Fashion Nova Launches Maven Beauty

As I get older and my teens let me more into their world- Fashion Nova is talked about quite a bit in this household. They seem to cover so many areas- similar to what a lifestyle brand does- that this new latest launch makes perfect sense to me. 

Fashion Nova has just entered the beauty space with the launch of Maven Beauty, the affordable, 100% vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand for everyone, where every item is under $20! The first collection of pro-level beauty essentials, called “Basic Beat,” just launched exclusively online at FashionNova.com and includes lipsticks, eyeshadows, lashes, liners, brushes and powders ranging from $6-19! 
 
Fashion Nova celebrity fans include Kylie Jenner, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, who’s very own Fashion Nova line launches Nov. 18. Fashion Nova has always been a brand that celebrates diversity, body positivity, inclusivity and beauty in all forms, so it’s no surprise they are finally releasing their own beauty line, by popular demand, with high-quality formulations in a variety of shades and palettes for everyone. 

Holiday Gift Options: CBD Living

I know it's a bit early to write about Holiday Gifts- yet- if you are anything like me- you like getting things done earlier rather than later. If ever there were a holiday season that necessitated self-care and wellness-related gifts, this is it. Luckily, California-based CBD Living is here to deliver. 

CBD Living topical products are incredibly gift-able. I say this from the heart as quite a few products seen below were kindly gifted to me to sample.

Bath Bombs in five scents (Relaxing Lavender, Soothing Eucalyptus, Zenful Amber Bergamot Refreshing Coconut Lime and seasonal Pumpkin Spice) and Soaps make for the perfect DIY spa day. Give the gift of a massage with CBD Living Massage and Body Oil, followed by CBD Living Lotion. Your favorite fitness enthusiast will love treating their body to CBD Living Freeze, Patch and Salve. A selection of Bundles makes gift-giving even easier.

I found their products to be soothing to the skin and not too heavily scented. I am quite sensitive to overly scented products but these were just perfect. The CBD Living Massage and Body Oil was a favorite as it gently absorbed into my dry skin within it's first application. Any of their products would make for great gifts as they are available at many different price points. Happy Shopping!

Leonor Greyl : Helps To Keep Platinum Locks Platinum

Something I have done during quarantine is not wash my hair often which in turn is extending the color of my hair. Leonor Greyl has such wonderful products and the one's below are intended to do just that- extend the life of your color. 

As I don't have the products yet, I am taking the cues from one of my closest friends that is in fact a platinum blonde like myself. She has been using color enhancing conditioner Leonor Greyl Soin Repigmentant in Icy Blonde for 2 months now. Plus she washes her hair once a week with Leonor Greyl Shampoo Sublime Mèches for Highlighted Hair color and swears her blonde color has yet not disappeared.  

I cannot wait to update you all on how it works on me as my colorist has just sent me my color to DIY and I have been doing pretty well on my own! The thought of extending the color maintenance in between has me very excited! Stay tuned for my update yet always a fan of the Leonor Greyl brand.

Launching Today at CVS: PopBand

Silly as it may sound- I have been wearing my hair up almost everyday since quarantine and love a hair tie that does not dent my hair.  PopBand, known as “the world’s kindest hair tie” is launching today at CVS and I wanted to share the news! These soft, stretchy, no crease bands hail from the UK and come in a rainbow of solid colors and fun prints as you can see below. There are so many more colors options to choose from so be sure to check out their site as well.

The hair ties are made of soft, stretchy Elastic and Polyester and also double as cute arm candy when not worn in the hair. MSRP $4.99 for an essential set of 4 at CVS “Beauty on the go” checkout barriers. 

Heathmade Los Angeles Offers Wonderful Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is vastly approaching and I would like to introduce you to young entrepreneur Heath Wilson and his brand Heathmade Los Angeles. I really enjoyed reading about his story and the products he has to offer. They make for wonderful Mother's Day gifts or any day of the week, day, month, year, etc. for that matter!

