Phyto - Phytokératine for Weak and Damaged Hair

Do you have super damaged hair? Phyto comes to the rescue with their new Keratine line.

When the chance came to try this I was thrilled, not for me for The Mom. She has thin. fine, porous, damaged, double processed platinum blonde hair. She is ever on the search for products to make it thicker , not simply volumize and she has an arsenal she uses.  Despite  the damage etc, her hair always looks good becuase she takes a lot of time and a lot of products to whip it into shape( that's her hair with the InStyler in the picture from last year.) Many she tries work great , plenty fall ,ahem, flat.

Suffice it to say the new Phyto Keratine I think may have made her year. She's already a huge Phyto fan   especially  the Phyto Volume Mousse . The new Keratine line definitely helped thickify  and  reduce breakage which she has major issues with.   Hair was really full and soft but not limp. The shampoo is a thick formula which she always says is key to it really working well. No thin , runny ones have ever gotten the job done.

Ingredients  in the   Phytokeratine line include botanical keratin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and pomegranate extract .

Mom made use mainly of the shampoo and conditioner but there is also a repairing serum.

More info at http://www.phyto-usa.com/ . Buy at Sephora , Sephora.com

and Beauty.com

Phytokératine Shampoo $ 24.00
Phytokératine Conditioning Treatment $ 32.00

Backstage Hair at Zero Maria Cornejo w/ Phyto

One of the neatest styles seen backstage I thought was this look cooked up by Phyto for Zero Maria Cornejo. It's origami looking , which I thought before reading the hairstylist say the same thing, and I wish I could recreate it on my own hair.

 If you want to give it shot , here are all the details ( naturally they make it seem all so simple ).

PS- Makeup is by Dick Page for Shiseido

Key Hairstylist: Martin Cullen for Phyto


Inspiration: Maria shares, “I love the feeling of an urban summer; fabrics that feel like the beach but toughened up somehow.” The hair reflects that feeling with a graphic, structural up-do with a twist.

Step by step:

1. Spray Phytovolume Actif throughout hair to give it texture.

2. Create a side part and make 2 small twists on the left side of the head, secure it with threaded elastic.

3. Spray twists with Phytolaque soie light hold hair spray.

4. Pull hair back and fold it flat against the head, almost origami like. Secure hair with bobby pins.

5. Finish with Phyto Professional Workable Holding Spray.

Phyto Friends and Family Sale

Last Day for the Phyto Friends and Family, including Phyto Plage for summer.

http://sale.phyto-usa.com/

My Summer Staples

Summer brings it's own special makeup , skincare and accessories. With my oily , perspiring skin, nothing heavy will do  and I like to get a bronzed glow on.   I  also love big bracelets as opposed to necklaces that sit on a warm neck this time of year.

Here are some of my every day staples of summer. Links lead back to my original review if there was one.

Havaianas- I used to think what's all the fuss about these flip flops? Then I got a pair. Now I have 4 and feel like I need many more. Far more sturdier than most and  very comfortable .

Guerlain Terracotta LipGloss- They release these in summer for a reason, they're totally right for the season. Usually they have SPF , unfortunately this time they don't. But the new bright coral shade is sheer and juicy,  and really not overly bright.  Perfect for a  pop of color. Still using last  year's more neutral bronze shade as well.  Doesn't hurt either that the packaging is so hot.

Dusting Powder- I live for dusting powder when it's hot. They refresh, cool and add light scent. Right now I am loving Caswell Massey's Lilac and Honeysuckle scents and Penhaligon's Violetta ( when do you ever see violet powder ? I've hoarded my tin for years now).

Citrus Fragrances- As much as I love fragrance, when it's really hot I can't do the heavier scents. I adore citrus always  but especially in summer. There are too many to show all of here, but Dior Escale a Pondicherry and Acqua Di Parma Arancia di Capri are two tops favs. Lancome's new O d'Azur  and Annick Goutal's Eau de Hadrien and Ninfeo Mio are  others that get a lot of use.

