PEPPERMINT PARADE OF BEAUTY BENEFITS

12-20-11 | Posted by L.A.

There is nothing as nostalgic as a peppermint candy cane. The red and white striped sweet goes hand in hand with childhood holiday memories of Santa, Frosty, Rudolph and The Grinch. In addition to being a delectable edible, peppermint has many beauty and health benefits. A cross between watermint and spearmint, the oil from the peppermint plant can soothe aching feet as well as settle an upset tummy (perhaps suffering from too much holiday cheer!). Applying peppermint oil to your scalp not only makes your hair smell good, it promotes hair growth, increases blood circulation and adds gloss. And did you know that the menthol in peppermint is good for those of us with oily skin as it controls excess oil production and promotes a healthy glow.With so many benefits, no wonder there is a bounty of beauty products with peppermint. To celebrate the season, hereâ€™s a roundup of peppermint hair and body products along with a lip treatment or two.

LATHER WITH CHEER

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Philosophy Candy Cane Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath is filled with crisp, cooling candy cane sweetness to invigorate your senses and scrub you clean from head to toe. The moisturizing 3-in-1 formula leaves skin and hair feeling ultrasoft for those mistletoe moments. Plus the bottle is killer cute! $16 at Nordstrom.

ITâ€™S A WRAP

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The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Foot Set features scrub, spray and lotion to provide welcomed relief for tired tootsies. The products feature refreshing peppermint from England and the boxed set makes a fantastic gift for anybody on your wish list. Buy one for yourself, too. $32 at www.sephora.com/.

GIVE THEM A HAND

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Give a welcomed gift of Avalon Organics Therapeutic Peppermint Hand & Body Lotion. This revitalizing lotion is rich in plant lipids and delivers sumptuous hydration to chapped hands and winterized skin. Itâ€™s easily absorbed and leaves a minty afterglow. Contains no harsh chemicals or artificial colors. Not tested on animals. We give it high marks. $11.95 at www.drugstore.com/.

THE SWEET SMELL OF SEXINESS

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Give your hair a boost with Carolâ€™s Daughter Rosemary Mint Clarifying Sulfate-Free Shampoo. This flavored shampoo washes away buildup from styling products without stripping your natural moisture. The blend of rosemary and peppermint oils invigorates the scalp and leaves hair manageable and shiny. $13 at www.sephora.com/.

GREAT FOR GUESTS

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Place a bar of Dr. Bronnerâ€™s Peppermint Soap in your bathroom and guests will come out with smiles on their faces. Made with organic oils, this pure castile peppermint scented soap tingles and stimulates the senses. It comes wrapped in recycled paper. A bargain at $4.49 at www.drbronner.com/.

KISSING PERFECTION

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Youâ€™ll be a sensation this season with Crabtree & Evelyn Peppermint Lip Swirl. This soothing and protective moisture imparts a luscious shine to lips along with a hint of color and the cool minty taste. The adorable red and white tube is not only pretty, itâ€™s convenient to take with you on your travels. $9 at www.crabtree-evelyn.com/.

JUNE IN DECEMBER

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Enjoy the invigorating aroma of June Jacobs Peppermint Foot Mist. Formulated with nourishing peppermint oil and vitamin E, this natural antiseptic cools feet and leaves them refreshed, rejuvenated andrevived. Paraben and preservative-free. $40 at www.skinstore.com.

AWESOME DUO

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Aromatherapy Associates Rescue Lavender & Peppermint Bath & Shower Oil contains lavender, peppermint AND coconut oil, which will cool overheated skin and refresh an aching head, especially if youâ€™re romancing the holidays in the tropics. Simply add one capful to your bath or apply to body before showering. Not recommended for use during pregnancy. $63 at www.skinstore.com/.

LOVE YOURSELF

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Give the gift of love with Loving Naturals Hand & Body Lotion. Formulated with 100 % natural organic ingredients, the peppermint and vanilla oils contain skin healing properties that will clear the senses so youâ€™re Santa-ready. Ideal for sensitive skin. $7.99 at www.loving-naturals-skin-care.com/.

SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB

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Malin+Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub gently and effectively purifies and balances all skin types. Helps shed dead skin and stimulate cell renewal. Soothes without irritation or drying and rinses free of residue for smooth and supple skin with a hint of mint. Made in USA. $30 at www.drugstore.com.

A TWISTED TREAT

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Bath & Body Works Twisted Peppermint Triple Moisture Body Cream is a seasonal favorite and so inexpensive you can drop one in everybodyâ€™s holiday stocking. Fortified with proteins and rice bran, this fragrant cream provides deep, lasting moisture and softens even the driest of skin. Get them while they last. $12 at Bath & Body Works nationwide. Buy 3, get 3 FREE!

PUCKER UP

Tarte Peppermint Infused Hydrating Lip Tint Trio keeps lips looking soft, thanks to a hydrating formula infused with peppermint. The two original tints deliver a flush of color that stays put all day, while the luster tint offers a high dose of gloss and shine. Youâ€™ll be so kissable! $33 at www.qvc.com/.

ITâ€™S A LOCK

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Treat your locks to Philip B. Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo. This luscious product contains 16 plant extracts to clarify and restore body and volume to your winter-worn tresses. The mint refreshes and relieves the scalp while stimulating circulation. Rinses clean and leaves hair smelling great. $28 at www.Neimanmarcus.com.