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.

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!

International Women’s Day: Four Female Founded Brands

As  today is International Women’s Day and let’s celebrate some female-founded beauty companies and their founders. You know I believe all women, binary, non- binary, transgender, LGBTQ should be celebrated on a daily basis and today, this is recognized as a global celebration. Please see the information below on four female founders and CEOs (along with their most popular and / or newest products) that span the clean beauty, personal care and textured hair categories. These impactful females have devoting their careers to not only making a mark in their industries but inspiring other women in the process.

  

Lauren Lutchna, Founder and CEO of Farmstead Apothecary

Farmstead Apothecary - leaders in harvesting 100% plant based, effective skincare and personal care. The line is founded by Le Cordon Bleu Chef Lauren Lutchna, who spent years studying how ingredients interact with one another on a molecular level and channeled that expertise to create shelf stable, food based beauty. Out of concern for her family's health, and a growing frustration with synthetic ingredients and expensive natural products, Lauren used her education to formulate her own products to rid her home of anything with questionable ingredients. She formulated products that are 100% plant based and 99% organic, easy to use, residue free, and effective. Lauren realized they had something special and decided to sell their products so everyone could provide their families with pure, safe, and effective skin care. Every single bottle is handcrafted with love offering wholesome product formulations. 

Product to shop: Farmstead Apothecary FIG Bundle ($35.12 on Amazon): For the entire month of March, Farmstead Apothecary is offering a 10% off promotion of the Fig Bundle in support of International Women’s Month. The new Fig Bundle set comes with everything you need for a clean, organic routine including: Fig & Honey Anti-Aging Face Cream, Fig & Citrus Foaming Face Wash and Fig & Honey Lip Balm. The set contains jojoba oil to balance oil production, reduce redness & acne, and clear blemishes. Offering vegan and cruelty free products scented with real fruit, which has extra antioxidants to repair cell damage.

Jane Iredale, Founder of jane iredale – The Skincare Makeup®

Jane began her career as a casting director and Tony nominated writer/producer. After witnessing the confidence-shattering effects of stage makeup, which caused actresses to break out, forcing them to cover the damage with more irritating makeup, Jane was inspired to create makeup that was good for the skin. She began with her first product, Amazing Base Loose Mineral Foundation, launching the mineral makeup category and becoming one of the first women to elicit public conversation around ingredients in beauty products. Sold first through plastic surgeons and dermatologists (as the only makeup usable on skin after laser and other procedures), jane iredale – THE SKINCARE MAKEUP® is now distributed in 50+ countries with more than 500 skin-loving SKUs. jane iredale not only makes products that support women in looking and feeling their best, they also support local organizations with a similar mission. Through community service and meaningful partnerships including Look Good Feel Better, which helps women with cancer, the brand
proudly give back in ways that empower us all.

Product to shop: jane iredale Beyond Matte™ Liquid Foundation ($50, janeiredale.com): A clean, weightless, multitasking 3-in-1 foundation with buildable, stay-put coverage and a natural-looking semi-matte finish. Formulated with skin-nourishing, plant-based ingredients (Linseed, Celery Seed Extracts, plant-based Hyaluronic Acid) and available in 18 skin-adjusting shades. 100% vegan and always cruelty-free.

Courtney Adeleye, Founder and CEO of The Mane Choice

Courtney Adeleye built her hair empire from a home-based hobby into a multimillion dollar business in just two years’ time. She began her journey by mixing products in her kitchen and documenting her progress on YouTube (while working as a registered nurse). As her viewers watched her hair grow from chin length all the way down to her hip, they yearned for her help with their own tresses. Realizing that her passion for health as a nurse and unique medical knowledge filled a gap in the hair care community, she decided to go all in with product production, and The Mane Choice Hair Solution was born. As the brand commemorates its seventh year in 2020, The Mane Choice collections can be found in over 300,000 points of distribution, shipping worldwide via a dynamic e-commerce platform and recognized by top industry experts. Courtney is also extremely passionate about giving back to the community that has fueled her company’s rapid growth, as evident by her continual outreach through the successful “Pay My Bills” campaign, “The Bawse” Conference and many more. Courtney has plans to continue expanding her business, in her ongoing quest to lead the Healthy Hair Revolution.