 

 

In five years, his apothecary interests transformed into something much bigger—a mission to craft cleansing and soothing skincare products out of simple and plant-based ingredients. Not to mention, they’re so sleekly packaged and effectively formulated that you wouldn't think they came from a kid-owned brand.

A special note from Heath, the founder: Heathmade is donating April product proceeds to No Kid Hungry.

“While I have been fortunate to keep busy during this uncertain time, I recognize many businesses and schools are suffering. After talking it over with my family, I decided to make a donation to No Kid Hungry, a non-profit organization that ensures kids who count on the meals they receive at school, continue to get the food they need to be healthy.”

The Curiously Crafted Gifts for Mother’s Day, from Heathmade Los Angeles

Mom no longer has to worry about moisturizers and hand creams leaking in her purse, or squeezing too much or too little out of bottles or tubes. Have her try the stick formula that glides right on and easily rubs in. Nourish and soothe dry skin with a combination of argan oil, avocado butter, candelilla wax or white beeswax, and essential oils. 

Choose from signature scents: 

• Aware –  A bright blend of citrusy lemongrass and cool spearmint. 
• Awaken – Fresh coffee is combined with sweet orange, and creamy vanilla.
• Devote – Relaxing, bright and clean scents of lavender, citrus, juniper and rosemary.
• Be True – The woodsy scent of sandalwood and the soft, warmth of vanilla.
• Relax – Escape the day with the rich, floral aroma of ylang-ylang and the spicy and exotic combination of ginger and orange.

For more information, please visit https://heathmadela.com

About Heathmade Los Angeles: Heath Wilson’s entrepreneurial journey began at four years old as he attended a week-long potions lab to learn about the healing power of plants, herbs and aromatics. His first sales began at a school fair as he sold hand-crafted, alcohol-free hand sanitizer. He quickly acquired apothecary-like skills crafting products with ingredients such as essential oils, plant butters and other natural ingredients. Heath traded the fair booth for a business venture founding Heathmade. Today the brand carries an array of natural, cruelty-free products including lotion bars, lip balms, deodorant, a healing balm for the face and body, and Heath's signature hand sanitizers.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from Saints & Sinners

It's a Mother's Day for the ages. Mother's everywhere are feeling this quarantine - whether they have small kids, adult children and/or fur babies. The deep concern is real - and so is the laundry, cooking and keeping all things in order mentally as well as physically. 

Let's give Mom a much needed break! Let her languish in the shower for a little longer. And then help her look fabulous and give her the tools she needs for the Ultimate Blowout thanks to Saints & Sinners. And when she's done with her little luxury, have a glass of wine, tea, coffee, water or whatever beverage preferred ready and toast the most incredible woman in your world!

Trying to figure out how to show appreciation for the most important woman in your life can be daunting. Throw in a stay at home order and it seems impossible. But it’s the little things that Moms love – thoughtful gestures throughout the day will make her feel special, appreciated, and loved. 

Saints & Sinners has some tips to make Mom feel like the Queen she is – all while protecting your family and keeping you all safe and healthy.

Made with Love

Before Mom lifts her head to start the day, prepare her favorite breakfast or try out a new recipe. We are loving the new trend of pancake boards - they are delicious, super easy to make, can take all diets and allergies into account, and you most likely have all the ingredients on hand. Make some coffee and she’ll be instantly drawn into the kitchen. Don’t forget to clean!

A MOMent of Peace

The chores don’t stop just because it’s Mother’s Day so make sure to lighten the load for Mom. Don’t wait for her to ask you to help clean the house, do a load of laundry, or take out the garbage. Instead set up a zen spot somewhere in the house with a yummy candle, plush pillows, and a calming meditation streaming. Check out the Peloton app – it’s free for 90 days – and set her up for a meditation. Tell her you’ve got all the housework, shut the door behind you, and gift her 30 minutes of peace.

