Covid-19 Update and 7th Anniversary

SURVIVING COVID-19 & 

EVCURLGURL.COM 7th ANNIVERSARY

Hi everyone. It's been seven long months since I last updated my blog, but with the Covid chaos, I felt it was best to step back from all products (after all, the world was on fire and it just wasn't the moment for that) and return "once it was over". Well, here we still are, with cases worse than last spring. I'm back for a quick update, and what better moment than today, on Evcurlgurl.com's seventh year anniversary. 

Prior to my Covid-19 positive results

Since my last blog post in April, I tested positive for Covid-19 - and thankfully beat it - realizing that I truly needed to shift my focus to my health and happiness. Prior to the Covid shut-downs, I was focused on my fitness, with daily 5:00 a.m. sweat sessions at Blink Fitness: "Cardio Crushing!" Had it not been for that year-long dedication of intense cardio, I believe my recovery would have turned out differently. I came really close to being hospitalized. Very close. My total recovery took a little over two months.

Sick with Covid-19 in March/April

Louis Vuitton Covid-19 Masks

LOUIS VUITTON RE-PURPOSES ITS FRENCH & AMERICAN WORKSHOPS TO MAKE

NON-SURGICAL FACE MASKS

Louis Vuitton Masques ©David Gallard

April 8, 2020 - Louis Vuitton has launched the production of hundreds of thousands of non-surgical protective masks, re-purposing its French workshops in Marsaz and Saint-Donat (Drôme), Saint-Pourçain (Allier), Ducey (Manche) and Sainte-Florence (Vendée), where three hundred artisans are mobilized in response to the French government’s plea for the increased production of alternative non-surgical masks to aid in the battle against Covid-19.

Louis Vuitton Masques ©David Gallard

Michael Burke, Louis Vuitton Chairman and CEO, formalized the start of production by visiting the Sainte-Florence workshop, where twenty-two artisans are voluntarily stationed and already making masks that will be provided to protect front line healthcare workers. Mrs. Correira, Director of the Marpa nursing-home in Sainte-Florence and Mr. Gaborieau, Director of the Saint-Vincent de Paul care home in Essarts, Bocage, both being among those receiving the newly created masks, joined Michael Burke in greeting the volunteers. These non-surgical masks have been approved by the different governing bodies and are created in collaboration with Mode Grand Ouest, a regional network of the textile industry who are supplying one of the main materials.

Louis Vuitton Masques ©David Gallard

In appreciation of the volunteers’ exceptional contribution, upon visiting the Sainte-Florence workshop, Michael Burke, thanked them, declaring: “As an important French House, Louis Vuitton wishes to commit at its level to producing many thousands of masks that will be distributed within the region, at no charge, to protect those who are most exposed. This production is the fruit of a wonderful collaboration with the regional sector of the textile industry.”

AMERICAN WORKSHOPS

New York, NY April 16, 2020 - Louis Vuitton will re-purpose American workshops to produce non-surgical cloth face masks to aid in the battle against Covid-19 within the United States. Starting this week and next week, groups of Louis Vuitton artisans within each workshop located in Piscataway, NJ, Ontario, CA and Johnson County, TX, San Dimas, CA and Irwindale, CA will begin production of masks. Collectively when the workshops are at efficiency, these artisans will create hundreds of thousands of masks.

The face masks in production are made of cotton cloth with the ability to be re-used, washed and adjusted to better fit a variety of users. In coherence with social distancing and workplace guidelines specified by officials, each workshop will ensure safe and healthy working conditions for all artisans.

Masks will be donated and distributed in states currently most heavily impacted by Covid-19 and Louis Vuitton will partner with local organizations in each state leading the Covid-19 response effort.

Louis Vuitton’s American workshops join the House’s French workshops which have recently re-opened to support the production of non-surgical face masks for donation to healthcare workers and nursing homes in France. These efforts echo those already put in place by LVMH and many of its Houses in the global fight against Covid-19.

About Louis Vuitton 

Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has brought unique designs to the world, combining innovation with style, always aiming for the finest quality. Today, the House remains faithful to the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented a genuine “Art of Travel” through luggage, bags and accessories which were as creative as they were elegant and practical. Since then, audacity has shaped the story of Louis Vuitton. Faithful to its heritage, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists and designers across the years, all the while developing disciplines such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, jewelry, and fragrance. These carefully created products are testament to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to fine craftsmanship. 

