A Real Boozy: Cosmetics that appeal to the lush in all of us

by Heather Bouzan, 11-30-2007

They're the apartment-bathroom equivalent of an open-air spa treatment at a French vineyard: Caudalíe's Vinothérapie Scrubs ($35; $32/set of three minis), at Sephora (Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.262.4200), are available in three "varietals." The two grittier formulas, Crushed Cabernet and Merlot Friction, are made with grapeseed, sugar, and essential oils; the Cabernet scrub has slimming effects, while the Merlot firms skin. The gentler Sauvignon softens with grapeseed oil, licorice, and menthol - and it's mild enough for use on the face. We love their distinctive "just uncorked" aroma, too.

We'll admit it: we've been known to sip a beer in the shower when in a pre-party rush. But Philosophy's "The Cocktail Party" ($30) takes a boozy rinse-off to the next level with its triumvirate of rich, creamy shower gels in Mimosa, Melon Daiquiri, and Senorita Margarita. A prime example of the versatility of Philosophy's formula, the gels double as shampoos and triple as bubble baths. And the label on each bottle features a recipe for its respective drink - because you never know when you might find yourself craving a 'rita in the tub. Get yours at Sephora.

Ever since doctors declared red wine good for us, we've been taking full advantage - and so, it seems, is hairstylist to the stars Ted Gibson. His trio of "It Series" products - "Build It" Blow Drying Agent ($28), "Fix It" Gel ($28), and "Tame It" Shine Lotion ($31) - contain merlot complex, which is comprised of antioxidants that strengthen hair's natural proteins and keep locks looking and feeling their best. Designed to meet the high standards of other professional stylists, Gibson's line is also easy enough for us amateurs to use. Find it at Saks Fifth Avenue (Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.262.8500).

We learned early in our drinking days that mixing our alcohols is never a good idea. So the Bare Escentuals Blendable Eye Collection in Wine Country Glimpses ($36) is a bit counterintuitive - but we love its foolproof formula. The kit encourages layering the soft, sheer washes of color and includes a trio of complimentary shadows. Applied wet or dry, the Chardonnay Glimpse works as an all-over shade or a below-brow highlighter, while the Merlot and the Pinot Noir Glimpses are best layered in the eyelid's crease. Pick up the set at Bare Escentuals (Natick Collection, 1245 Worcester Street, Natick, 508.647.5991).

We so like the idea of splashing our face with Champagne each morning that we can stomach the price tag on Z. Bigatti's Re-Storation Champagne Gel Cleanser ($69), available at www.zbigatti.com. The cleanser is formulated with the same grapeseed extracts found in the bubbly stuff. Makeup dissolves away, pores shrink into oblivion, and skin is left feeling soft, revitalized, and hydrated. Vitamins (A and B9), proteins (wheat and soy), and botanicals (carrot root, green-tea extract, and aloe-vera-leaf juice) enhance the formula.

Flavored cosmetics might be a bit cheeseball, but who can resist a hangover-free fruity delight? That's why we can't help liking Urban Decay's Cocktail Collection, which comes in Cosmopolitan (sheer pink), Piña Colada (pearlescent white), and Mai Tai (subtly sparkly gold). Dust on a hint of shimmer with the Flavored Powder Body Brush ($30), smooth your rough patches with Flavored Body Balm ($25), and top it all off with a slick of Shot-O-Gloss ($15). Find 'em all at www.urbandecay.com. @