performances from breakout singer Scout Willis, up-and-coming artist BIA and R&B superstar Kehlani. The entertainment didn’t just stop with those exclusive performances, but Hollywood heavy hitter DJs Amrit, Kito and Zack Bia got the party started and going with DJ sets all evening. CoverGirl, TooFaced, Pacifica and About Face hosted branded seating areas for partygoers to snap photos and share the night’s festivities.

Shiseido kicked off the summer celebrating their hero product, the Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Serum and their Sun Care Line with a 3 day  weekend event in  picturesque Malibu. After being in quarantine and the world being on pause for so long this event was just the breath of fresh air and fun the beauty world needed. The weekend was jam packed withrelaxation, fun, entertainment, and  9 different for activations with special hosts and guests.

Thursday started off zen with a relaxing morning meditation. Influencers were invited to relax poolside with a sound bath meditation and yoga session The day’s events were followed by a  spin cycle class that really got everyone’s endorphins going and heart pumping. The night ended with a delicious dinner with Roxette Arisa.

Friday began with giving back to the environment with  a beach cleanup for the Shiseido Blue Project. The Shiseido Blue Project Beach Clean Up was joined by actor Adrian Grenier and new mom, actress and singer Katharine McPhee Foster along with the World Surf League. The environmental initiative is committed to inspiring, educating and empowering ocean protection. This global initiative launched in 2019 with a range of activities to protect the ocean, including cleaning up beaches, leading global conservation campaigns like We Are One Ocean, and promoting ocean-and sun-safe habits. The Friday festivities continued with a pool party hosted by Tinx, and an industry dinner.  Saturday wrapped up the weekend with a Melin workout class, pool party, followed by a dinner hosted by Nazanin Mandi.

Shiseido has made great new innovations to some of its amazing sun and skincare products. Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ now includes SynchroShield™ technology.The innovative WetForce x HeatForce technology creates an invisible, lightweight protective veil that becomes more effective in water and heat. It delivers superior protection that goes on clear and absorbs quickly without any residue.

The Shiseido Sun Lotion- Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ face and body sunscreen with a protective veil now becomes even more effective in heat and water. It’s An ocean-friendly sunscreen that keeps up with your on the move outdoor activities.

Shisiedo’s Urban Environment  for every day sun protection is an ultra-light, oil-free sunscreen lotion for the face that controls excess sebum and gives skin a matte appearance while guarding against daily environmental aggressors. It promotes the natural beauty of skin by protecting against the three major causes of skin cell damage UV rays, oxidation and over-production of sebum. The Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is a product that embodies Shiseido skincare. It strengthens the skin’s natural powers of defense, enabling it to build its own beauty. It enhances the benefits of skincare routines that follow. Smooth, supple, and with less fine lines – skin radiates with a healthy look.

On September 14, SIMPLY left its mark on Orange County with a takeover of the always chic shopping destination Fashion Island. The fun afternoon coincided with the celebration of StyleWeek OC, and SIMPLY filled the day with top celebrities, influencers and experts discussing fashion, beauty, and digital marketing. The day was filled with amazing panels, creativity, empowerment, and some shopping opportunities. 

The day kicked off with keynote speaker actress Kat Graham, who shared words of encouragement with the audience. More importantly Kat reminded the audience of the ability to impact change and good with their actions. A panel discussions focusing on fashion kept the energy going with speakers Content Creator Cassydy Berliner, jewelry designer Gorjana Reidel, celebrity stylist Lo VonRumpf, designer Lindsay Albanese and TV personality Carly Steel. They gave advice for up and coming business entrepreneurs and tips for creating a successful brand.

The evening continued with a  panel centered around beauty and brought together top experts that included blogger Christine Kong, TV star Courtney Kerr, celebrity makeup artist Joyce Bonelli, Founder of O Cosmetiques Olia Majd and Founder of GlowTopia Diana Madison. What does it take to become a beauty business owner? What are some trends that experts have noticed in the past couple of years? These were just some of the questions excited audience members were able to ask their favorite beauty experts.

