Especially now that “going green” has proven itself a trend
that, shockingly enough, might actually endure, emails trumpeting the launches
of the latest all-natural, eco-obsessed beauty treatments appear in our inbox
almost daily. But rarely do the serums, lotions, and masks being hawked
actually sound good enough to eat. That’s indeed the case, however, with
Cali-based skincare line The Body Deli, which
recently landed, for the first time in the Northeast, on shelves at Brad
Duncan Skin Care (530 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.482.1700).
Produced with the freshest possible food-grade ingredients, each product is
handmade in small batches and stamped with an expiration date to assure its
optimum performance. Much of the line, composed of yummy-sounding formulations
like Sage & Grapefruit Cleanser and Blueberry Fusion Scrub, even requires
refrigeration. (We popped all of our testers in the fridge for good measure.)
The Body Deli has earned a place next to our string cheese and seltzer water by
virtue of the fact that each product a) looks, feels, and
smells amazing and b) actually seems to be working. After only a
few daily passes of the regimen outlined below — each item of which is an
element of Duncan’s Superfood Facial ($130), we might add — we’ve noticed a
renewed glow in our skin. This is one form of
playing with our food that even Mom would approve.
Rose Geranium Cleanser ($22). Much to our
surprise, this “gentle” and “soothing” cleanser took off every last smudge of
our mascara. With barely any foam, the milky-textured cream cleans without
overdrying, leaving you refreshed sans that typical tight-skinned feeling.
Blueberry Fusion Scrub ($36). We’re always wary
of the effects of scrubs on our sensitive skin, but this one, safe for use a
couple of times per week, avoids the harshness of more chemical-laden formulas.
We can’t get enough of its rich purple hue and super-fresh scent, and we love
the fact that “natural earth particles” (sounds like: dirt?) give it its grit.
Cucumber Juice Toner ($22). An amazing refresher
straight out of the fridge, this is something we suggest stashing in your
company kitchen for a little midday pick-me-up. The product tones without
stinging, but it does leave you with the slightest refreshing tingle. It also
serves as a fantastic alternative to the “cucumber-slices-over-the-eyes” trick
for the woman with zero time to spare.
Sea Cucumber Gelee ($45). Slightly gooey (but in
a good way), this moisturizer feels a little too mask-like for under-makeup
wear. Instead, we prefer it in the evenings before bed or on days when we go
bare-faced. Cooling and soothing, it imparts that dewy look and has made marked
improvements in our overall skin tone.
Crème de la Rose ($75). A bit more daytime
appropriate in smaller quantities, this silky anti-aging treatment recalls the
signature creams of some of the frou-frou brands — only they price theirs a
couple hundred bucks higher. Before bed, we enjoy it paired with the Gelee;
come morning, of late, our regular dry patches have all but disappeared.
