When Derek Zoolander said “Water is the essence of wetness and wetness is the essence of beauty,” he was speaking the truth. There’s no way around it, loading up on good old fashioned H20 has innumerable benefits, including our favorite: luminous skin. And yet, like any sane human, we find the recommended eight-glasses-a-day routine to be a bit boring and downright logistically complicated (we have coffees to drink!). Since it’s well worth a little extra effort to hit that pesky quota, here are a few infusions that not only make the process a bit more exciting, but also pack in some bonus benefits that just might inspire you to skip latte number three altogether.
The Infuser
Prodyne Fruit Infusion Pitcher, $20
Use this acrylic pitcher to make at-home infusions by filling the central rod with the beauty-boosting goodies found below.
To Give Yourself A Pre-Workout Energy Boost
Watermelon and Jalapeño
Mix antioxidant-rich watermelon, chock full of disease fighting vitamins A and C, with jalapeños containing capsaicin, an endorphin releaser, for a motivating pre-gym infusion.
To Fight Wrinkles
Strawberry and Basil
Pair strawberries, which are packed with wrinkle-fighting vitamin C and fiber, with fresh basil, which is rich in heart-healthy vitamin K, to enhance water's ability to provide a youthful glow.
To Sharpen Your Focus
Peach and Cayenne Pepper
Slice up summer peaches, rich in vision sharpening beta-carotene, and top with a dash of detoxifying cayenne pepper for an instant dose of mental clarity.
To Find Your Zen
Apples and Cinnamon
Boost immunity with antioxidant-rich apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon extract, known to reduce blood sugar levels, for a calming, yoga-like mindset.
To Recover From A Junk Food-Fueled Weekend
Pineapple and Ginger
De-bloat with a combo of pineapple, packed with protein-digesting enzymes, and anti-inflammatory ginger, which also stimulates circulation.