BEAUTY SECRETS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

All over the world, everyone is on the lookout for the next beauty breakthrough that will help them achieve more radiant skin, silkier hair and a luminous complexion.

---

We’re always looking at international make-up trends and the beauty secrets of the stars to help us get that perfect glow at a fraction of the price.

Although genetics and lifestyle obviously play a role in our beauty attributes we can learn and make changes that will benefit our skin and bodies.

We researched some of the world’s best-kept beauty secrets. What do the Australians use to combat dandruff and can you use potato to alleviate dark circles? Read on to see what we discovered!

INDIA - TURMERIC
When it comes to silky and voluminous hair, India has good hair days covered. Turmeric is used as a spice in a lot of Indian recipes, it is also used before an Indian wedding where the bride performs the haldi ceremony and applies turmeric paste on her face and body, washing it off later to leave her with a brighter complexion.

DIY: You can make the same paste by mixing a teaspoon of turmeric spice, honey and plain yoghurt, mix well until you get a thick pasty consistency. Put a generous layer on your face and leave for fifteen minutes. Rinse thoroughly until the paste is completely off and no yellow residue is left on your face. You might have some yellow fingernails afterwards though but you’ll be pleased to see a gorgeous glow on your face. This method also helps to get rid of unwanted facial hair.

PHILIPPINES: COCONUT OIL
Introducing coconut oil to your beauty regimen may not be a new concept, but it is becoming more mainstream. It seems like every product from shampoo to shaving cream has coconut oil on the label.

It works wonders in achieving smooth, shiny and healthy hair. If you’re looking for a natural conditioner, look no further. Coconut oil is packed with antioxidants, which means it’s a wonderful moisturiser for your skin and also your hair.

Because coconut oil is so versatile, it’s no secret that you can find it almost anywhere you turn in a grocery store. Here are just a few ways coconut oil can be used in your beauty routine:

As a moisturising hair mask
To remove eye makeup
As an all-over body moisturiser
As a hot oil treatment to nourish the scalp

And here's the thing: you can use it straight from the jar to get some of the same benefits.

DIY: All you need is a tablespoon of coconut oil, heat it up (you can warm it in the microwave) so that it turns in liquid and then massage into your hair. Try to reach your scalp and the roots of your hair as well as the ends. The coconut oil will promote circulation in your scalp, which will help to bring nutrients to your hair follicles. This, in turn, will make your hair grow faster. You can use it as a pre-shampoo deep-conditioning treatment or leave it in your hair to keep it shiny all day.

BRAZIL - AVOCADO
Avos are one of the top beauty ingredients in Brazil and other Latin American countries. Even supermodels like Giselle Bündchen and Adriana Lima aren’t averse to using the fruit for some TLC as it’s so rich in vitamins and omega-9 fatty acids. It's great for your face as well as your hair.

DIY: Get an avocado, a banana and a tablespoon of olive oil. Mash them together to make a paste. Take the paste and rub it into the roots of your hair and work it down to the tips. Leave for 30 minutes and rinse with shampoo and conditioner – the results will amaze you! To use on your face: mash avocado with milk or honey, whisk into a smooth cream and spread a thick layer over your skin. Leave for 10 minutes then rinse off, and holy guacamole cue instant glow!

THAILAND - PAPAYA
Papaya fruit is a popular ingredient in Thai cuisine and is often added to salads and curries. The locals in Thailand often use the fruit in homemade body scrubs to give their skin a radiant glow. Papaya works as an exfoliating agent thanks to an enzyme called Papain. Carica Papaya is used in many shampoos, and hair conditioners. It is rich in amino acids and fruit enzymes and refreshes and stimulates.

DIY: Simply peel the fruit’s outer skin, mash to a pulp and massage into your skin. Wait for fifteen minutes and rinse off. Your skin will be left feeling soft and smelling deliciously fruity. 

AUSTRALIA - TEA TREE OIL
Itchy or dry scalp? Australians use tea tree oil as an ingredient to stop dandruff. You don’t need a lot – just add a couple of drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo when washing your hair. The tea tree oil will moisturise your scalp and prevent all that itching and flaking. Next time you buy shampoo choose one that has this amazing ingredient included.

If you’re having a breakout, why not dab a cotton wool bud dipped in tea tree oil on pimples to help the skin heal. It’s a natural skincare saviour and also helps to prevent acne and control breakouts without the need for harsh chemicals. Not only that, it apparently works to prevent and halt infection in things like new ear piercings, cuts, burns, and scrapes thanks to its anti-bacterial capabilities.

GREECE – OLIVE OIL
Greek women have incredible complexions and supple skin. They have a number of beauty secrets and the most well known is olive oil. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins and in one the best all-around best things you can eat. In Greece and Italy, women insist on olive oil as a regular part of their diet. Although butter or margarine is a common choice, these do not have the healthy antioxidants olive oil has. So you should consider buying a bottle next time you do your shopping. Use it on bread as an alternative to margarine and also cook with olive oil instead of vegetable oil. It’s better for your skin and health. 

SPAIN - POTATO SLICES
Yes, potatoes! Use them to combat those dark circles around your eyes when you’re tired or fatigued. Get rid of them by cutting thin potato slices and putting them over your eyes for ten minutes. This remedy works perfectly if you do it routinely. It's a great way to give your skin an instant boost early in the morning just before you head out to work. Try this if you need to look alert and refreshed. 

POLAND - HONEY
Polish women have long used honey as a moisturiser for their faces and bodies. It is great for firming and softening the skin, and honey has natural antibacterial properties making it great for acne treatment and prevention too. Honey is one of the easiest ingredients to find in your cupboard and holds so many beauty and health benefits.

DIY: The simplest way to get a wonderful moisturising body lotion; mix 1 tablespoon of honey, with 1 tablespoon of salt and splash a squeeze of lemon juice (a great skin brightener) and mix well. Apply to dry areas and leave for about 20 minutes. Wipe off with a damp cloth.

RUSSIA - OATMEAL
Turns out oats are great for skin care and treatments. Women in Russia use oats for facial masks.

DIY: Just take two tablespoons of oats and soak them in warm water until they turn soft, which should be about 10 minutes. Once the oats are soft, add a tablespoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix it up into a paste and apply the mixture on your face. Wait for 10 minutes and rinse off. Your face will be left feeling silky with a lovely soft glow. This is one of the best facial masks and so cheap and easy.

CHILE – RED GRAPES
Another unusual beauty recipe from South America for skin is crushed red grapes. Chilean women have gleaming skin thanks to a beauty secret of red grapes mixed with flour.

DIY: A handful of grapes is all you need and a couple of tablespoons of flour. Mix together until all the grapes are completely crushed, apply it to your face and leave for ten minutes and then wash it off. You should get a lovely glow to your skin and this can work wonders if you have fatigued complexion.

TOP TIP:
The best thing you can do your appearance and overall health is to drink plenty of water. Hydration helps to keep your skin stay moisturised and boosts your metabolism and keeps your energy up.

As you can see, most of these ideas are inexpensive, easy, and ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now. Have fun, and be sure to share your own beauty tips with us.