Dove Covid-19 Relief

DOVE COVID-19 US 

RELIEF EFFORTS

Dove's Courage is Beautiful Ad Honor's Health Care Workers

Now more than ever, Dove - a brand with care at its core - is sharing how important it is for them to take action and help in any way they can, by dedicating products, resources, hand washing guidance and financial support worldwide during the Covid-19 Pandemic. As Dove continues to look to new ways to help, here are some of their current US initiatives. For more information, you can also visit www.dove.com/besafe.

Honoring Health Care Workers: 

• To recognize the incredible healthcare workers on the front lines and raise awareness for the realities of their heroic daily acts, Dove created the Courage is Beautiful film. Courage is Beautiful features images of people fighting for our safety every day, demonstrating self-sacrifice and putting their patients and community first for the greater good (see film HERE). This film will run on TV and social media to serve as a reminder of those risking their lives for our safety.

• In partnership with Vaseline, Dove has made a $2 million donation to Direct Relief to go towards PPE, ventilators and medicines for healthcare workers on the front lines. Dove is also working with Direct Relief to donate additional personal care products to hospitals and health care centers in the US, following a 200,000 mask donation to local hospitals in NJ, where Dove is based.

Direct Community Support:

• $2.5 million worth of Dove products have been pledged to Feeding America so far, as part of Unilever’s global commitment to donate €100 million ($108 million USD) worth of products and food to those who need it most (more details HERE).

• Dove is participating in Unilever USA’s United for America efforts, including a national Day of Service on May 21 where every essential item produced that day by Unilever at its U.S. factories will be donated and delivered to community partners (more details HERE).

Raising Awareness for the WHO Guidelines:

• Dove is helping to spread the message about the importance of washing hands properly & frequently, in line with the World Health Organization’s guidance. Dove is turning some of its TV ad-spots into timely reminders that people need to get up and go wash their hands. The brand’s message is that it doesn’t matter what brand you use – wash with any soap, just remember to do it often to care for yourself, your loved ones, and the world (check out the spot HERE).

At Home Support for Teens & Parents: 

• The Dove Self-Esteem Project is adapting its current tools and programs to support teachers, parents, guardians and caregivers tasked with remote learning to reach teens and young people with self-esteem and mental health education while schools are closed (resources HERE).

• In addition to these free online tools and resources, Dove will launch a four-episode series to reach teens directly on social media with accredited self-esteem education. Topics will cover: Well being at Home, Using Social Media Wisely and Building Body Confidence.

La Roche Posay Covid-19 Donations

LA ROCHE-POSAY DONATES NEARLY

ONE MILLION HAND GELS TO HOSPITALS

Hi everyone, I hope that you are are all safe and well during these difficult times. I'm doing well, working from home one month today, and so proud of so many, in both my personal work life and all the beauty brands that I am honored to work with - like La Roche-Posay. As part of L’Oréal’s solidarity Plan to fight Covid-19 and support healthcare professionals, La Roche-Posay is donating nearly one million 200 ml purifying hand gels to hospitals and clinics throughout the world.

The brand will also be distributing over five million purifying hand gels (75 or 100 ml) to partner pharmacies across the world as of April to answer the hand gel shortages.

About the Hand Gel

This gel is in line with all the recommendations of the World Health Organization. The La Roche-Posay gel is also rich in glycerin and it has purifying and hydrating properties. It has no perfume, its formula is hypoallergenic and tested under dermatological control.

For more information on La Roche-Posay products, please visit https://www.laroche-posay.us

Dial #WashYourHands

WASH YOUR HANDS: 

DIAL & DAWN

ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP

Where do I even begin? Health and hygiene. No matter where in the world you are, you must be aware about the current global outbreak of the novel Coronavirus/Covid-19 Disease. To have so many out there disregarding - downplaying its severity - is downright disturbing, but not as deeply (and disgusting) as those who simply do not wash their hands. Yes, hand sanitizers are awesome, I love and use them myself all day long, but you must still wash your hands. OFTEN. I wash well over 15 times a day (believe it!)