Bring the (Virtual) Stylist to your Home

Countless studies have been done surrounding the mood when you have a great hair day. Being cooped up inside her house has Mom undoubtedly wishing she can see her stylist. So the next best thing? Give her the tools she needs for the Ultimate Blowout from Saints & Sinners utilizing the Velvet Divine Styling Potion® – a unique, humidity resistant styling potion that conditions, eliminates frizz, adds shine, seals ends and smooths flyaways, and Illuminati Divine Shine Holographic Serum® – a holographic treatment serum that provides brilliant humidity-resistant shine, smooths frizz and protects color. Mix two parts of the Styling Potion and one part Illuminati. Apply with a wide tooth comb. Have Mom blow dry (or help her) and style as desired. Voila!

Velvet Divine Styling Potion®, SRP $22.50/3.4 fl oz

● Ideal for all hair types – wet or dry hair
● Humidity resistant
● Conditions, eliminates frizz, add shines, seals ends and smooths flyaways
● Protects against thermal and environmental damage
● How to use: Apply throughout damp or dry hair and style as desired.

Illuminati Divine Shine Holographic Serum®, SRP $27.50/4 fl oz

● Holographic treatment serum provides brilliant shine
● Thermal and environmental protection offers humidity-resistant shine
● Smooths frizz and protects color
● Infused with botanicals
● Designed for all hair types
● How to use: Shake well. Apply sparingly throughout wet or dry hair. Style as desired.

Both products are cruelty-free and made WITHOUT gluten, parabens, phthalates, iron oxides, mineral oil, synthetic colors, nut ingredients and palm oil. All Saints & Sinners provides Mom with luxury performance, no bad stuff and is cruelty free.

Finish the Day with a Beverage of Choice and the Perfect Meal

“What’s for Dinner” is the question that Mom should be asking YOU rather than the other way around! So, after Mom feels beautiful and styled with the perfect hair cocktail from Saints & Sinners, encourage her to put her feet up and sip her favorite beverage as you step into the kitchen.

Throughout the day play some games, color in some coloring pages, reminisce by taking out photo albums, play some great music and don’t forget to take some pictures of Mom rocking her gorgeous blow out! It’s curious that Mother’s Day comes only once a year. Celebrating the woman that gave birth to you and takes care of your every need should be a daily ritual.

Saints & Sinners products are available on realsaintsandsinners.com, as well as in select Sinnergy™ Salons and Spas nationwide. 

Happy Mother's Day to all from B.I.O.A.!

Earth Day: Companies That Continue To Help The Planet

We are all in this together. It's been harder for me writing articles these days with having published thousands over the years yet we must focus on positivity whenever and wherever possible. It is Earth Day tomorrow and so many brands are doing wonderful things to help support the planet's well being. Below are a few prime examples.

According to USA Facts, 2019 was the second warmest year globally in the 140-year record, with temperatures 1.71 degrees warmer than the 20th century average. That should give us all pause for concern. The good news is that collectively, if we all make little changes, the effects will be widespread. Being aware of our carbon footprint is important. Both businesses and consumers can make a difference to help protect this remarkable planet for generations to come.

New World Natural Brands – parent company of nügg Beauty, Suki Skincare, Baebody, Baetea, and 18.21 Man Made – believes sustainability drives accountability. In celebration of Earth Day, New World Natural Brands is working with their portfolio to extend special offers to consumers and make donations where it counts. New World Natural Brands’ commitment to the planet is strong and unwavering: clean, green, and blue. Clean: formulas. Green: packaging. Blue: a deep concern for the care of our ocean.

From a New World Natural Brands perspective, the portfolio is focused on:

Safety – all ingredients and products are safe to use Natural – we strive to bring our consumers the best in natural and vegan formulations. Suki Skincare products are 100% natural, nügg Beauty products are 93%+ natural and all nugg lip products are vegan, Baebody products are 80%+ natural. And, 18.21 Man Made is transitioning to more natural formulations, most recently with the launch of their all-natural deodorants.

Cruelty-free – all New World Natural Brands products are cruelty-free
Sustainable – New World Natural Brands strives to use recyclable, recycled or reusable materials for all of their products to decrease their footprint on the Earth. 

