good for you, alaskan glacial mud.

i'm downing this champagne for educational reasons. this picture was taken on my napa valley wine tour last week and i think it's also a great example of how good my skin is looking (the only reason i feel justified in bragging like this is because it so did not look good before).

another step in the new upkeep regime? alaska glacial mud co. glacial facial in vanilla-lavender. when i got off that plane home from san fran last week my face had a baked on griminess sensation. i had used this facial masque a few times before the trip and was physically craving it by the time i stepped out of the cab to my apartment. i painted it all over with the facial brush (an extra $6, and it totally makes the experience) and let it dry and soak up all that scum.

the use of alaskan mud to remove impurities is actually a time-honored tradition in the region. using this product feels very natural (it is free of all synthetics) and the company itself is earth-friendly and dedicated to sustainability.

available at henri bendel's on 5th ave and online at www.alaskaglacialmud.com. $34 for a 3.5 ounce jar (around 20 applications).