Proudly using Dial liquid hand soap since 2015 after receiving samples for review directly from Dial brand reps, and I have been hooked ever since (bar soap before that, obviously). For my dishes, Dawn is the best hands down. They help wildlife and they have an antibacterial formula. In a moment, I will share with you how I stretch your Dial and Dawn supply, by making your own antibacterial foam soap - and NO, it won't "water down the germ-fighting ability" - as well as some gross facts regarding NOT washing your hands. Let's see what my friends at Dial recently had to say before the Coronavirus epidemic:

"Now more than ever it’s imperative we take our health into our own hands and practice preventative measures as much as we can. Aside from getting the flu shot, covering your mouth when coughing and loading up on Vitamin C, there is one everyday habit that can protect you more than you realize. 👏 WASH 👏 YOUR 👏 HANDS! Here's how:

Hand washing how-to

According to the CDC, “washing your hands is one of the best ways to protect you and your family from getting sick,” and lucky for you DIAL has a ton of easily accessible and affordable hand washes and bar soaps to keep in your kitchen, bathroom, at work, in your bag, you name it...

Schwarzkopf x TerraCycle Program

SCHWARZKOPF® PARTNERS WITH TERRACYCLE® LAUNCHING HAIR CARE PACKAGING

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Last week, Schwarzkopf® announced that it has partnered with international recycling leader TerraCycle®, to make their retail hair care, color and styling products recyclable nationwide. Great news, as just last month I attended the Schwarzkopf Color + Got2b Event with Olivia Culpo - where Olivia celebrated her partnership with Color ULTÎME - and got first glimpse (and a few products in my gift bag) of all their latest launches. Color ULTÎME created two permanent shades: Auburn Brown and Indigo Royale, which deliver rich color results with luminous shine.

Schwarzkopf Color + Got2b Event with Olivia Culpo, January 23, 2020

Olivia Culpo, Color ULTÎME Brand Ambassador

February 20, 2020 - Trenton, N.J. - Schwarzkopf®, a global leader in hair care solutions and brand of Henkel, has partnered with international recycling leader TerraCycle® to make their retail hair care, color and styling products recyclable nationwide. As of January 1st, consumers are invited to collect and mail-in the empty product packaging from participating Schwarzkopf hair care products, including the brands göt2b styling & color, Color Ultime, Keratin Color and the newly launched Simply Color.

“Hair care products are a staple in the daily routines of countless consumers,” said TerraCycle CEO and Founder, Tom Szaky. “The launch of the Schwarzkopf Recycling Programs represents an exciting opportunity to divert a large category of waste from landfills. We look forward to partnering with this forward-thinking company for many years to come and continue to offer sustainable solutions to traditionally hard to recycle packaging.”

ARM & HAMMER Invisible Sprays

BEAT THE HEAT WITH ARM & HAMMER 

INVISIBLE POWDER SPRAYS

With this unbearable heat and humidity, it seems that there's nothing you can do to stop the sweat and suffering. While I may not be able to help with the suffering (gotta push through it, a few more days - stay cool), I do have something that will definitely help beat the sweat. Arm & Hammer reps send me both products to test, and I took my time thoroughly testing. I used them daily for my 6:00 a.m. sweat sessions at the gym (think hour-long, HIGH intensity cardio. Yep!) And don't worry, both Arm & Hammer Invisible Spray Powders are talc-free, with NO white mess. 

Even comes in extremely handy in this jungle-like humidity. Arm & Hammer Invisible Spray Powder BODY is heaven sent when sprayed on your body (back, under boobs), ESPECIALLY when put to the test underground in the NYC Subway platforms, where the temperature seems to be set to hell. Worked like a charm. I use the foot spray in my gym sneakers, and have yet to face the unpleasant sweat funk. Major points scored. 👌

Clear up foot and body odor with the new ARM & HAMMER™ Invisible Powder Sprays that provide a mess free application with maximum sweat and moisture absorption. These ultra clear dry sprays contains ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda and odor neutralizing ingredients to absorb moisture and sweat. Great for body and feet, they are the clear solution to foot and body odor. 