“We choose to partner with manufacturers and suppliers who align with these values. And, although our company-wide Earth Day Clean Up was canceled we are still doing our part and have asked our teammates to go pick up trash in their neighborhoods (from a socially safe distance, of course) or donate to a cause they are passionate about to celebrate the day,” says Shannon Curtin, CEO of New World Natural Brands.

nügg (pronounced like nugget) Beauty is cute but serious about skincare and helping the environment, nügg’s products are Leaping Bunny certified, cruelty-free, vegan and proudly made in the USA. There are no petrochemicals, parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances or colors in any nügg products. 93% to 100% natural, nügg products are cute and colorful on the outside, but with serious clean formulations on the inside.

Recommended for Earth Day: Deep Clean – a cleansing and soothing mask that deeply, yet gently cleanses and purifies pores to reveal a soft, smooth and matte complexion. Contains cucumber extract and aloe juice. Skin type: all, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin (SRP: $17.99 for a 5-pack and $3.99 for single use pod)

nügg is offering customers 20% off site wide + a free deep clean mask with every order with the code CLEAN20. The promotion ends April 30th at midnight CST.
 

Baebody & Baetea – their message is clear:

We believe in the power of small business
We believe in being cruelty-free
We believe in using natural and safe ingredients
We believe in giving back to our community
We believe in Mother Earth and Her Inhabitants

This Earth Day, we believe.

From the company that brought you the #1 Eye Gel on Amazon, Baebody is a safe, natural and effective brand that offers a versatile line of cleansers, moisturizers, serums, hair care essentials and body scrubs. All products have 4+ stars and many are “Amazon Choice” winners.

Recommended for Earth Day: Baebody Eye Gel – formulated with top ingredients including Peptide Complex, Matrixyl 3000, Gotu Kola, Jojoba Oil, and an Amino Acid Complex, Amazon’s #1 selling eye gel with over sixteen thousand reviews boosts collagen, hydrates and firms skin around the eye. This safe and effective eye gel is designed for use morning and night to help reduce the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, under eye bags and wrinkles. (SRP: $24.95)

Recommended for Earth Day: Baetea Hemp Oil Multi-Vitamin Gummy – an all-in-one action-packed gummy vitamin formulated with Hemp Oil to boost immunity, support digestive health and reduce inflammation (SRP: $19.95)

Baebody & Baetea are offering 30% off their entire collections in celebration of Earth Day from April 22 through April 24th. Must use code EARTHDAY at checkout.

*Perfect for Amazon Affiliate Members 

Suki Skincare – a special company with deep roots in clean beauty and strong, safe solutions, Suki is other level skincare the way it was meant to be: 100% Clean. 100% Effective. Simple. Committed to providing 100% clean, synthetic free, scientifically advanced skincare solutions.

Suki is cruelty free, vegan, synthetic-free, toxin-free, organic ingredients, Leaping Bunny Certified, contains organic ingredients, sulfate-free, paraben-free, petro-chemical free, natural fragrance, natural, pure, clean, and safe for sensitive skin.

Recommended for Earth Day: Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser – purifies pores, reducing toxic build-up & debris. Promotes radiant, smooth, even skin tone. Smooths & softens complexion. Reduces dry skin build-up & blemishing of all kinds. Stimulates cellular renewal & jumpstarts collagen production. (SRP: $12/1 fl oz., $37/4 fl oz., $45/6.76 fl oz.)

Suki Skincare is donating 10% of all sales on April 22nd to the Earth Day Network.

Pause-Well Aging: Share The Love Campaign

In these uncertain times, we can all appreciate positive content. As a gesture of thanks to their loyal community, Pause Well-Aging is launching a two-week campaign called Share the Love during which they will double any online order, sending one purchased set to you—and a second duplicatefree set to a friend or family member of your choosing. 

For example, if you order Pause’s Fascia Stimulating Tool and Collagen Boosting Moisturizer, a free Fascia Stimulating Tool and Collagen Boosting Moisturizer will also be mailed to your friend or family member.  

