We’ve exalted the benefits of raw coconut oil as a beauty product for some time (for your hair, your body, your face; it can even be used to remedy pimples), as have a few holistic beauty lines (namely VMV Hypoallergenics and RMS, whose Raw Coconut Cream and Luminizer have become staples in these parts). But, taking a glimpse at the latest cosmetic offerings, it seems that coconuts have gone mainstream, making their way onto major-label ingredient lists, thanks to their ultra-hydrating properties (nothing beats coconut water for a hangover). Here's what's happening:
For your face** Lorac Cococin Cream Compact**: Eight shades of fragrance-free, paraben-free, and oil-free cream foundation, each infused with “Cococin'—a.k.a. freeze-dried water from a young, green coconut that's packed with hydrating and skin-nourishing potassium and minerals. (Thirsty?) The thin cream makeup—which warms up and spread easily on contact with skin, drying to a matte, powder finish—can be applied with fingers for spot correcting, or with the included hypoallergenic washable sponge for medium-to-heavy full-face coverage.
For cheeks Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée : The former model added two shades this month to her collection of thin gel blushes: Getaway Red, which, depending on application, can range from pale coral to candy apple, and Pink Escape, which can look like a minor sunburn or high-pigment fuchsia. The hydrating blushes soak in for long-wear color that can be built up from a tiny hint “I’m alive!”) to a full-on flush “I just ran here!”).
For cheeks a nd lips Stila Coconut Crush Lip & Cheek Stain: This multifunctional, Banana-Boat-scented stain uses coconut extracts to keep your skin plumped (turns out the ingredient is known to slow the degeneration of collagen). The twist-up goes on like a gloss, but, like a true stain, dries to a clean, moisturized finish, and can be personalized to create anything from a tawny tint to a deep metallic mauve on your lips or cheeks.
For lips Tarte Exposed LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint: Five high-pigment chunky lip crayons in shades ranging from natural (the deep-taupe Exposed), girly (the Bardot-approved pink Lucky ), to dramatic (the bright berry Lively), uses coconut extract to moisturize your mouth like a balm. The peppermint-scented color glides on smooth, smells like you just cleaned your mouth, and finishes like your favorite matte lipstick with color that's not going anywhere.
Now, go nuts. (Sorry...)