By Lesley Kennedy
Ever since Oprah sang the praises of acai, products from water to diet supplements to skincare products have been infused with the Brazilian berry.
Antioxidants and amino acids make acai, and other fruit- and berry- infused treatments, a natural for the beauty industry. Goji berries, blackberries and papaya are becoming common ingredients in the anti-aging market.
Here’s a look at some of the products we’re digging now:
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SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter ($150/1.7 oz. at SkinCeuticals.com):Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but we’re willing to forego our daily Starbucks latte to keep buying this product. Thick and creamy, the cream is supposed to improve sagging, crepeing or thinning skin. Blueberry extract, an antioxidant, is said to inhibit glycation (a cause of wrinkles). When I put the cream on my face and neck day and night, my skin almost instantly felt more plump and hydrated. In fact, all day long my skin felt dewy, even though I wear matte makeup. I couldn’t help but keep touching my face and marveling that even hours later, my skin hadn’t dried out (which it normally would in the Colorado air).
Pangea Organics Facial Mask — Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry ($40/2 oz., at pangeaorganics.com): When you’re short on time, you might want to reach for this all-in-one product from this great Boulder-based brand. It detoxifies, cleanses, moisturizes, exfoliates and helps reduce wrinkles. You leave it on for 10 to 30 minutes once a week. Antioxidant and anti-aging rich with acai and goji berries, it’s a bit goopy-looking, but leaves your skin feeling smooth and radiant. And here’s the really cool part: soak and plant the box it comes in, and in a few weeks, you’ll find edible Genovese Sweet Basil.
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel ($42/1.7 oz. at timetospa.com, select Nordstroms): Papaya and pineapple offer natural exfoliating properties to help smooth an brighten your complexion. Non-granular, it’s perfect for those with sensitive or mature skin. Rich in antioxidants, it offers much-needed moisture.
Ole Henriksen blue/black berry enzyme mask ($32/3.5 oz. at Olehenriksen.com, Sephora.com): This hydrating gel mask, used by the likes of Selma Blair, Lauren Bacall and Daisy Fuentes, includes blue/blackberry extract to promote cell 
renewal and smooth texture, papaya enzyme to smooth and help slough off dead skin cells, along with other moisturizing and renewing ingredients.
Ojon Batana Body Cream ($40/5.9 oz. at Sehora.com):If you love a scented body moisturizer, this may be the product for you. The naturally-fragranced Batana oil grew on me — it’s a little woodsy, but also a little sweet. The company claims the cream “instantly helps replenish the skin’s hydration by +51%” and I believe it. My body soaked up the lotion and felt moisturized all day long, but not a bit greasy. Copaiba and acai oils are used to 
provide antioxidants. The scent may be a bit strong for those who prefer fragrance-free products, but I like it as a replacement to perfume on a summer day or evening.
Make your own blueberry mask: If you prefer an all-natural, organic mask you can make from ingredients in your fridge, try this combo we mixed up at home. It left our skin feeling soft (and tasted delicious). Just be careful — blueberries can stain.
In a blender or food processor, mix 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup honey (or just some generous squeezes) and 1/2 c. plain, unsweetened yogurt. Apply to face for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.
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