ARM & HAMMER™ Invisible Foot Powder Spray - $6.97

• First ever cake free invisible foot spray powder, leaving no white mess on clothes, shoes or feet.
• Sweat Activated Fresh Guard® Technology keeps feet feeling fresh all day
• Burst of cool fragrance lasts all day
• Talc Free

ARM & HAMMER™ Invisible Body Powder Spray - $6.97

• First ever cake free invisible body spray powder, leaving no white mess on clothes or body
• Sweat Activated Fresh Guard® Technology keeps body feeling fresh all day
• Soda and odor neutralizing ingredients to absorb moisture and sweat
• Unisex fragrance for all day freshness
• Talc Free 

The ARM & HAMMER™ Foot and Body Care collection is available in the foot care aisle at Walmart and Walmart.com

Hair Color: ONC Natural Colors

ONC: ORGANIC NATURAL COLORS, 

A HEALTHIER PERMANENT HAIR COLOR

It's my pleasure to share with you an absolutely game-changing and hair loving hair coloring product, ONC Coloring products ($24.95). What it is? ONC is not a chemical, but rather a natural, healthier, eco-friendly, permanent hair color, that's available in a spectrum of 29 shades (see shades below). While looking to make my already black hair darker (never been a fan of light hair, black all the way), I had a scary experience with a Henna product recently, where my hair was falling out in CLUMPS (yes, my shower looked as if extensions were ripped out or a kitten was drowned.) Horrible!

What I love about ONC Natural Colors is that it's pH is low, so it holds both hair color and hair care in one bottle. Right upon application, I noticed a delicious aroma of bananas, (no chemical smell). Also, this product does not stain your forehead or scalp, because it's won't seep under the skin or into your bloodstream. This product nourishes the hair and gives it lasting body and shine due to the ingredients that are proven to be good for the hair.

My hair is shiny, soft, touchable and smells divine (think fruity deep treatment). 

ONC reps sent me shade 1N - Black

Facts:

• Reduces hair loss, hair thinning and breakage
• Color is permanent and covers gray 100% if used per instructions
• People that have used it clearly stated that hair has never been healthier and has gone back to what it was 30 years ago before they ever started coloring it

To purchase ONC Natural Colors hair dye, check out all of the other hair products, or for more information, please visit www.oncnaturalcolors.com

More about ONC:

Los Angeles-based Organic Natural Colors LLC. manufactures healthier hair color and hair care products for the consumer and professional. ONC formula hair color formula was created and refined since 1993 with over 65 certified organic ingredients. The ONC hair color conditions while coloring, leaving hair healthier, stronger, and shinier with a very soft demarcation line. Colorists immediately notice its lower pH and consumers notice its pleasant banana-like aroma. 

Sunbeam Heated Massager, TruMedic Shiatsu

HANDS-FREE RELIEF WITH NEW SUNBEAM

HEATED BACK WRAP WITH SHIATSU MASSAGE

Your Curl~Gurl is back and ready to share products that have been helping me the past couple of months. My days are long and crazy, filled with lots of running around and lugging bags, products, etc., so naturally there are days where I feel it and I don't always have the time to get a massage. Lately, it's my back. Thanks to amazing brand reps, I've been loving two amazing massagers (and this gal has tested over 20!) Anyone that tries them on, always wants to keep them. First up: Sunbeam Heated Back Wrap with Shiatsu Massage

Sunbeam Heated Back Wrap and TruMedic IS-2000 InstaShiatsu
Shoulder & Neck Massager

SLEEPING MASKS

SWEET DREAMS: 

SLIPSILK PURE SILK SLEEP MASKS

Sleep. If you know me (#sleepqueen) then you know that I get plenty of it - 8 to10 hours nightly, depending on my schedule. If you follow me on social media, then you also know that I have a large collection of sleeping masks and always sleep with one, well before my teenage years. Why? Well for starters, I get a much deeper, uninterrupted night's sleep (I don't nap, no time with a 9:00 - 6:00 job and events afterwards), and of course, any light is blocked out. I also attribute my wrinkle-free eyes to sleep masks. My eyes are protected all night. This is why I'm so glad reps for Slip Silk Sleep Mask sent me my two latests additions pictured above. #SlipSilkPillowCase

Slip Silk Sleep Mask ($45) — Made using the highest grade (6A) long fibre mulberry silk, with a thickness of 22 momme and non-toxic dyes, Slipsilk is specially-commission and made to exacting stands, developed and refined over ten years to provide the ultimate combination of shine, thickness, softness and durability. This slippery soft silk is used to create the amazing Slip Sleep Masks, for the best zzz’s! Pair them with matching silk pillow cases and available at SlipSilkPillowcase.com and Sephora.

Now before you disagree that sleep masks are comfortable (a few pals have argued, so if yours isn't, then you definitely have a cheap one) a good mask will not dig into your eyes and should never feel tight behind the ears. Just light pressure on your eyelids, which in my opinion reduce eye movement while you sleep, thus helping you wake up rested and will less puffiness. 

