News Briefs

Shani Darden has kicked off the third year of the Shani Darden Skin Care Mentorship Program. 

Launching in correlation with Black History Month, the 2024 iteration of the initiative looks to spotlight POC estheticians and beauty entrepreneurs working to grow their brands. 

Darden hopes that through this program she can close a gap in the beauty space, which currently sees 7% of brands on store shelves being black-owned and these brands receive just 8% of venture capital funding in the industry, the initiative shared. 

Applications, which are open online, close on Feb. 29. Mentees will be announced on March 29, and the program will begin on April 8. 

The classic taco shell just got a whole lot sweeter. 

Old El Paso and Cinnamon Toast Crunch have come together to launch Dessert Taco Shells.

Featuring Cinnamon Toast Crunch’s Cinnadust, the new product is debuting in limited-edition boxes that feature NFL stars JJ Watt and Justin Jefferson. 

“We love adding unexpected flavor combinations to our roster, and this collaboration between Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Old El Paso pairs the most valuable players from the cereal and taco game for a one-of-a-kind format that gives taco night the sweet touchdown it deserves,” said Jenny Jonker, Old El Paso brand experience manager. “The Most Valuable Taco is coming off the bench to help cereal and taco fans alike indulge in the beloved tastes and textures they count on from General Mills.” 

Consumers can find the Old El Paso Cinnamon Toast Crunch Dessert Taco Shells in limited-edition boxes featuring JJ and Justin exclusively on Walmart.com. The product will also be available for a limited time at retailers nationwide beginning in March. 

With cold temperatures, the skin could be asking for a little more hydration when it comes to addressing this concern. 

Enter Lubriderm, which is offering two new body washes—a first for the brand—that look to help preserve the skin’s moisture barrier for healthier-looking skin. 

The launches include: 

• Daily Moisture Body + Face Wash in Lightly Scented: A 2-in-1 full body wash and face cleanser that works to help remove dirt, excess oil and impurities from the skin. Suitable for all skin types, it contains pro-ceramide and shea butter to help preserve the skin’s natural moisture barrier; and 
• Advanced Therapy Body Wash in Fragrance Free: Made to hydrate dry and itchy skin, the body wash aids in removing dirt, excess oil and impurities from the skin to leave behind a moisturized feeling. Formulated with pro-ceramide, vitamin E and pro-vitamin BB5, it also works to help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. 

Lubriderm’s Daily Moisture Body + Face Wash in Lightly Scented retails for $7.97 and the Advanced Therapy Body Wash in Fragrance Free carries an SRP of $8.97. 

Rite Aid has completed its previously announced sale of the Elixir Solutions business to MedImpact Healthcare Systems for approximately $576.5 million. 

“We are pleased to finalize the sale of Elixir, marking another important milestone in our transformation to strengthen our long-term financial position,” said Jeffrey S. Stein, Rite Aid’s CEO and chief restructuring officer. “We believe this transaction is a great outcome for Rite Aid and our stakeholders, including our Elixir colleagues and the customers, clients and members they serve. Importantly, this divestiture will better position Rite Aid for long-term success as we continue to evolve our portfolio to focus on the healthcare products, services and solutions that are core to our future.”

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as Rite Aid’s legal counsel, Guggenheim Securities is serving as investment banker, and Alvarez & Marsal is serving as transformation officer and financial advisor.

Banana Boat is elevating sun care with a new non-aerosol dual sprayer that lets users choose between a continuous spray or short bursts. 

The 360 Coverage SPF 50+ Mist is refillable, reusable and recyclable. In addition, its product design ensures that the product is evenly distributed, the company said. 

Made with clinically proven UVA/UVB protection, the product aims to protect users from up to 98% of burning rays. 

Retailing for $8.99 for a refill and $11.99 for a bottle, Banana Boat’s 360 Coverage SPF 50+ Mist is available at Amazon, Walgreens and the brand’s website. 

Dunkin’ is bringing the flavor of its Brownie Batter donut straight to consumers’ homes with a new coffee creamer. 

“As a leader in the coffee creamer category, Danone North America continues to introduce innovative creamer flavors that elevate consumers’ coffee routines,” said Kallie Goodwin, vice president of marketing, coffee creamers for Danone North America.

The new Brownie Batter Creamer is Dunkin's latest seasonal flavor launch that is made with real cream and sugar and contains fudge notes, the brand shared. 

“The Brownie Batter Signature Latte was a hit in Dunkin’ restaurants last year, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this delicious offering to the at-home coffee experience,” said Brian Gilbert, vice president, retail business development for Dunkin’. “While it’s a limited-time offering, there’s plenty of Dunkin’ Brownie Batter Creamer to go around—so don’t worry, there’s no need to fight for the last lick of brownie batter like we’ve all done when baking with family and friends.”

Consumers can find the new Brownie Batter creamer at retailers nationwide.