MAC Paint Pots- Cream shadow rarely  if ever lasts on me  but Paint Pots really work well. Better than powders often.  They are easy  and look great. Favorite  shade is  Indianwood.

Chanel Bronzer- I have two season's past version but they've released  one this year too. What makes this bronzer special is the bands of color. Just a hint of shimmer  and not too dark. You can skip the darkest ones if needed ( I  usually do) and just swipe across the shades that look best on you. I use the bottom ones for a nice light tan look.

Ray Ban Wayfarers- I wore these when they were cool the first time, I wore them when they weren't in style  and I wear them now that they are back again. I've never stopped loving  my Wayfarers and that's that. (  But somehow they got left out of the picture).

Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation- Kept my skin in top shape last summer, helping to hold back the oilies  and acne . It'll be back in the regimen this summer too. No messing with perfection.

Sunscreen (of course)- Hawaiian Tropic  Sheer Touch SPF 50 , this really holds up in water, best I've used for that. Anything with Mexoryl in it. It's the best SPF. Currently finishing my Ambre Solaire from France and have an Ombrelle waiting to be opened. For face- Clarins UV Plus HP  -no moisture, just SPF 40 , mineral and plant based. You never even know it's on. Skinceuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50 is my second fav  for face.

Bangle bracelets- Easy to wear when hot. Less sticking to your skin.  This one is  made of Mango Tree wood .  These are super fun, tribal looking, comfy and inexpensive. I also have a faux Ivory $3 one from H&M years ago that I wear all the time.

Blue Topaz ring- Thankfully I bought good jewelry  back when it was really well priced . This ring came from QVC at least 10 years ago and is Blue Topaz set in sterling. I have another similar one but set in a simple band. These are great for summer as the blue pops with a tan, is a summer color and  they are bold enough  to stand without other jewelry or look great with bangles  .

Phyto Sun Haircare-  For the past 2 summers the Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil spray followed me to the pool. I use after swimming and run it through  my wet hair. It keeps it feeling soft and compensates for the drying and acidic effect of the water. If you have colored hair, it helps hold color in as well.

 What are some of your summer staples?  I'd love to hear .

Phyto Phytomist Instant Hair Conditioner

Phyto 7 leave- in conditioner is one of my beauty  must products. I had no idea how much I needed it until I started using it. Now I get antsy when the tube gets to half full.

In a holiday gift set  there was a different kind of leave -in conditioner , a  spray called Phytomist.  One day when my hair was looking drier at the ends than normal  I  grabbed this and gave it a try. Much like Phyto 7 ( but not quite) I had a wow moment.

Again like the Phyto 7 this leaves hair softer, looking less dry and more conditioned but  you can't detect it in your hair. There's no heaviness, no tacky feeling, no weight, no grease.  The convenience is awesone. You can carry this right in your bag  and condition whenever  needed.  For those with parched hair, this is an especially great idea and  it also helps protect hair color in color treated hair.

If you need a great leave in try either of these. Phyto knows their stuff. Trust .

$ 26.00 for 5 oz

Phyto Hair Volumizing Line

Winter brings hat hair. We have  full hair, then we need a hat and soon it gets a bit smushed. I like wearing hats and  have some many nice ones. Don't like hat hair.  This winter I decided to fight hat hair  by adding some volume products to my routine.  And  I  gave the  volumizing line  by one of my favorite  brands, Phyto a try.  They make amazing haircare and their Phyto 7 Daily  Leave In Hydrating  Creme is a staple  and one of the best I've used.

 Phyto's Volumizing line consists  of  Phytovolume volumizer shampoo,Phyto Intense Volume Mousse, Phytovolume Actif volumizer spray and Phytodensium mask.

I didn't try the mask yet, but all the other products do a  bang up job , and you don't have to use them all. Just using the Volimizer spray at the roots will make a huge difference, but adding in the shampoo/conditioner combo is even better.

