Let’s Get Functional

functionalab at bendels.jpg Even beauty brands are taking on “inner beauty” lately.

A growing number of companies have started to explore “nutraceuticals” - water that will clear up your acne, supplements for supermodel-shiny hair - even Henri Bendel is jumping on the bandwagon. They’ve just unveiled a sleek new space to showcase their exclusive partnership with the upscale supplement brand FunctionaLab.

I’m nothing if not cynical of the beauty supplement trend, but I have to say I was impressed by the professionalism of the brand. Instead of a one-product-fits-all approach, FunctionaLab launched with hundreds of lab-tested and health-concern specific nutritional supplements. From customized programs to antioxidant-boosted elixirs, all are aimed at enhancing outer beauty through inner health.

The space is manned by licensed dietitians who walk you through a 10-minute lifestyle questionnaire aimed at identifying what specific parts of your diet are lacking and what areas of your health and wellness you want to improve.

I’m not one for the pop-a-pill-and-get-pretty school of thinking. That said, I think the brand’s hit on something worthwhile, focusing their products on customization, nutritional health and efficacy instead of trying to promote an unrealistic cure-all product that doesn’t deliver.

—MEGAN MCINTYRE

posted by guest

May 28, 2009 1:15PM

Interesting take - would be curious to see the reviews, or feedback from people who have tried the various solutions offered by the dietians.

posted by Megs252

May 28, 2009 1:34PM

They put me on a customized program based on my answers to the questions: how many veggies and fruits do you eat, whole grains, milk, meat, etc.

They also asked if I had any health concerns like digestion, sleep, joint pain, etc.

And they also asked about my exercise routine.

Based on my answers I was assigned to program 4 (whoo hoo digestive health) and I've been taking the supplements faithfully for the past 5 days. I haven't seen any noticeable changes yet, although I do feel a bit more energetic. That could be psychosomatic though.

The other thing to consider is that they definitely ain't cheap. The programs cost upwards of $150, depending on the one you get. The elixirs (which were actually quite yummy tasting btw) are the cheapest at $22 for four, but I feel like the supplements are where you get the most benefits from.

Ideally, yes I should be eating the right food and getting enough exercise — it'd be cheaper and probably have more lasting effects. But that is something I know I won't stick to, so at least this is doing me some bit of good, even if it isn't the best option. And compared to other beauty "nutraceuticals" already on the market, I think this is the best of the bunch.

posted by sugarshock

May 28, 2009 1:42PM

I've got to hand it to Functionalab for its slick design aesthetic and cool branding, which is getting a ton of press. However, there has been no substantiated proof that nutraceuticals can turn back the clock on skin. But people will continue to believe in the quick-fix approach: just look at the biggest beauty myth of all – that drinking water can improve your skin.

posted by darcykins

May 28, 2009 1:49PM

I love the clinical look when it comes to beauty supplies, I love when everything is somewhat scientific and real dieticians!

and guest 3: i don't think drinking water is a beauty myth. water hydrates cells including skin cells, no?
we would also die if we didn't drink water and being dead isn't usually so beautiful.

May 28, 2009 2:56PM

darcyskins - no, zombie-dom isn't pretty, but if you're dehydrated, then yes, your skin won't look great. But most of us get adequate water from the foods we eat and there's no evidence to suggest that guzzling water will give you model-esque skin (although they all claim it as their beauty secret).
See: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/28/health/28real.html?ref=health

May 28, 2009 5:03PM

yeah so who makes these "supplements for supermodel shiny hair", and where can i get them?!?! lol sounds intriguing. BTW girls, read the article in the new ELLE about cleanses and detox, its all about molecular biology and etc, and very interesting and realistic.

Jul 22, 2009 6:03PM

This is such a good idea! What goes inside your body, sugars, sodas, candy - usually shows up on the outside, when we really don't need it! I have found this great product recommended by Allure for acne. called Frutels. It's for all those things we love to eat but shouldn't which end up on my face as zits. And it's a sugar-free chocolate stuffed with vitamins and minerals to clear your skin. www.frutels.com