Product to shop: Manetabolism Plus Vitamins ($25.99, Target): is a daily dietary supplement formulated to grow hair on the scalp longer, thicker, faster and healthier. The proprietary blend promotes the ability to regrow hair follicles in inactive areas of the scalp, prevent hair loss, remove scalp toxins and speed up hair growth. Additionally, the daily vitamins works to nourish and improve the overall health of the hair, prevents breakage, and stimulates the circulation on the scalp, improving overall hair quality.($25.99, TheManeChoice.com, Target, Sally Beauty Supply and Rite Aid stores)

Chloe Mortaud, Founder of Mademoiselle Provence: 

Chloe Mortaud is the "miss", or as the French say, Mademoiselle (ma-duh-mwa-zel), behind Mademoiselle Provence, an all-natural beauty line crafted with fine-quality ingredients from the South of France where nature’s best beauty secrets are kept. Raised in Southern France, Chloe was crowned ‘Miss France’ in 2009; after which, she traveled to the U.S. to connect with her mother’s African-American roots while setting out to build the American dream for her son, Matis. Whilst Chloe loved living in the States, the Franco-American entrepreneur felt something was missing. The former beauty queen yearned for the everyday ease of the French lifestyle and her hometown’s natural, aware way of living. Thus, Mademoiselle Provence was born – a line of natural bath & body products founded to combine heritage, naturalness and affordability into one simplistic brand.

Product Spotlight: Almond & Orange Blossom Hand Cream ($12.50, Amazon.com):Harnessing the combination of nourishing sweet organic almond along with the soothing prosperities of orange blossom extract, this hand cream smooths the most sensitive of skin. With 95.8% ingredients of natural origin, this hydrating hand cream restores softness with protective shea butter, moisturizing glycerin, soothing allantoin and replenishing olive oil. 

CLEARstem Skincare: VITAMINscrub

Yes, I am 50 years old and still have challenges with acne flare ups especially around my chin area. Sometimes it is from the foods I eat and other times I believe it to be hormonal. 

Now I am sampling CLEARstem Skincare’s VITAMINscrub - Antioxidant Infused Cleanser. I do hope in a few weeks I will be able to tell you I am rid of the jawline acne and share the results with you. Right now I can tell you that I like the consistency, smell and the glow it is giving my skin! I posted a make up free selfie today and absolutely see a change in my skin...already!

VITAMINscrub is good for all skin types including dry, mature, sensitive, blemish-prone, combination and normal. It’s designed for daily use. Environmentally-friendly bamboo particles act as a polish to resurface the skin and keep pores clear. The skin’s texture will appear smooth, refined, brightened, and pores will appear smaller after use. $39

RELUMINS : Meso Therapy Skincare Tools to Help You Get Your Glow On

Yes, I have neglected my skin and my B.I.O.A. readers know this is a fact! I used to have a wonderfully results driven routine and I have completely slacked off for the past few months. So, I am getting back to basics and have truly enjoyed learning more about RELUMINS and their Must-Have In-Home Spa Beauty Buys For Extreme Skin Rejuvenation for under $100 (per product). We all know that results take a few weeks, or sometimes months, yet I am truly excited about these products.

About the company:

Clean beauty is the name of the game for 2020 and the New Jersey-based skincare luminary, Relumins, (https://www.relumins.com), is leading the pack. The company announced their new line of must-have Meso-Therapy tools + skincare products to perfect your 2020 in-home skin care regimen. Expertly designed for cross use, the new product selection includes Microcurrent & LED cosmeceutical tools to medical-grade serums with the full line tailored to result in the most illuminating of glows. With each product priced under $100, you are guaranteed to bring spa-level products in-home for daily or weekly use without breaking the bank.

