5 UNUSUAL AND REMARKABLE BEAUTY TIPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

We bring you a shortlist of beauty hacks from different parts of the world using very ordinary but unexpected products.

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MEXICO: TEASPOON AS A LASH CURLER
A teaspoon can be used for several different things that have to do with food – but you wouldn’t imagine that beauty is one of them. People with straight lashes often curl them using a lash curler. This makes them face up and show off their length. To curl lashes using a teaspoon simply place the teaspoon horizontally with the inner part of it over the eyelid. Place the edge of the teaspoon at the base of the lashes, and using your thumb or index finger, begin to gently press the lashes up against the teaspoon. Then gently move the edge of the teaspoon against the lashes towards the tips. Continue to do this until you're happy with the results.



CHINA: RICE WATER TO CLEANSE THE FACE
We already know about using rice water for hair, but did you know it can work as a face cleanser too? For this trick to work, you can’t just use any rice. Chinese rice, which can be found at stores that sell Chinese food, is the one that does the trick. Simply take half a cup of rice and soak it in one and a half cups of water for 20-30 minutes. Strain the rice and apply the water to the face using a cloth. Rice water is rich in antioxidants, which are full of anti-ageing properties that protect the skin from external factors.

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INDIA: TURMERIC FOR OVERALL HEALTH AND GLOWING SKIN
Turmeric is commonly used to give dishes flavour and colour, but it is also rich in nutrients. Like numerous spices that are used in Indian dishes, turmeric goes back thousands of years. This precious root is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and some of the health benefits that come with using turmeric include, improving heart health, preventing Alzheimer's and cancer, reducing symptoms of arthritis, correcting digestive disorders, alleviating respiratory infections and allergies, as well as giving skin a healthy glow.



BRAZIL: OATMEAL BATH FOR SUNBURN
Let’s be honest, spending time in the sun is fun - and there’s so much to do too. However, the sun is known to wreak havoc on the skin if it is not protected. And even if it is protected, sensitive skin is likely to react after long periods of exposure. In Brazil, an anti-inflammatory rich oatmeal bath is the ideal cure for this. You may be thinking that you need to fill a bathtub with oatmeal, but no! Simply put two handfuls of oat flakes into a bandage or permeable cloth and attach it to the bath tap so that the water runs through the oats before it goes into the bathtub. This way you’ll have oat-infused water. The water needs to be cool to further aid the soothing effect. Soak yourself in the water for as long as you need and use a soothing moisturiser thereafter.

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GREECE: OLIVE OIL FOR OVERALL HEALTH AND HAPPY HAIR AND SKIN
Known for their healthy Mediterranean diet, the Hellenes put olive oil in most of their dishes. And you may be thinking that this is a bad thing because goodness - all that oil! But unlike other oils, olive oil is full of essential fatty acids, which are great for good health and healthy hair, skin, and nails. Apply it to your skin and hair too for added nourishment.

Related article: How to take care of your skin

Extra Sources: thetravel.com, theblondeabroad.com

BY NTHABISENG MAKHOKHA