The third panel of the night centered around branding and digital marketing. The panel included Glee Star Becca Tobin, Founder of Planoly Brandy Pham, Content Creator Quigley aka Casey Goode, model Rocky Barnes and Founder of Elevate My Brand Laurel Wintz. The discussed the importance of  creating, staying true to your audience, and being consistent.

Before the evenings  shopping kicked off for attendees SIMPLY ending things with a special interview with  keynote speaker Ashlee Simpson Ross where she discussed fashion, beauty and her upcoming ventures. Ashlee discussed the evolution of her style she said,“it was always about fashion. Since the time I was young, you know I grew up and like ‘Mom, I kinda wanna dress up like a boy’ and so she’d take me to the Tommy Hillfiger boy section and then I’d be like ‘I kinda wanna be girly’. However I evolve, it’s girly with a boyish twist.” When asked “what makeup and fashion style makes you feel the most beautiful” Ashlee was quick to say, “for me I love eyeliner, I love a good top wing. And to be honest, my husband is very good at art so I feel like one of my eyes is always good and the other is off but thank god my husband is an artist because I’m like ‘here’s my eyeliner can you make it even?!”

With the holiday season in full swing what better way to celebrate, shop and give back than with Dress for Success. Dress for Success is an organization with a long-standing history of working to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in both work and in life. To raise money for their incredibly important mission the organization puts on their annual fundraiser Shop for Success.

Shop for Success is Dress for Success’ largest fundraising events that brings people together for fun nights of shopping for a charitable cause. This can’t miss event brings together thousands of off the rack designer labels and showcases them under one fabulous roof. Items are marked down to unbelievable prices for a limited time only, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to support the complete powerful and personal transformations of women Dress for Success helps. During the event attendees get a chance to brush elbows with Hollywood celebrities at the opening night gala, shop alongside the who’s-who of L.A. as they dig for designer label scores, bid on exclusive items in the silent auction, and help make the powerful programming at Dress For Success possible. By Supporting shop for success, you are empowering women and families, which makes your shopping that much more impactful.

This year’s Shop for Success event kicked off on November 30th and was hosted by actresses Garcelle Beauvais, designer Michael Costello, and actresses Perrey Reeves, and Katheryn Winnick. Lisa Ling, Natalie Morales, Shaden Abboushi, Caitlin Carmichael, and Janelle Shirtcliff were among some of the celebrities who came to support this important charitable event. Since starting its operations in 1997, Dress for Success has served over 1 million women and has expanded to almost 160 cities in 30 countries. Dress for Success services are designed to help women find jobs and remain employed.

Holly Robinson Pete hit the nail on the head when she said, “service is the rent we pay for living.” Honestly, whether you have a lot or a little there is an internal satisfaction, and unexplainable change that happens within you when you help empower the life of another person in some way. 

When it comes to organizations that consistently actively change the lives of those they help Habitat for Humanity achieves that time and time again. They make it a priority to mobilize their resources to empower and change the lives of both those in need of help and those who volunteer to help. The work accomplished is not only essential but helps rebuild and strengthen communities and families.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles had their annual Builders Ball 2018 at The Beverly Hilton on September 27, 2018. This year’s Builders Ball raised awareness and funds to continue the organization’s work in empowering  families and building strength and stability in communities through homeownership. The Builders Ball also honored Habitat LA’s counterparts in the building and real estate industry, as well as partners and donors, who are helping transform the landscape of Los Angeles. This year’s award recipients were Actress and singer, Holly Robinson Peete,  Los Angeles’ professional soccer team, LA Galaxy, and Watt Companies, one of the nation’s largest owners, developers, and managers of residential and commercial real estate on the West Coast. All Honorees were given generously donated gifts by Thoughtfully, a company specializing in curated gift sets perfect for any occasion. Additionally through the Thoughtfully Initiative, the company has committed to giving ten percent of all profits to go towards funds that support local, regional and national organizations all while supporting the company’s mission of inspiring others to live and give thoughtfully

Holly Robinson Peete, was honored with the Dream Builder Award for her commitment to helping those in need through her HollyRod Foundation. Her organization provides compassionate care and services to underserved individuals and families that are financially and emotionally affected by autism and Parkinson’s disease. Holly has also volunteered with Habitat LA several times and has served as its National Women Build Week spokeswomen.