One thing that sets the Phyto shampoo apart from many other volumizing types, is that it has ingredients like yarrow to thicken hair. There is a difference between  volume and thickness. My  very fine haired  mom will tell you this as she's been though all the volume giving shampoos out there. ( She loves the Phyto and in fact , happily made off with my stash ).

The volume here lasts long which is another bonus and your hair feels conditioned and soft, but not weighed down. I love ,too, that there's a mousse. Mousse was big for years then disappeared. Mousse generally works so I'm happy to see it  making a comeback.

I am intrigued by , but as I said , didn't try the mask. It's said to regenerate hair with grapeseed and black currant seed oils. And has botanical proteins to thicken hair. I think that's far more moisture than my hair needs, but for fine hair,  worth trying.

You can see more at http://www.phyto-usa.com/
 ( the volume line is under "lifeless" hair and "styling").  Phyto is also available at Ulta stores.

Phyto Free Botanical Blowout Days at ULTA Stores Nationwide

Phyto has got a promotion going that all of us, not just those in big cities can take advantage of and it's free. To promote the upcoming release of their new Phytolisse perfect smoothing collection , the company has teamed with Ulta salons nationwide  to offer free blowouts featuring their products. Now if you've used Phtyo before, you know it's one of the best brands out there. If you haven't, then this is a chance to try it for yourself.

All the details:

"To celebrate the launch of the new Phytolisse perfect smoothing collection, Phyto is offering complimentary blowouts using the new shampoo and mask with Phyto’s cult anti-frizz products. The new Phytolisse Shampoo and Mask work in conjunction with award-winning Phytodéfrisant Botanical Straightening Balm, and Phytolisse Smoothing Serum. Phyto’s perfect smoothing collection is a unique 4-step system that expedites blowdrying while shielding hair against humidity and frizz for up to 72 hours.

 In addition to complimentary blowouts, consumers will be treated to a travel-sized gift of Phytodéfrisant and Phytolisse serum minis with the purchase of two Phyto products. (one per customer, while supplies last.) "


February 16, 2011 from 3-8pm


February 17, 2011 from 1-4pm

Make an appointment today by calling an ULTA store near you.

Receive a travel-sized gift of Phytodéfrisant and Phytolisse serum minis with the purchase of two Phyto products on these 2 days.

Find more at : http://www.phyto-usa.com/
 
 

A Visit To Phyto Universe in NYC

Phyto haircare has a very special space in Manhattan that you may not have heard of. It's called Phyto Universe and is one of the more serene places in the bustling city.

Phyto Universe showcases , naturally, all Phyto products but while not a salon, also does hair treaments , scalp and hair diagnoses as well as Lierac skincare facials. On the glam side, the space is also home to the small but gorgeous Caron perfume boutique.

The highlight for me is the living plant wall. It took my second visit there to get up close and really see this wall. It is 3,000 sq.ft and is indeed a large wall of living plants. Specially designed for the space , the plants are sort of tucked into a material in the wall and a misting system keeps them hydrated. It's really stunning and I want a smaller version of my own.

The treament rooms are on the spacious but have a spare almost Nordic look. The wood doors are reclaimed from a 14th century Chateau. Lierac now has it's own room for face and body treatments.

The Caron boutique is tucked in a corner and is the one place where you can get all the urn parfums bottled to order as well as buy most any Caron item. Powder puffs, face powder and all manner of scent. Standing under the chandelier looking at the Baccarat urns, for a moment you feel transported to Europe.

Phyto Universe is located at 59th and Lexington ( Mere blocks from Bloomingdales). There is a side door you need to go to for entry. If you look up when at that corner, you can see the plant wall several stories up.

More info is at http://www.phytouniverse.com/

All images: The Beauty Alchemist

Poolside Hair Care

I spend a lot of time poolside in summer. I love it. I slather on the sunscreen as we all should, but what about hair care? Until this year my hair was easy, now it's gotten much drier and I need to think about it more.

