Beauty is universal, but each culture has its unique way of looking and feeling fabulous. From traditions that date back hundreds of years to present-day tricks, secrets passed down through generations have helped individuals around the world.
Now, here are some interesting beauty hacks from cultures across the globe that you can easily incorporate into your routine.
Japan - Japanese women have always been envied for their perfect skin. One of the most treasured secrets of Japanese women in terms of skincare is green tea. Rich in antioxidants, green tea is not only a healthy drink but also a very potent ingredient for skincare. Japanese women use it commonly as a toner to calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and protect the skin from sun damage. You can easily make a do-it-yourself green tea toner by steeping green tea in boiling water, letting the tea cool down, and applying it to your face with a cotton pad.
India - Turmeric is an Indian household staple and is well-reputed for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. In India, the application of turmeric paste is a traditional activity among brides before the wedding date, as it gives an extra glow to the skin. Mix the turmeric powder with gram flour, milk, and a pinch of honey to form the "ubtan" paste. It acts to brighten, exfoliate, and even reduces acne when applied on the skin.
Morocco - There is also argan oil, considered "liquid gold," which is a Moroccan beauty secret that has been widely adopted everywhere in the world. Extracted from the kernel of an argan tree, it is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Thus, very good moisturizer that can hydrate skin as well as hair equally. For many centuries, Moroccan women nourished their hair with argan oil, which gave strength to the hair as well as shined the hair. Just put a few drops on damp hair so frizz doesn't pop up!
Brazil - In Brazil, the delectable superfood known as açaí berries just so happens to be one of the secrets for maintaining beauty treatments. Rich in antioxidants, açaí berries shield the body from free radical damage, amplify collagen production, and keep the skin looking youthful. Hence, Brazilian women utilize açaí-based skincare products or craft their own masks by mixing açaí powder with honey and yogurt.
France - French women are often envied because of their effortless beauty, which sometimes starts with the simple, yet effective routine of skincare. Maybe one of their guarded secrets is in micellar water in gentle cleaning solution that cleans makeup, dirt, and oil without taking away the skin's natural oils. Micellar water is a formulation of tiny micelles or cleansing molecules that behave like magnets, lifting impurities out of the skin.
Egypt - One of the most famous beauty rituals of the legendary beauty and Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, is bathing in milk. The lactic acid of milk works as a natural exfoliant that effectively and gently removes dead skin cells, smoothening the skin. Adding a couple of cups of milk or milk powder to your bathwater will recreate this lavish experience in the comfort of your home. Soak in it for 20 minutes and add honey or essential oils to feel totally pampered.
By making these time-tested practices part of your own routine, you can now reap the benefits which global beauty wisdom has to offer.
