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.!

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).