Los Angeles’ professional soccer team, LA Galaxy, was honored with the Foundation Builder Award in recognition of their commitment to helping those in need through the LA Galaxy Foundation. Their Foundation is dedicated to assisting the community through soccer programming that promotes inclusion for all athletes, education opportunities, and a strong spirit of volunteerism. The LA Galaxy has been an important partner and long-time supporter of Habitat LA for nearly a decade.

Watt Companies received the Builder of the Year Award for their commitment to creating holistic communities to work and grow, while incorporating quality and innovation. Since their founding over 70 years ago, Watt Companies has been committed to finding solutions to resolve the homelessness crisis. The Watt family also has a strong continued commitment to affordable housing solutions.

The night ended with an uplifting and lively performance by world-famous percussionist and entertainer, Sheila E., and  Habitat LA was also able to raise more funds for their continued charitable efforts for the Greater Los Angeles community.

]]> https://hollywoodtimessquare.com/habitat-las-2018-builders-ball/feed/ 0 https://hollywoodtimessquare.com/face-haus-opens-at-usc-village/ https://hollywoodtimessquare.com/face-haus-opens-at-usc-village/#comments Tue, 21 Aug 2018 15:59:45 +0000 http://hollywoodtimessquare.com/?p=5689

With summer coming to close and fall quickly approaching one thing is for sure after catching all those summer rays your skin is in need of some tender love and care. What better way to give your skin that much needed refresh then with Face Haus. Since its launch in 2013 Face Haus has quickly become the go to for ‘Facials for the People.’ It’s your one stop shop for getting quality luxurious facials for a price that doesn’t drain your bank account. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to pampering I’m all in especially if its keeping my skin glowing and looking its best.

From West Hollywood, Santa Monica, the South Bay, to the newest Face Haus location at the USC Village this growing company is making the world of spa facials approachable, affordable, and attainable to everyone. Face Haus doesn’t only cater women, but men as well who account for 30% of their clientele.

Former Bachelor cutie, Nick Viall joined Face Haus for the grand opening of their newest location at USC Village. While at the opening he was treated to his very first facial and instantly became a fan of the process and couldn’t get over how relaxing and pampered he felt.

Whether you need your skin glowing, exfoliated, calmed down from a pesky break out, or a quick pick me up for your eyes, lips, or pores Face Haus and their team of experts have a solution for you. So gift yourself some me time and get your skin at its best before the fall, and holiday season come in full blast with all its parties and photo ups.

Designer Claire Powers is bringing meaning and purpose back into the fashion world with her sustainable, eco-friendly fashion line KINDOM. 

Claire introduced her exclusive limited summer collection on Thursday, July 19 at a Summer Soiree pop up event held at the chic Downtown LA boutique Alchemy Works. Continuing with the brands commitment to the betterment of the environment and humanity as a whole the proceeds raised at the pop up event went to benefit the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which works to end the destruction and slaughtering of the ocean’s wildlife.

KINDOM prides itself on using organic, recycled and plant-based materials like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, Tencel and recycled polyester. Not only are the clothing items sustainable and compostable, but the packaging and bags are also as well. In a nod to 90’s fashion, the latest collection re-imagined popular styles like baby doll tops and dresses, embellished denim, wide leg patchwork pants, and casual maxi dresses all with the importance of versatility and sustainability in mind. KINDOM is proving that you don’t have to sacrifice quality or fashion while improving the world around you.

The Orthopedic Institute for Children (OIC) with the help of actress Debby Ryan, and actor Christopher Gorham as Master of Ceremonies celebrated a magical night in the clouds with guest honoring the immense impact of OIC’s pediatric orthopedics on children globally.