Well I have a lot of experience with pools and a decent bit with hair so here we go.

First- I bust the big summer pool hair myth, that chlorine turns you a hair green. It doesn't. Metals in the water, namely copper, are what turn blonde hair a green tint. So get your water tested, or ask your pool owner friend what their last copper test was.

The Mom has fine, platinum blonde hair and always has. We've always had to keep that in mind and at one time I had a blonde German Shepherd who ,yes, would tint green too. It was a sure sign we needed metal remover. Thankfully, it was a rare occasion . A green dog is rather odd.

One of the best ideas to keep your locks in shape poolside is to use a leave in conditioner after a swim or combing it in pre-swim for protection.

A UV blocking or moisturizing spray is a great idea too. Sun can damage hair and can be especially harsh on fresh color.

Lastly, if you have oily hair, the chlorine in the water can be your friend. It will help dry up that oil and you won't have to deal with as much oil . Sometimes it's a good thing.

There are many great products out there for summer hair , and I've highlighted a few:

Phyto:

-Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil- Has a UV filter, sunflower extracts and sweet almond proteins but no oil. Great for normal or higlighted hair. ( $20.00)

-Phtyo Plage L"Originale Protective Beach Spray- The original formula improved . This one has oil for optimum moisture as well as UVB filters. Contains Olive extract, calendula and Castor Oil.($18.00)

-Phyto Plage Moisturizing Hair & Body Wash- Made esepcially for rinsing pool water off hair and body . Has Palm Coconut oils and Wood Cellulose for moisture. I just used this, it has a barely there scent, and works as good as normal shampoo ( $ 20.00)

Aveda:

-Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil- A water-resistant, UV-defense spray hair veil that provides protection from sun exposure for up to 16 hours. Has certified organic shea butter and coconut and palm oils for moisture , natural derived UV filters made from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils ($ 26.00)

-Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser-Has Tamanu oil and certified organic coconut oil along with green tea extract, certified organic sunflower seed oil and vitamin E. ($20.00)

-Aveda Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque-An intensive cream masque that moisturizes and restores sun-exposed hair. Also has a blend of tamanu oil, organic shea butter, coconut and palm oils help restore moisture.$ (26.00)

Redken:

-Color Extend Sun After-Sun Shampoo- Cleanses and removes minerals, chlorine and salt deposits while helping to repair sun-damaged hair.


-Color Extend Sun After-Sun Mask- instantly detangles and revitalizes sundamaged hair with intense moisture replenishment and repair.


-Color Extend Sun Sparkling Shield Leave-in Smoother- Helps provide water-resistant protection against UVA/UVB rays, chlorine and minerals while creating a sleek, polished finish. Even adds a bit of shimmer to your slicked hair.

Ultra Swim - the mass market shampoo , easy to find and removes chlorine from hair as well as minerals.( $ 4.99)

Aubrey Organics Swimmer's Shampoo- a great natural brand. This has a matching conditioner. Shampoo has shea and coconut butter, bitter almond oil.

dog photo: the beauty alchemist ( yes, thats my dog :)

Phyto 7 Gold Hair Hydration Cream

The Phyto brand has long been a cult favorite. Rightly so, as it is a top notch line. Now in honor of the 40th anniversary of Phyto 7 Gold they have put out exclusively at Sephora a LE size of the hair cream. It's 60 ml total ( 2 oz) which is 20% larger than normal for $ 26.00

Phyto 7 Gold is a daily hydrator made from botanicals. You use it after washing , and apply to towel dry hair. After applying to hair, style as usual. Phyto calls it a " day cream" for hair.

The cream is not greasy and really moisturizes hair. Tames the flyaways and smooths. I use it all the time . I have never used something in a leave in this good and without any feel of it in my hair.

http://www.sephora.com/