The Phyto Universe Experience

A couple weeks ago I was invited to visit Phyto Universe in the for a complimentary hair treatment. To be perfectly honest it was my first such experience and I really didn’t know what to expect. I was told the appointment would take approximately 90 minutes and I couldn’t even imagine what would involved in that time frame. Generally speaking I am quite low maintenance about my hair and spend probably under 5 minutes styling it each day. I know that I probably should spend more time on my hair because it frames the face. A great head of hair can add a bounce in your step and make you feel confident and beautiful. For a woman, hair can be your crown of glory or your most often battle foe.

Upon my arrival to the spa I instantly felt transported from the bustling streets of Manhattan to an instant oasis of calm. The 3000 square foot vertical garden instantly caught my attention and invited me to leave my daily troubles behind. I learn that Phyto distinguishes itself from other hair care lines by not just caring for hair but as a treatment for hair and scalp to rebalance the scalp and hair ecosystem and stimulate micro-circulation, regulate sebum production and rejuvenate hair. In total over 700 plants are found in Phyto’s formulas and at the Phyto Universe you are given access to all of them – the full range of product is available in one location.

After a quick change into a robe, I am invited to sit down for a scalp analysis. I’ve had one done before during The Royal Treatment event at Style Coalition Lounge, so I was prepared for the worst. Your scalp is magnified by 200xs to reveal the real condition of your scalp and hair from root to tip.

My analysis revealed product build up at the root, an oily scalp with dry patches and very dry ends. I am led to a semi-private cabin and given a seat while a tray full of almost medicinal products is set up. The appearance if not for the soft towel would be almost clinical as I receive an education in caring for my hair.

The first step of caring for your hair? Exfoliation. Using a large paddle brush my scalp is carefully brushed for a couple minutes. My technician Ronald recommends focusing on the scalp and not the ends and doing this every time before washing your hair. His reasoning is that it readies your body for a shower, exfoliates and re-distributes the natural oils. Plus since hair is dry, it’s the best time to brush it.

Since hair and scalp can have different issues, each is addressed and treated separately. Vials of Huile d’ales a pre-shampoo intense hydrating oil treatment are used first and I notice that the fragrance is extraordinary. Essential oils of sage, lemon, rosemary, juniper berry, caster oil, oat amino acids and wheat proteins are combined to create a potent scalp stimulating mixture that also offers aromatherapy as a bonus effect. A second treatment of Phytosquame is applied to my scalp and I am given a gentle scalp massage before being gently steamed for the oils to penetrate. It has many of the same ingredients except it’s in a different base.

Since this is a true spa experience one interesting thing to note is that you never ever have to leave your seat once you are inside the semi-private cabin. The Steamer comes to you as does the sink! As I am left alone to enjoy the benefits of the steam, I can feel the oils penetrating my scalp and the scent of eucalyptus filling my senses.

The next step is to wash my hair with 2 different shampoos, Phytonectar and Phytheol Intense. Each shampoo is left on for a minute to allow the botanicals to go to work. Apparently the botanicals are activated by water and the lather of the shampoo contains these active botanicals. It’s important even when you wash your hair at home to warm your product in your hand for a couple seconds instead of applying directly to your head and to allow the product to sit for a minute. My technician gently explains each process as it happens so that I am fully aware of what is happening to my hair.

Now that my scalp has been treated, my hair is treated separately with Phytokarite hair mask for a few minutes and my ends moisturized with Phythosesame which contains sesame oil and has a slight chocolate scent thanks to the cocoa butter.

My hair is then carefully blown out with minimal product to showcase the natural beauty of my hair. My hair is soft beyond belief to a point where I have to ask myself is this really my hair? It feels light and bouncy, almost like a young child’s head of hair.

Since I am curious, I asked to see the difference with my scalp and hair after the treatment. The product build up is gone, the skin around the follicle is open and my hair still smells amazing. Since I am told that the botanicals are going to continue to work a couple days after the treatment, I don’t touch it and find that I actually have some of the best hair days of my life. Now I understand why both men and women boost their confidence by taking the time to treat their hair. Even 2 weeks later I can tell that the treatment has changed the texture of my hair and it feels smoother and softer than it previously was. It’s kind of like a facial for your hair and scalp minus the painful extractions! Thanks Phyto and to my wonderful technician Ronald for such a wonderful afternoon and for reviving the beauty of my hair.