“We are truly excited to bring our Meso Therapy Tools + Product Line to the market. Beauty from within has been our goal for quite a few years and for 2020 we have truly perfected it by consistently upgrading the quality and ingredients of our products.” States Jack Gindi of Relumins. “ We believe in the power of our products. There is not a single week that passes where we do not receive before and after photos from our clients showing us how our skincare products have changed their skin and lives for the better. Our Meso Therapy Tools are the next level for in-home facials.”

The new product line offerings include:

Relumins Intense Glow Beauty Care Tool - Facial Skin Therapy Microcurrent Electronic Face Massager: $73.99

Perfect your complexion with this solar-powered facelift massager specially designed to stimulate the contours of your facial skin, neck, and arms. This one of a kind handheld massager enhances the skin's tone and texture while improving the absorption of skincare products. It can be used with your favorite serums or lotions to increase their efficacy while getting a cool, refreshing facial roll with active micro-current stimulation. This tool is made of medical-grade aluminum throughout its body with a copper core with 4 rollers that perfectly fit the contour of any face shape. Its unique solar panel provides micro-current to stimulate the body's tissue so there is no need for charging. It's microcurrent is provided by the natural rays of the sun to increase your overall beauty. It can be used on all body parts that you wish to increase skin elasticity and tone, perfect for those pesky fine lines. This tool can be used to tighten the skin on your face, neck, arms, and body, under-eye pouches, crows feet, wrinkles around the nose and mouth, chin skin, frown lines and improve the appearance of neck wrinkles.

Relumins Glycolic Peeling Gel: $27.75

With a unique blend of natural fruit extracts and Glycolic acid, this skin-perfecting gel is a holy grail exfoliator. Safe and gentle enough to use on sensitive skin, it not only exfoliates for immediate clarity, it also reduces the appearance of pore size, and prevents breakouts. Rid your complexion of dead skin cells while stimulating skin generation and promoting younger-looking skin. It is a must-use product for the maintenance of skin elasticity, hydration, and texture. The Glycolic Peeling Gel comes in a 200ml Gel Pump Bottle ( # of uses) and contains 5% Glycolic Acid.

Relumins Skin Perfecting Serum:

This amazing new Skin Perfecting AHA Serum is a combination of light exfoliating botanical extracts that contain a high amount of AHA. The ultra-light formula corrects uneven skin tone while stimulating collagen production for a brighter, smoother, more radiant complexion. This 40ml bottle packs a big punch as it is a pharmaceutical-grade professional formula with lactic acid. Lactic acid is an effective skin exfoliator and moisturizer that will help in the reduction of the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles while promoting skin firming and skin brightening. Struggling with age & liver spots, freckles, hyper-pigmentation or skin discoloration? Then this is the product for you. To use simply dab lightly on face & neck and massage gently until fully absorbed. Use in the morning and at night.

Relumins LED Light Therapy Tool: $49.99

With one lightweight Electronic Muscle Stimulation RF beauty instrument and 6 LED lights, you'll save precious time and money by bringing the professional spa experience home. Relumins Multi-Function Facial Light Therapy Tool is a skin lightening device that delivers a spa-like experience right at your home. The new product works to help with skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, dark spot correction, skin brightening, and anti-aging. Low light energy deeply penetrates the skin promoting the absorption of skincare products, boosting younger, smoother skin. This tool also promotes detoxification, lymphatic drainage, smoothness of skin, and reduces redness while increasing the firmness of the skin and leaving it looking youthful and lifted. With no needles necessary, the Facial Light Therapy Tool breaks through skin dullness and uses mesotherapy to stimulate collagen making the face look more plumped and softer. The LED Light therapy tool also enhances the skin's flexibility and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with 6 colors/ LED lights that work efficiently and offer an alternative to drying chemicals and invasive procedures. Electronic Muscle Stimulation technology delivers powerful heat that stimulates existing collagen softening wrinkle lines and improves the quality of the skin leaving it feeling refreshed and glowing. The LED Light therapy tool also helps calm existing blemishes and reduces the chance of future breakouts.