Just enter the code: ShareTheLove at checkout and look for a pop-up asking for your friend or family member’s shipping information.

“Right now, we could all use a little extra love, kindness and compassion, so we created the Share The Love campaign to enable you to take care of yourself and share the love with others. Let a friend, family member or loved one know that you are thinking about them and share the love to help make their day a little bit brighter,” says Rochelle Weitzner, CEO and Founder of Pause Well-Aging.

The Share the Love campaign began Friday, April 10 and ends Friday, April 24 and is only valid on purchases of $28 or more at pausewellaging.com.

Facing Our New Normal With A More Positive Outlook

This is not the usual B.I.O.A. article as I am not the usual Nicole nor is this the usual NYC that I have lived in for over twenty two years.

So, my new story begins. March 12th was the last time I attended an event and I thought twice about going yet it was an immersive event featuring a favorite artist of mine, Alexa Meade. The event, Immersed In Wonderland, was just magical and for an hour I felt as if I could simply live in the moment and enjoy the event. I had called press ahead of time to make sure there weren't hundreds of people attending as at the time, news was first getting out that we were to be cautious in large crowds. It was fantastic, I got dressed up, went into ever incredibly magical room, had time with Alexa and when I came home I realized that would be the last time I would be in close quarters with anyone except my immediate family for weeks. Possibly months.

Artist Alexa Meade and myself at Immersed In Wonderland on March 12, 2020.

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Palomaa.

As the days moved on, more and more news came out that there were no longer to be large events, non-essential businesses were to close and COVID-19 would soon take over the world as we knew it. I do not need to tell you the heart ache, the heart break and all other emotions I never even knew I had have been rearing their ugly heads ever since.

I barely go out and if I do, I wear my N95 mask thanks to a loved one. I am constantly washing my hands and am quick to shower within minutes of returning home. Beauty for me has always been an addiction, something to play with, put on to become another part of myself. If you, like me feel the same- then go ahead and use beauty in whatever shape or form it comes to you as an outlet to the madness. Look at your face as a beautiful canvas on which to explore.

My dear friend and founder of K3 MEDIA COLLECTIVE Lauren sent me this wonderful care package and I decided to play again like I had before. My first job out of college was working in the production area at CNP for Mademoiselle, Allure and AD. I remember looking at the cosmetic ads and being excited to come home with the hopes of replicating some of the looks I had earlier admired. Kevyn Aucoin was my favorite MUA (and still is) and I remember even before this I had books by Way Bandy! I have always been a beauty addict is what I am trying to convey.

NOTHING can replace what is going on outside, the fear, the loss, the sickness. What we can do is try and make the INSIDE as positive a place as possible. So, go ahead and play. Inside. 

God Bless You All. Nicole

 

   

These are some of the wonderful brands whom sent items to my home and I am forever grateful for their generosity. Each and every brand can be bought online and most are offering special discounts for their products.

nügg Beauty

nügg’s commitment is to their consumers during this time. nügg products can be found at grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Target, Meijer, and Giant Eagle – making it very convenient when you are picking up food for the week. If you’re sticking to online shopping only, you can find their products on Amazon and nuggbeauty.com. The brand is offering 20% off their entire site and also including a free Deep Clean Face Mask with all purchases.

Saint & Sinners

A brand who’s devoted to keeping hair care products clean of all harsh ingredients, Saints & Sinners is doing what they can to help during this difficult time. The brand will begin a series of cocktails and conversations on Monday, March 30, 2020 to connect with their clients and offer some friendship. Saints & Sinners is also donating cases of shampoo and conditioner to people on the front lines. They – of all people – deserve a little luxury during these trying times. For their consumers, the brand will include samples with all online orders and waive shipping fees.

Merle Norman Cosmetics

A brand which was started during the Great Depression, Merle Norman Cosmetics has been at the forefront to help Americans during difficult times. During World War II, the brand was a supplier of camouflage sticks and lubricating oil. Today the brand is producing World Health Organization approved Hand Sanitizer. Merle Norman Cosmetics is offering free shipping on all orders of $50 or more. (I am wearing their new Spring Lip Duet in Sweat Pea along with my favorite cheek crayon in Pink Lotus).

