LYRA MAG.

The indie beauty market for skincare, makeup and 'wellness' is booming-and part of the reason is that it is easier than ever to launch one's own line-thanks to private label manufacturers -with ready made formulas (yes-there are a lot of similar products/buzzwords) -or the ability to customize-which is why (imo) some makeup/skincare brands manage to be unique. Two companies visited at the recent Indie Beauty Expo---showed us what's trendy...  Lipotec Skin Essentials (a  Lubrizol division since 2012-all  owned by Bershire Hathaway)  has a turn-key good to go- brand accelerator program with advanced science-y formulations for skin care. Cooling, hydration-creamy light gel-fast absorbing-and time releasing are desired cream -serum-moisturizers textures/characteristics. Also-pretty cool-tinier than shot glass size (hence the name SHOTZ) anti aging serum-different ingredients=different colors-shake up-the colors blend- and then use. Lubrizol -has sing...

 Balms and creams deliver relief for aches and pains-where you need it-and work speedily too.  There are a slew of DIFFERENT kinds of hemp plant derived hemp oil ( Cannabis Sativa seed oils) that are having a marketing  moment. Despite much information-consumers still can mix-up the differences between the THC loaded hemp plant one, and the CBD loaded one...and plain ole' hemp oil without any cannabinoids- that's been around the USA in products- for years, and years. Think of it like fruit-all related but different (apples vs oranges) Of common importance-is the purity of the hemp source-as hemp picks up whatever is in the soil it is grown in-and that includes bad stuff like pesticides, toxic metals + chemicals...etc. Look for organic, full spectrum third party verified CBD (on the label -smart code etc) to ensure potency and purity. Currently there aren't any USDA organic standards for hemp. With that general info-one  easy to rub in cream tried-that helpe...

ROOTS STUDIO NYC A K Beauty company (before it was trendy)-KISS Products-once again sponsored the 'fun-set' NYFW  shows---including  Alice and Olive by Stacy Bendet. The models were perfectly made up-nail-wise, in a glittery take on the French manicure...with sparkling tips on a soft almond shape nail. A semi shiny matte-deep pink-flattering for all skin tones was also a highlight.  PICTURED ABOVE: custom made press on nails- by GINA EDWARDS -a editorial fav manicurist... LOVE: these nails=subtle with impact-an exclamation point (nail wise) for women who like to be noticed but in a subtle way. KISS NAILS are widely available..ULTA and KISS.com are exclusively featuring the KISS Salon Acrylic French Nude Nails $7.99 (a seamless cuticle line makes these look like the real deal-with nails, 2 g glue, manicure stick and mini file ), Other styles (new GLAM Fantasy SpecialFX Nails ($7.99 28 nails, 2 g glue, manicure stick and mini file and Mega adhesive tab...

Like the food/specialty food industry-the beauty/skincare biz is booming for small time companies. Nimbleness, fast to market trend driven products-fit categories =clean, 'simple ingredients,' hemp + CBD, eco+ sustainable packaging, detox from urban-or digital life- parallels the food as medicine phenom   and /or J and K beauty favs like facial masks-for the masses. Part One: One of the Indie Beauty Expo favs-with a perpetually packed booth... Oral Hygiene masters- Terra & Co . showed biodegradable dental necessities...like the nifty packaged  bamboo +activated charcoal dental floss. in recycled paper-recyclable packaging with the bamboo charcoal floss threaded via the top of the zero-waste paper board box. $10 SMART. FYI-works just as well as the landfill clogging plastic kind. 32 yards. Terra & Co. other dental products...a bamboo wood handled toothbrush with biodegradable BPA-free nylon bristles, Brilliant Black Toothpaste  $15 (with baking soda ...

Healthy, Portable, Shelf Stable, Crunchy-Chewy...the best cheese/seed crisps and dried fruit bites for on the go eats. In re-sealable bags... NON-GMO + USDA ORGANIC Toasted Flackers Seed Crisps -all plant based ingredients in a delicious cracker sub that satisfies -fiber loaded, low carb _ vegan too. Several flavors-all starting with a combo flaxseed + apple cider vinegar base that typically make up  pre-probiotics focused products. Superseeds indeed-keno friendly. Widely available. Traina Foods FRUITONS-grow their fruits -guaranteeing freshest dried fruits that are chewy good. The Summer Blend of bite sized Peaches, Nectarines + Plums combines the ripest selections that translate into  natural sweet flavors-no added anything needed. Widely available Montmorency Cherries and cranberries are packed with anti-oxidants-making them both an athlete musts. Handier formats: Graceland Fruit Premium Dried Montmorency Cherries and Cranberries (no added sugar)-natural...

ACTIVE COLLECTIVE NEW YORK Trendy clothes for work and special occasions are rented   leaving footwear, socks-hosiery, under garments and casual-sports attire as the fashion industry categories most likely to be ACTUALLY bought nowadays. It certainly is a partial explanation why so many fashion designers are jumping (or have) on the athleisure - activewear bandwagon-joining already there-high end big names -like Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Tory Burch, Cushnie... From Active Collective NY: Pam & Gela- of Juicy Couture heritage-has fun separates in prints that synch-up with their RTW line. The bold animal textiles, cozy faux fur sherpa jacket with zipped pockets, and quite a few sequin pieces (say more LA-TX-Miami friendly than NYC)...were standouts for Fall. Pam & Gela Kappa- the Italian lifestyle goes into more active wear, wear-with that signature logo  on  black separateswith orange color accents. Desigual's exuberant B...

Previewing the new Pendleton Woolen Mills footwear collection-featuring OUTLEISURE® styles by acclaimed Portland Product Werks...last December 6, 2018-we knew immediately these kicks were the best autumnal line Deets: Most styles $40-200...all fashion/function...in three lines according to the press release-LIVE, EXPLORE, RELAX. We say-all amazingly versatile. Pendleton sneakers Taking so many pictures-we figured everyone else would agree -so until the collection was for sale, we waited...cause inst-a grativiation for these cold weather shoes-would be---well-instant. Vibram oursole Now shoes are becoming available online and for pre-order: Islesgate Wedge Some of our fav looks-wedges, high boots, lightweight trainers, faux fur-faux shearling cozy lining/collar-in boots (moisture wicking)+ slides-slippers-mocs-mules (replace your UGGS ALREADY...)...the Pacific northwest- southwestern textile uppers/trims. Added plus-great shoe construction=waterproof suede o...