GOODS FROM THE GRAPE: d’vine skincare

A bit of Merlot has always been a warm welcome to many restaurant tables. Now it may find a place in your medicine cabinet. No, no, not that way: I’m not suggesting that you put a hip flask in your bathroom. But I am suggesting that you treat your skin to a bit of d’vine vinotherapy, a recently launched skincare line made from wine extracts. Their menu includes cleaners, moisturizers and body lotions for men and women.

Originally born for use in a spa, these products are designed to treat all skin types using wine extracts. I tried the Fume Blanc cleanser, which is chock full of grape-seed and wine extracts, phytoalexins and L-Tartaric Acid. In laymen’s terms, this quartet acts as antioxidants and antihistamines, helps with bruises, and calms the skin under stress. That’s a lot for a bottle! Most people need to eat their daily fruit to get their skin to do this.

However, take note, the cleanser does smell a tad bit…well, “winey,” if there is such a word. For the oenophile, this is heaven. For those who are not, you may want to apply a smaller-than-dime size on your palm. The cleanser is milky in texture and moisturizes your skin (and boy does that feel good).

I also tried the Chablis Infusion moisturizer, which was very calming on the skin (much like the cleanser but it smelled better). It is completely non-greasy and light, and my skin felt moisturized throughout the day.

Other wine-inspired concoctions from d’vine include the Petit Sirah cleanser, Grenache Mist toner, Rose Champagne gel, and Pinot Noir body polish.

Skip the wine cellar; just make space in your vanity for these. Available at www.dvinetherapy.com