Gold for aging and flavor

GOLD IS. once again “in”.

The global crisis that has the world economy on its knees has made gold prices increase steadily and it’s expected to reach $2,000 an ounce in less than two years.

The precious metal and reliable commodity has also hit beauty shelves. Gold skin therapy is now the fashionable treatment in cosmetics.

Cream with gold particles is believed to nourish and improve skin tone and stimulate blood circulation.

It´s major claim to success is that it has the ability to fight cell aging thus becoming a youth elixir.

Of course this latest cosmetic rage is available in Panama.

The renowned Dr. Carmen Amada Pinzon offers gold treatments at her Dermoestetica clinic (Punta Pacifica) and the Imperim Spa (Obarrio) carries a gold body wrap treatment.

Rather than using pulverized gold creams, European cosmeticians use a gold thread technique that involves tiny gold threads which are passed through the skin to create a net-like structure under the skin's surface.

It is supposed to help to restore the firmness and elasticity of the face, decolletage, hands and buttocks.

The lips also get a royal treatment with a new product by Avon. Avon Panama recently launched their latest lipstick, Ultra Color Rich 24k Gold.

The lipstick is enhanced with pure 24k gold and aims to be ultra moisturizing.

My favorite color? Red, of course.

If, after you pamper your skin and redden you lips, you have an appetite for more gold, I have the perfect quencher.

Golschalger is an Italian cinnamon schnapps.

It is a clear liqueur with very thin, yet visible flakes of gold leaf floating in it.

The actual amount of gold is extremely small and serves as a novelty.

The German word, Goldschläger, (gold beater) designates the profession of gold leaf makers, who beat bars of gold into micrometer-thin sheets.

You can buy Golschlager at the Felipe Motta Wine Store for $20.50 plus tax.

Tonight I will stay home to recover from gold fever, chill my gold liquor and watch a movie. Film choice? James Bond’s 1964 movie Goldfinger. It stars my favorite James, Sean Connery.

Cheers!