How many shampoos and conditioners have you tried hoping to find the right combinations for your hair? If you’re like us, the answer is a lot. So we were so excited to try out the customized shampoo and conditioner formulated just for us (it even arrives with your name on it) from a new company, “Function of Beauty” formed by two MIT geniuses.  We love it! And what do we use the “teat” product for? Our face.  Our LA editor, Debbie Zipp introduced us to a volumizing hair product we can’t live without.  And if you don’t want to give away your age, two words – hand cream.

A Shampoo and Conditioner Formulated Just for You

Only two MIT geniuses could have figured out an algorithm that can produce over 450 million possible combinations of shampoo and conditioner to uniquely formulate a product that is for your hair, and your hair only, because really, no two heads of hair are the same.  We were intrigued to try this out.  You go to their web site, function of beauty,  where you complete a hair profile, which includes your hair type, structure, your hair goals (i.e., get rid of the frizzes).  And you also get to choose the physical aesthetics of the product from their natural ingredients –  we chose cucumber and mint.  You can also consult on line with their chemist, and customize the formula even more. And then viola, within 1-3 days later, your products arrive with your “name” on the bottle.

We were so excited when our customized product arrived.  We have now washed and conditioned our hair several times and we have to say we have noticed a difference in how much better our hair is styling, and we love the softness and the sheen too.  We’re hooked!

They save your formula for re-orders, and you can also adjust the formula for changes in the season too.  And here’s the amazing part – the shampoo and conditioner costs $29-$38 depending on the size. Order yours right at  functionofbeauty.com

When the Polar Vortex Has Vortexed Your Face

Yep, we’re huge fans of Bag Balm, Vermont’s original moisturizing and soften ointment that was originally used by farmers on their cows to prevent chaffing teats.  But then some skier, who knows how, decided to try it on their face to prevent wind burn, and the rest is history.  We don’t use this on our face on a regular basis, but if our skin gets really dry, moisturizing it with for a couple of nights does wonders and is far better than those pricey moisturizes.  A tin, which lasts forever, is under $10.

A Volumizer that Really Works

We love Debbie Zipp, our LA Editor, for introducing us to AVEDA Pure Abundance Style Prep. If your hair is need of volume, this product does the trick.  And you can even use it between shampoos as a pick me up too.  It’s formulated with a botanical blend of passion fruit, rice bran, acai oil, organic aloe and acacia gum.  It boosts volume with a natural corn-derived polymer-helping give fine, limp strands the hold they need for body that lasts all day.  It’s a little pricey, $27 for 3.4 ozs, but well worth it.

Burt’s Bees to the Hand Rescue

You can spend a ton of money on fancy hand creams too, but there’s one we really like.  Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream.  This super rich 100% natural hand moisturizer, contains sweet almond oil and vitamin E to help your hard-working skin.  And the beeswax helps seal and condition.  Plus, it has a pleasant, nutty almond scent.  You can get a 2 pack (2 Ounces) for  $16.00. Amazon.