NEW Crest 3D White Whitestrips: Whiter & Stronger

NEW CREST 3D WHITE WHITESTRIPS + THERAPY

STRENGTHEN & WHITEN

When Crest reps reached out to me with news of the NEW Crest 3D White Whitestrips + Therapy, I was more than my usual "Smiles4Miles". For starters, I have had the pleasure of attending three other Crest events (see below) over the years and I cherish and protect my smile (I only have 1 cup of coffee a day and was looking to brighten my smile), but tend to be cautious of damage to my tooth enamel. I got lucky not to need braces as a child, (good thing too, as I was a rambunctious tomboy growing up and surely would've removed them with pliers) but always take great care of my teeth and gums. No need to worry with these new strips from Crest, they sent me a press kit and I started testing (I have strips in my mouth as I type). It's been a while since I tried whitening strips - they just wouldn't stay on well enough without slipping - so I loved how once it the 30 minutes were up, I  had to really peel my strips off - no slip grip technology. I saw a difference after just one application, means the whitening gel really got in there, a plus in my book. Day 1, with 13 more to go; ready to wreck some corneas! 😁 #Smiles4Miles

The NEW Crest 3D White Whitestrips + Therapy (SRP: $44.99) is a 2-step whitening kit that offers the same great whitening results as your favorite Whitestrips but comes with the NEW Enamel Strengthening Serum that nourishes teeth to strengthen enamel. Please see more information below:

Thank you CREST for helping my smile remain stellar!

Crest 3D White Whitestrips + Therapy

• Whitens your smile, while strengthening your teeth in just 30 minutes 

• Uses the same enamel-safe teeth whitening ingredient dentists use 

• Advanced Seal Technology’s no slip grip stays put so you can talk and drink water while whitening 

• Kit contains 14 Whitestrips treatments and one tube of the new Enamel Strengthening Serum 

• Whitening + Therapy Whitestrips are specially formulated for teeth that are sensitive to tooth whitening 

HOW IT WORKS:

• First, use Whitestrips as directed to safely remove 6 years of stains 

• Next, brush with the Enamel Strengthening Serum that nourishes teeth to strengthen enamel.

Crest 3D White Whitestrips + Therapy just launched February 2018, retails around $44.99 and can be purchased at Walgreens, Meijer, Target, Amazon and www.crest.com

PREVIOUS Crest 3D White Launch Events

~Evelyn Lugo

IT Cosmetics Fall 2017 Launches

NEW IT Cosmetics Fall 2017:

Secret Sauce, Miracle Water 
& #ExhibITBeauty Event Recap

Guess which "IT Girl" can't get enough of A-L-L the NEW Fall 2017 IT Cosmetics launches? Me of course! Since the stellar #ExhibITBeauty event in July, where we previewed 52 NEW additions to the IT lineup (yes, an arsenal of products, NOT including Secret Sauce and Miracle Water); with a larger-than-life beauty playground (brush swings, spoolie, see saws and a slide.) What took me so long? I took my time trying each and every one of the products in the line-up - test driving skincare goodies til my heart was content. My top picks? Confidence in a Cleanser, Secret Sauce and Miracle Water 3-in-1 Glow Tonic. Check out all the pics from July's stellar event, as well as every single new item launched by IT Cosmetics. Hope you enjoy IT as much as I do.

NEW IT Cosmetics Secret Sauce ($68) and Miracle Water 3-in-1 Glow Tonic ($38)

Wait, there's more (waaaaay more)

NOW, CHECK OUT THE FALL 2017
IT COSMETICS LAUNCHES:

#ThinkTeal Pureology National Ovarian Cancer Awareness

PUREOLOGY INTRODUCES THE 

STRENGTH CURE KIT, SUPPORTING THE NOCC

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Pureology is excited to support its partner, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, in fighting this terrible disease. Ovarian cancer affects more than 22,000 women annually and early detection is crucial to improving survival rates for those diagnosed. To continue our partnership with the NOCC, Pureology has created the Strength Cure NOCC Kit ($68.80), featuring Strength Cure Shampoo, Condition, and Split End Salve to repair damaged hair and treat hair breakage.

Repair your damaged, color-treated hair with the Colour of Strength! Join Pureology and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition in the fight against ovarian cancer and #thinkTEAL. Visit Pureology.com to purchase the exclusive Strength Cure NOCC Kit.