Ask the PFMs: Natural Shampoo & Conditioner Picks for Creating Volume

Hi ladies (and gents!) It had been a while since we did one of these posts...and now it seems the questions keep on coming. We love it, so keep asking!

Q. I'm looking for a new volumizing shampoo and conditioner. I want to try a natural, organic product and I've been shopping around and reading labels but I'm not sure which to try. Can you help?

A. Oh yeah...I have some ideas for you! Reading labels and understanding the long list of ingredients to avoid can definitely be overwhelming...so let me break it down for you a bit. I've come to learn that there are major offenders to steer clear of, and I'm more happy to direct you to this helpful list created by the ladies of the Green Beauty Team. When it comes to research, I don't hesitate to dive right in (actually, I thrive on it.) I consulted reputable green beauty sites and read through numerous product reviews to discover that there are plenty of options to amp up your locks while protecting yourself and the environment. Depending on how thrifty you want to be, I came up with three shampoo/conditioner duos to choose from. Without further ado, let's turn up the volume!

Un, get Wallet Friendly with Acure Organics Pure Mint and Echinacea Stem Cell Shampoo and Conditioner. There is a beautiful story behind this beauty line...designer Kristy Guerra founded Acure Organics as a way to honor her grandmother, who battled breast cancer for over 10 years. Kristy wanted to help raise money for breast cancer research and awareness while also providing healthy products that promote healthier living and a greener planet. This safe, affordable, beautiful line of organic beauty products is the result of her efforts. Side note: whether I've been at Bikram yoga or I just have product build-up, I use their Lemongrass and Argan Stem Cell Shampoo/Conditioner...the clarifying properties are amazing!

Deux, do you have the Urge to Splurge with Rahua Voluminous Shampoo and Conditioner? Although this is a pricier option, the rave reviews are hard to ignore. This luxurious line contains rich, potent natural ingredients that protect and improve the health of your hair and the rainforest.

Trois, sometimes you just have to Treat Yourself Like a VIP with Yarok Feed Your Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. I've already sung the praises of Yarok's Volume Enhancing Mousse, so it's no surprise that this duo is on the list. Their hard-working hair care line is free of alcohol, paraben, sulfates and cruelty to animals. The idea is to nourish the scalp with vital nutrients while serenading the senses...that's wellness from the inside out. xoxo Becca

PFMs Do It Better: Fighting Frizz!

Do you fear frizz and bad hair days? Are you tired of the rainy humid weather that we've been having for the past two weeks? Ladies (and gents) you are not alone...I give you two solutions for fighting frizz: my savior and my go-to.

 

Lately I've been getting well acquainted with Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray. I discovered this stuff during my trip to the Whittemore House Salon. The stylists are big fans of this line over there, and now I'm addicted too! This spray is perfect for keeping my fringe under control- a major plus for us gals with bangs. So far I've put a few different hairstyles to the test (loose natural waves, messy side bun, and a deep side sweep with flat iron) that ended up staying relatively frizz-free and not at all greasy. Yay! I highly recommend it although a bit pricey. You won't really be using this every day,  just as your savior from heat and humidity...boy do I see a bunch of those days in our near future.

When in doubt this spring and summer, grab a silk scarf and tie it around your head into a bow or wrap it turban-style. A bright color and pretty print will step up your outfit and let you embrace any unsightly frizz. Simple as that. My go-to collection of vintage silk scarves keeps growing every year. But I don't have a polka dot version just yet...!!!

So what do you use for frizz protection?

PFM Obsession: Clarisonic Mia

It's been a month since I've stopped using my hands to wash my face. And I'm never turning back. Ever. 

The Clarisonic Mia has been in countless magazines, endlessly reviewed on websites, and stocked in many stores (helloooo Sephora.) But surprisingly there are still some beauty pros who are totally in the dark about this fantastic tool! It made me realize there must be plenty of beauty novices like myself who also need to be told about the Mia. Thus, a post dedicated to the new star of my cleansing routine. To prove my point...

I give you exhibit A: my sis Suzie who has taught me everything I know about makeup (besides Sesheta!) Since we were in our teens I've considered her my beauty guru; if I'm unsure about buying a new product I always run it by her to get an opinion. Nine times out of ten, she's already tried it! When I asked her about the Mia- she had never even heard of it. Now for the first time ever, Suzie wants to buy a beauty product that I told her about...whoaaaaa.

And exhibit B: my amazing hair stylist Tara who is also a professional makeup artist. She's up to date on the latest beauty trends and always has a hot product to tell me about when I see her. She constantly has me tempted to run out to try said new product(s). But strangely, I was the one telling her all about the Mia!

So ladies, here's what I did. I saved up some cash and took the plunge. The verdict? Let me just sum it all up for you: by day two, my face was noticeably softer. After a week, the dry patches I had (for months) around my nose and cheeks disappeared. The annoying pimples that I couldn't get rid of around my jawline are now totally gone. Before buying the Mia, I had even gone to a dermatologist who wanted to put me on antibiotics- ummm that was definitely not happening for this girl. Now I'm getting complements on my skin. The key was to upgrade my cleansing routine!

I could go on and on...but you get the idea. The winter is officially over and there's no better time to get rid of any dull flaky skin and start fresh. After all, it's your skin and it deserves special treatment!

And to my best girlie Dara, you will not regret this purchase. 

PFMs on the Town: Cafe Cluny

Allagash Shandy & a Bellini- yum!

The West Village has restaurants and boutiques around every corner. On the weekends, brunch is a luxury enjoyed by many...and Cafe Cluny is a great spot to indulge yourself. It's not only known for having one of the best brunch menus in the city, but it has delicious vegetarian options and you are almost guaranteed a celebrity sighting (if you are into that sort of thing.) I stopped by with my husband for brunch after having a much-need fresh haircut (pics are coming soon!) My man was on a mission for the Short Rib hash, which he claimed was definitely worth the trip in. I was excited about the special which was the Heirloom Tomato sandwich; absolutely fantastic with a bonus side of greens topped with delicious dressing. We were expecting a wait, but got seated immediately. It would have been worth a wait for sure. Oooh and who did we spot leaving the restaurant before we did? The gorgeous Lake Bell who was just so laid-back chic in a blazer, skirt and dark tights. So glad we had the window seat!