OIC’s Annual Stand for Kids Gala honored Harry McKellop, Ph.D with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his prolific work. Over the past three decade he’s been a remarkable teacher and mentor to countless orthopedic fellows, residents, and volunteer student workers who have spent time working in his labs. His work has also resulted in novel methods to reduce polyethylene wear in orthopedic implants, which has helped improve the lives 12 patients to date.

The night also honored the Automobile Club of Southern California with the Corporate Pinnacle Award. The Automobile Club of Southern California has been a long-time supporter OIC and the children they help for 40 years. UCLA Health was also honored with the Power of Partnership Award in honor of their 20-year anniversary of the alliance between UCLA and OIC. The unique partnership between UCLA and OIC has developed a platform for unparalleled contributions to patient care and scientific discovery in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.

Debby Ryan, and Christopher Gorham kept the night filled with laughter and good times. While Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe nominated star Matthew Morrison served as the night’s headline performer. His performance lit the stage and awed the crowed for a truly magical evening for a great cause.

They say that one small act of kindness or good has the potential to cause a ripple effect of incredible change. Today’s Promises a pending 501(c)3 organization is doing just that by helping change the lives of Haitian children affected by the 2010 earthquake that shook the country to its core causing catastrophic amounts of devastation. The organization’s  mission is to empower, educate, feed, shelter, love, and give hope to these incredible children.

Today’s Promises emerged as a continuation of the work started by The Mission Light Church of Life in Haiti. The Mission Light Church of Life after the 2010 earthquake established an orphanage as a way to help children affected and left parentless by the natural disaster that killed many. Despite the church’s intentions they simply lacked necessary resources to keep the provisions up for the children. Inspired by the incredible work being done to help these incredible kids Today’s Promises emerged and has been working ever since to provide and change these young lives presently and in the future.

To raise awareness and funds for the children Today’s Promises hosted a Poolside Fundraiser at Bella Villa Sul Monte in Los Angeles, California. The poolside fundraiser helped raise awareness for the children and provide them with all the materials necessary for them to thrive going forward. The villa was filled with various auction items signed by different celebrities such as The Beatles, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, and showcased various artworks for guest to bid on. Auction proceeds raised would be going towards helping these children. Attendees were also able to experience the insightful stories on the children being helped by Today’s Promises. Giving people a real opportunity to learn about these amazing children and put faces to cause.

The work being done by Today’s Promises is not only important, but necessary. By empowering and giving these children a chance at better lives they are improving the prospects of the future as children really are the hope to creating a better more compassionate world. To get involved, learn more, or help out anyway you can you can simply visit the Today’s Promises’ website: www.todayspromises.org

Nothing brings people together quite like great food, which is why after a successful launch last year the Los Angeles Times Food Bowl is back for its second year with even more to look forward to.

This year’s Los Angeles Food Bowl once again kicks off on May 1st for a full magnificent 31 days celebrating LA’s always evolving food and drink scene. While shining a light on LA’s food scene the festival will simultaneously work to raise awareness and funds to fight against food waste, hunger, and promote sustainability and waste reduction with the help of festival charity partners and its events. For the month of May the Food Bowl will have LA buzzing with over 250 events that will include the chefs and restaurants responsible for making Los Angeles a food destination. From dining events, panel discussions, chef collaborations, volunteer projects, night markets, and cocktails this upcoming 31 days of food has something for everyone.

The official launch party will be taking place at Rossoblu this year and will feature an all star lineup of the best LA chefs creating “Things in a bowl.” The launch party will also be announcing the Restaurant of the Year and the winner of the Gold Award. Last year’s Restaurant of the Year award went to Locol (Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson) and the Gold Award was presented to Wolfgang Puck. For the first time ever the launch will also be open to public to share in the festivities.

With May only being months away the anticipation and excitement for the Food Bowl continues to grow. It is set to be a month full of excitement and endless delicious moments so mark your calendars for March 31st when the full list of events are released so you can start planning your May food event schedules.