Fresh Eyes Under Eye Perfecting Purse Travel Roller: $23.95

Refresh your under-eye area with this blend of Brazilian herbs, aloe vera and algae extract! These clinically proven ingredients will leave you looking lively by relieving your "dark circles” whether you are fresh off of a plane or pulled an all-nighter with friends and a few glasses of wine. This tiny tool will brighten dark circles caused by blood flow stagnation in as few as 28 days. It gently soothes and restores skin with aloe vera and algae extract and deeply penetrates the skin surface.

I will update the article with my personal results in a few weeks! Ready, set, glow!

Holiday Gift Ideas from Bevara Skincare, C'est Moi, The Better Skin Co. and Sterling Forever Gifts

My, my there are so many wonderful gift ideas for you. This is my favorite time of year as I do love a good buy. I see so many options for everyone on my list and I like to start early as I do not like last minute purchases. That is just a personal aside as sometimes if you do happen to wait it out a little longer- some have told me they get even better deals?! They are usually referring to department store mayhem and I would much rather be an online shopper. Happy holiday shopping to all of our B.I.O.A. friends!

C’est Moi Gift Sets

C’Est Moi Reflect Lip Gloss Trio
$19, HERE

C’Est Moi Visual Artist Makeup Crayon Set - 6 Piece
$25, HERE

C’Est Moi Shimmer & Shine Gift Set
$25, HERE

C’Est Moi Sleepover Facial Mask Set
$19, HERE

C’Est Moi 3 Step Gentle Skin Care Set
$26, HERE


The Better Skin Co.Gift Sets

Holiday Hero
$34, HERE

Stocking Surprise
$32, HERE

Holiday "Must Have” Trio - Dry to Delicate
$74, HERE

Holiday “Must Have” Trio - Normal to Oily
$74, HERE

Sparkling Zit Zapper Trio
$54, HERE

Bevara Skin - Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Bevara Skin is a progressive and modern skincare brand offering calming solutions designed to preserve youthful and natural skin. Their products are formulated with high quality, eco-friendly, botanical ingredients that are rich in anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, vitamins, and collagen in addition to Broad Spectrum CBD. Bevara Skin is Vegan, Sulfate Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free and Cruelty Free.

Bevaraskin

• November 29 - December 2
• 20% off site wide with promo code CYBER20 at checkout
• Free shipping

Sterling Forever Gifts

The Shine Bright Initial Necklace Collection
$68, HERE

NEW LAUNCH: Arbonne Bio-Hydria Skincare

I know you have seen the posts in my feed about this new launch so now it’s time for you to learn about the individual products themselves. They work together beautifully with each product targeting a specific area.

Bio-Hydria is infused with organically farmed witch hazel. When combined with Arbonne’s botanical formulations and sustainably sourced aloe vera it leaves the skin feeling incredibly soft and supple.

Bio-Hydria Eye Gel ($42, Arbonne.com)

I pat this gel around my eyes and the pearlescent pigments help visibly brighten the appearance of dark circles. It also makes my under eye area hydrated which therefor over time I believe will eventually put an end to the puffiness too.

Bio-Hydria Gel Cleanser ($24, Arbonne.com)

This gel cleanser lathers into a delicate foam that cushions your skin as it rids the surface of makeup and impurities. Witch hazel in the formula helps soothe the skin so it’s left feeling comfortable, not taut. I love having this in my routine now as my skin feels so clean after using the gel.

Bio-Hydria Gel Cream ($40, Arbonne.com)

This semi-thick cream absorbs quickly into the skin in order to soothe and moisturize it. It contains botanicals like organically farmed witch hazel and sustainably sourced aloe vera that leave your skin feeling smooth and radiant.

Bio-Hydria Liquid Serum ($45, Arbonne.com)

An innovative serum that boasts a crushed jelly texture that breaks to a cool, thin layer over your skin to provide instant hydration as our proprietary sustainable edulis cellular water helps maintain critical moisture.

Key Product Highlights You Should Know About Bio-Hydria:

• Sustainably sourced aloe vera, containing vitamins and minerals that are taken from the inner part of the leaf, help moisturize to soothe and support skin’s natural ability to maintain a healthy-looking glow.
• Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested
• Suitable for all skin types
• Vegan, cruelty free