Phyto Universe - 715 Lexington Avenue at 58th St - 212.308.0270

Beauty Products of the Moment– The Hits

A few months ago I went through some of my fave beauty products of the moment.  Since that point I’ve added quite a few more products to my arsenal. Some I’ve loved and wondered how I survived without it while others I’ve found myself wondering what the big deal ever was.  Here are my fave new products that I’ve tried in recent history.

Lierac Initiatic Fluid, $48* – This lightweight lotion glides easily over my skin and absorbs quickly to leave a matte finish that is perfect applying make-up over or going bare faced.  It’s a moisturizer designed to combat the first signs of aging and incorporates anti-oxidant rich goji fruit extract and a hi-tech peptide that protects mitochondrial DNA and stimulates cellular metabolism.  While all that sounds good and fancy I love the texture and delicate scent.  There is something about it that sort of tingles my skin in a very gentle refreshing way and I feel like something good must be happening.  I’ve always been a believer that prevention is the key to staying youthful, so I love that it’s a lotion designed to do exactly that.  Since it’s not at all greasy, I’ve been loving it for those hot summer days.  The only thing that would make it absolute perfection would be the addition of a sunscreen.

Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray, $2.74* – I’ve been using dry shampoo for quite a few years as it’s a great time saver for those days when you don’t have time to wash your hair, after hitting the gym for a refresher or on summer days when you feel less fresh than a daisy.  I’ve always depended on pricier brands like Ojon or Klorane which I’ve picked up from Sephora but I was super excited when Suave launched their super affordable version.  Not only does it leave no icky residue but it smells fantastically fruity fresh, unlike other dry shampoos that I’ve tried it the past that smell only decent as best.  As with all dry shampoos to prevent the nozzle from clogging, shake thoroughly (30 seconds is best) and short blasts all over your head are all that’s needed.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17 – I’ve heard of this stuff for years but I finally had a chance to try it for myself in the last few months.  After years of struggling with trying to keep a clear complexion after a unfortunate incidence of adult acne, my skin is finally calming down to pretty manageable levels.  However that doesn’t stop me from getting the occasional volcanic eruption or two.  I will be honest this stuff stinks in a Buckley’s Mixture kind of intense way that can clear your sinuses and it’s not very attractive so not for use while in the company of others.  You will feel a deep down burn that you know that it’s sort of killing germs and drying out the zit while you sleep.  And while it didn’t make it vanish overnight, the deep down pain that hurts my entire face disappeared. After my 3rd night of using it, the pimple was pretty much vanquished into a tiny almost memory.

Lierac Sensorielle, $34* – This multi purpose oil for face, body and hair is my latest obsession.  I love the smell of jasmine, camellia and gardenia that calms my spirit.  When I first received this product I was obsessed and couldn’t stop applying it all-over myself.  It also happened to be an incredibly stressful week for multiple reasons – so the scent actually helped me to feel relaxed while using it.  The bottle is also so simple and pretty that I don’t mind having it prominently displayed on my vanity.  The oil incorporates 4 botanical oils including  Argan Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Grapeseed Oil that nourish, hydrate and are full of antioxidants that regenerate and re-texturize skin.  More importantly it really does moisturize and moisturize well.  Lately I’ve preferred using oils to moisturize my body and when applying it on slightly damp skin after a shower - a little really goes a long way and I promise you won’t feel greasy afterwards.  If you are afraid of trying oils, this one is great because you can also put some in your bath to created a luxe milky bathing experience.  You can also use this oil as a massage oil and a little in your hair helps tame frizz and smooth ends.

CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm , $5.99 – You might remember me mentioning it last week but it's like a hybrid between lipstick and lip balm - it feels soft and not sticky but gives a fun hit of sheer color. It also has SPF 15 which is perfect for protecting your lips from sun damage.  I have pretty pale lips and am not always up to the challenge of keeping perfect bold lips all day and I don’t always feel in the mood for a gloss, especially when it’s windy out.  This seems to be the perfect no fuss solution and I’ve gotten so many compliments while wearing it.

Phyto Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner, $26* – After having my scalp analyzed and learning that I had a rather greasy scalp I was told that I could cut out conditioner from my hair care routine.  However, I think the idea of not using conditioner at all freaks me out.  Fortunately Phyto makes a super lightweight conditioner that you can spray on your hair and it’s been great for keeping me de-tangled.  It smells subtly like greenery and flowers but it’s not overwhelming and I love that it’s super quick and only takes me under 30 seconds to spritz myself.

*Full disclosure: Asterisk indicates that I received a complimentary sample

The Royal Treatment by Phyto & Lierac

A couple Friday's ago on the day of the Royal Wedding, I was invited to hang out with the lovely ladies of Style Coalition over delicious cocktails and feel a little bit like Royalty while receiving a massage, scalp analysis and hair styling session.  With the Royal Wedding playing in the background and beautiful white gardenia flowers everywhere.  I learned so much about Phyto hair care and Lierac skin care and being a former beauty junkie and somewhat of a geek about products I was sitting with my ears perked up!

So Phyto is something of a hair care treatment instead of just being a hair product line.  They analyze you scalp at 1000xs the magnification using a special scope to examine the condition of your scalp, follicles and key problems.  My scalp was rather frightening! I couldn't even bear to take a photo as up close my scalp looks like another planet with oil and product build up and dry scalp (not my scalp pictured) Yikes!  I did learn however I have pretty thick hair because 3 hairs are coming out of each follicle! Hurray! 

The line very similar to a new skin care regime takes about 6 weeks to show results.  My analysis was completed with a "prescription" to products that would remedy my situation and tips specific to my hair condition.  For example, I don't actually have to use conditioner and a few spritzes of leave in are sufficient on the ends.

I headed over to the massage station and was introduced to Lierac's Sensorielle.  An amazing combination of the scents camellia rose, jasmine and gardenia infused in a combination of oils from sweet almond, argan, hazelnut and grape seed. The oil is incredibly versatile and smells amazing.

You can use it to soften your face, body, use if for massage, put it on your hair and even put a little in your bath to create a milky Cleopatra style protective bath.  While oil and water don't normally mix, this one does.  Not only is it full of antioxidants but it’s also supposed to also have healing properties that make it ideal for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Since I have some skin conditions, I really hope to try it out one day to see if it will make a difference.

My massage melted all my stress from the week away and I soon found myself to be a puddle in the massage chair until I overheard conversations that I wanted to be a part of (the Matt Bernson Sample Sale I had just come from) my massage therapist asked me if something was wrong, so I forced myself to relax and not listen to all the interesting things going on around the room.

I had a chance to chat with a rep from Lierac and I confirmed my thoughts that prevention is the best battle strategy against aging.  I started using eye cream at the tender age of 18 and have never looked back.  I also learned that when it comes to using products that are considered treatments they should always be applied before moisturizer and make-up.  I also learned that all sunscreen is not created equal.  Sunscreen that is chemical should be considered a treatment and be put on before make-up while sunscreen that mineral sunscreens should be applied after make-up.

While sipping a jasmine infused cocktail I also chatted with Yves Durif, celebrity hair stylist extraordinaire. He gave me a very special comb to be used while washing hair to detangle and distribute product without breaking hair.  He gave me some ideas for my hair, telling me that while it suits my face, angling my hair to be shorter in the back would flatter my body.  He even had a staffer take photos to demonstrate the difference it would make to my body.  It was also interesting to realize that hair not only frames the face but it can uplift the entire body.  I hope that I’ll have a chance to realize Yves vision for my hair before too long.

While there may be one less Prince for the rest of us, I couldn’t help leaving Style Coalition Lounge feeling as pampered as a Princess!

All photography courtesy of Ana Schechter.

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