Jun. 29--Pomegranate became the "cool" fruit for the health-conscious not too many years ago. This exotic, reddish fruit is full of antioxidants and may be effective against preventing several types of cancer and heart disease.
Eventually, this acidic, citrusy fruit made it into more than juice. Last summer, I tried out a recipe for pomegranate daiquiris for some guests. A simple recipe search turns up a variety of chutneys, desserts, appetizers and cocktails.
And now Estee Lauder has used pomegranate oil extract in a new line of skincare products. According to Estee Lauder, the Nutritious Skincare Collection brings a balanced, radiant, healthy look back to the skin. This line was made for young women and is designed to keep skin radiant and sustain a youthful look.
The skincare line consists of four products:
1. Nutritious Purifying 2-in-1 Foam Cleanser, which can be used as a foaming cleanser in the morning to give skin a radiant glow and/or as a dry cleanser at night to draw out impurities. Price: $18
2. Nutritious Vita-Mineral Radiance Serum, which is designed to "renew skin's natural glow, restore clarity, rejuvenate skin support and strengthen skin." The serum is applied after using the cleanser in the morning. Price: $40
3. Nutritious Vita Mineral Moisture Lotion was developed for oilier skins and humid climates. It is used in the morning and evening to "replenish skin's moisture." Price: $36
4. Nutritious Vita-Mineral Moisture Gel creme was developed for drier skin and cooler climates. It offers "deep hydration." It is also used in the a.m. and p.m. Price: $36
Two fellow Star staffers and I took a break from our daily skincare routines and tried out this new line.
* * *
Skin type: Oily, especially during the summer
The cleanser in this skincare line was great. It smelt wonderful and left my skin feeling refreshed. I liked the fact that you can use this product as a foaming cleanser or dry. When using it dry, you're suppose to leave it on for five minutes. Using it this way made me feel like I had gotten out all the makeup and impurities in my pores, particularly after a humid summer day.
I didn't feel like the serum did much to my skin. This product may be one of those that makes a telltale difference in the long run.
I did like the moisturizing lotion. It left my face radiant and not at all greasy. I do wish the lotion had a SPF (sun protection factor).
-- Lora Reynolds, Star assistant news editor
* * *
Skin type: Combination, but on the more oily side
I really loved the cleanser most out of this skincare set. The scent is great, though I don't pick up on the pomegranate aspect as much.
I prefer the foaming cleanser method to the dry one. It foams up very nicely and leaves my skin squeaky clean, soft and refreshed. The follow-up serum goes on nicely but I'm not sure if it did much for my
skin. The lotion is a wonderful moisturizer for my skin type -- it absorbed into my skin and didn't leave me with a greasy face, as many moisturizers tend to do, especially in the summer heat.
Overall, I enjoyed the set and would likely purchase it for myself. I am interested to see if my skin's quality improves from a month of use with these products.
-- Katrina Whisenhunt, Star copy editor
* * *
Skin type: Normal with dry patches
I really liked the cleanser. I only used it in the morning and it left my face smooth and hydrated, unlike some other cleansers that dry out my skin.
I couldn't figure out if the serum actually did anything ... it was just something that I spread on my face before the moisturizing creme. The creme, on the other hand, made a noticeable difference. After using it, my skin was primed for an easy make-up application.
-- Deirdre Long, Star entertainment editor
About Lora Reynolds
Lora Reynolds is the Anniston Star assistant news editor. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama.
-----
To see more of The Anniston Star or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.annistonstar.com/.
Copyright (c) 2008, The Anniston Star, Ala.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
NYSE:EL,