Adjusting to Staying In: Products from Arbonne and Jane Iredale

It is hard on all of us. Staying home is quite a challenge but necessary. I am writing as much as I can as I have two other outlets that need my attention as well. Please stay safe, healthy and do whatever you can to keep your mind, body and spirit active. Below are a few products to help you do just that!

Arbonne Botaniques PASSION FRUIT Hand Wash ($20, Arbonne.com)

Jet on a tropical vacation with every lather. We’ve elevated the ordinary hand-washing experience with the cheery scent of passion fruit. Aloe vera, containing vitamins and minerals that are taken from the inner part of the leaf, helps moisturize and soothe while passion fruit extract, an antioxidant, helps increase skin hydration.

Mind Rejuvenation Supplement:

Arbonne Essentials Mind Health ($57, Arbonne.com)

This supplement was created specifically for the mind and utilizes, sunflower seed derived phosphatidylserine and vitamin B12 to support neurological performance like concentration and focus. Use daily to help support brain health and cognitive performance including aspects like memory and learning. The delicious cherry-lime flavored formula has supportive ingredients like grape seed extract and CoQ10 to help maintain a healthy nervous system.

Moisturizing Hand Lotion (for all of those bathroom breaks)

jane iredale HandDrink® Hand Cream ($29, janeiredale.com)

A skin-quenching formula with SPF 15 broad spectrum sunscreen and a refreshing hint of lemongrass. Plus it’s reef-safe!

Zodica Perfumery: Perfume Products Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Zodica Perfumery fragrances, available in all twelve zodiac signs, were designed to be worn three ways – by sign, season, and attraction. Zodica Perfumery mindfully combines astrological traits, aromatherapy principals, and seasonal cues to express the vibe of each sign through scent.

How much do I embrace the concept behind Zodica Perfumery? A heck of a lot! I have always admired artists and the various brands that incorporated the zodiac signs as I believe most people can truly relate to their “sign” even if in a very general way. Some read their horoscopes daily, some purchase books to better understand the zodiac signs and many people have become celebrities based on their ability to help others understand their signs.

When I had my charts done a long while ago I did see many similarities based on the date and time of my birth so creating a perfume line based on your sign makes a lot of sense to me. All products are also intentionally made with both eco- conscious values and artisanal craft. No parabens, no phthalates, no artificial oils, no gluten, no GMO and cruelty free. Made in the U.S.A. too!

My Aries scent has top notes of Cinnamon and Blackberry, Middle Notes of Tobacco Flower and Amber and Bottom Notes of Vanilla, Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Musk. This fire sign scent is meant to evoke life force energy with a burst of warmth and strong woods. I must say that I am so excited to wear this as I do believe there very well could be a correlation between scent and our zodiac sign.

Zodica Perfumery also offers a Discovery Sample Gift Set. It was designed so you can explore all sides to your personality and mindfully experience the changing seasons of the year. Featuring twelve 1.5 ml mini-perfume spray bottles, one for each sign; a natal birth chart, which is a map of where all the planets were in the sky at the time you were born; a scent guide; and a credit to redeem one free 8ml Twist & Spritz Travel Spray; this unique discovery set allows you to be your own perfumer. MSRP: $60

Availability: www.zodicaperfumery.com; Zodica Flagship Boutique in Monroe, WI; QVC and select boutiques across the US.

ABOUT ZODICA PERFUMERY:

Zodica Perfumery was founded by Kristi Moe in 2016 after three years of development, two blind studies, and multi-city market testing. The eco-conscious company uses organic and sustainable ingredients and packaging. The eau de parfums are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and do not contain parabens, phthalates, gluten, soy, or formaldehyde. Each fine fragrance evokes a vibe reflecting the sign’s personality, energy, and season. On average, 80% of people prefer their zodiac sign’s perfume over the other eleven.