It’s that time of year again, when your New Year’s health resolutions have grown stale and thus deemed too ambitious to see through till the end of 2014. Committing to a vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian, flexitarian, paleo, low-salt, only-salt diet might not have been the best choice to begin with, anyway. And eliminating coffee has probably made you far less productive (not to mention far less friendly). I'm with you. But you make resolutions for reasons. So, as the temptation to return to utter gluttony creeps in, allow me to suggest one antioxidant-rich, detoxifying drink to add to your routine (or swap with a particular highly-caffeinated beverage), to help you get back on your health kick before you completely abandon ship: tea.
You see, tea can be relaxing, metabolically stimulating, detoxifying, and as a result, make you more beautiful. Working to hydrate your skin by starting from within, the options below not only taste good, but also require you to reserve at least a few minutes of zen time for yourself. Pinkies up to sipping away stress and skin impurities.
Time Reverser: The Republic of Tea's Get Gorgeous
When carving out 30 minutes for a face mask may seem like the last thing you have time for, this tea's ingredients fight against free radicals, pollutants, and other aging factors, providing you with many of the same benefits as a traditional clay mask without getting your hands dirty. A good option before going to sleep, it's caffeine-free and has a smooth hibiscus flavor.
Detoxifier: Kusmi Tea's BB Detox
Intrigued by the detox juices and diets that seem to get celebrities looking their best, I couldn't wait to try Kusmi Tea’s first-ever BB (Beauty Beverage) Detox tea. Highly concentrated in maté and green tea to ease the removal of extra fluids and accelerate toxin elimination, this tea could be an easy replacement for the more hardcore alternatives. The hint of grapefruit provides a sweet kick to the earthy flavor, and the dandelion root simultaneously supports immune system function and helps to even out your complexion. Work this tea into your daily routine to de-bloat and recover from a killer night out.
Cool, Calm, and Collected: Tea Forte's Cucumber Mint
For the tea virgins out there, I encourage you to begin with this one. Not ready to sip water infused with root extracts and flower petals? A simple mixture of green tea, cucumber, mint, and blueberries offers a crisp and refreshing taste, working in collagen-boosting antioxidants and peace of mind.
Treat(ment): Tea Forte's Cherry Marzipan
Worried about the taste of a tea that claims to have anti-inflammatory, soothing, and nourishing properties? Well, Oprah described this one as “dessert in a mug.” Acerola cherries, toasted almonds, and raspberry leaves combine to create a surprisingly accurate marzipan taste, sure to go down easily.
Refresher: Miyu Mi's De-Stress Beauty Tea
With (sugar) pearls in the teabag, you can channel your inner bougie Marie Antoinette. An unexpectedly invigorating mixture of licorice root, chamomile blossoms, and peppermint, this blend strikes the perfect balance between sweet and minty. After each sip, the peppermint leaves behind a tingling and cooling taste that freshens your breath and leaves you ready to be kissed.
Easy to integrate into your already on-point wellness routine (or maybe you will get there soon…), these drinks work with your body. Slipping a tea bag into at least one of your daily glasses of water will provide you with enough wrinkle-fighting antioxidants and detoxifying botanicals to have you looking and feeling fresher than you did in 2013.
—Jessica Harrison
Jessica is a former ITG intern and is graduating from NYU in May with a major in Global Beauty Marketing. Follow her on Instagram @j3ssicaharris0n and visit her website jessicalharrison.com.
