Great News! Cocoa and Marshmallows Have Real Beauty Benefits

Cocoa's not only a delicious winter treat—it's also a hot beauty ingredient. (See what we did there?) Dr. Nicolas Perricone, author of anti-aging bible Forever Young, is one of the beauty industry's fiercest chocolate proponents. Seizing on the fact that cocoa is packed with antioxidants and mood-boosting benefits, he just launched a Cocoa Moisture Mask that will be available in Sephora and Ulta stores next month (and is available on his website now!)

Designed to combat dryness and boost radiance—and we all need that in the winter—the mask is filled with cocoa-enriched microcapsules and cocoa extract. "Believe it or not, a chemical within cocoa helps protect skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure, and can play a role in impacting the visible signs of aging," the doctor said in a statement. "On top of that, chocolate and cocoa can also help protect the cardiovascular system, ultimately playing a role in helping to reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis, a disease in which fatty deposits build up on the arteries’ inner walls."

Too Faced Cosmetics also makes liberal use of chocolate-y ingredients. Its coveted product range includes everything from Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow to Cocoa Contour. "When I was first starting out in cosmetics working behind the counter at the mall, I noticed women immediately smelled an item before applying it," Too Faced Cosmetics founder Jerrod Blandino told The Lookbook. "There are so many wonderful natural ingredients available that do very efficacious things that also happen to smell and taste amazing, like chocolate and peach." (The brand also has a popular peach-theme range.) "Did you know that cocoa is the most potent antioxidant on the planet, even more powerful than green tea? It's hydrating while remaining matte and nourishing to the skin," Jerrod added.

The product that has Jerrod particularly psyched right now is a new, cream-to-powder retractable brow pencil that will launch in 2017. Called "Chocolate Brow-nie" (we love it), the product adds precision and fullness to brows. Plus, "the cocoa complex we created hydrates the hair and conditions both the brows and skin for a healthier effect," Jerrod said.

And, what's cocoa without a little marshmallow? Ariana Grande incorporated marshmallow notes into her new fragrance, Sweet Like Candy. According to a press release, the perfume mixes sugar-frosted blackberries and bergamot with "velvety layers" of "fluffy marshmallow."

The fluffy stuff has also made its way into skincare. Accupunturist and holistic body therapist Kristy Goodger founded Elemental Herbology in 2008. She recommends the line's Purify & Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm for the colder months. Its active ingredients include cocoa butter and marshmallow extract, which work together to calm and soften the complexion. So, beauty buffs, let's cheers—with a cup of cocoa, of course—to a chocolate-filled winter!

The Lookbook is Bravo's home for inspiring content and experiences that feed fashionistas with a steady diet of share-worthy styles, personalities, and industry news. Like us on Facebook to stay connected to our daily updates.