Natural Beauty Secrets From Around the World

Department stores, supermarkets, gas stations, and pharmacies... beauty products are sold just about anywhere and everywhere these days. From budget line to high-end name brand, companies have developed marketing strategies that reach consumers from every economical background, all over the globe.

But wanting to look beautiful is no new trend. Cleopatra was decorating her eyes using homemade charcoal makeup long before your favorite cosmetic line launched its first eyeliner pencil. Native American women used berries to color their lips red, and plants to dye their hair glossy hues of auburn brown and midnight black. The list goes on and on.

However, over time, such remedies have undergone a rather, less-pretty makeover. Many cosmetic products have transformed from being nature-based, to chemical-based.

Fortunately, in recent years, the beauty industry has rekindled a relationship with Mother Nature’s recipes and consumers are being enlightened on the many benefits of naturally based cosmetic products. The only problem: manufactured products boasting nature’s ancient beauty recipes sometimes come with a hefty price tag.

But don’t let that bum you out. There are dozens of all-natural, easy to make yourself, tonics that will enhance your natural beauty just as much as that raw, $50 eye cream you were eying in the department store.

So put your credit card back in your wallet; and instead, allow yourself to peruse the world of it’s fabulously, organic (and inexpensive) beauty secrets!

The remedies below offer a plethora of DIY ideas to get you started right from your own kitchen. Whether it’s a hair mask, anti-wrinkle cream, or acne facial cleanser you’re looking for, Mother Nature’s beauty line has got you covered!

The Caribbean

Dominican Republic: Garlic for stronger nails! 

Tired of your brittle nails breaking all the time? Take a tip from the ladies of the Caribbean and embrace one of the many benefits of garlic!

Chop up some fresh garlic and drop the pieces inside a bottle of clear nail polish. Allow the magic to happen by letting the garlic sit in the polish for a week, to a week and a half.

When your garlic-enhanced polish is ready to go, apply directly to your nails as you would normal nail polish! But be forewarned: the garlic aroma can be quite intense! My suggestion- apply in the morning, perhaps on your day off or- after drying, layer another polish over the clear to help mask the smell.

The Middle East

Israel: Prevent wrinkles with ginger and honey!

Have any unwanted wrinkles creeping up on you? Or just simply want to prevent them from coming?! An easy trick from the women of Israel can help keep you looking fresh and young! All you need is some fresh ginger and a spoonful of honey.

Finely dice a small piece of gingerroot; or, even better, use a grater if you have one.  Mix the ginger with the honey and add a little bit of water until you have a smooth consistency. Rub the mixture onto your face, focusing on wrinkle-prone areas especially around the eyes and mouth.

The honey gives this facemask a sweet aroma, while also moisturizing your skin. The ginger produces revitalizing warmth and is packed with properties that help rejuvenate and tighten the skin.

This technique is a great morning ritual. Stick with the concoction on a daily basis and you’re sure to notice a difference! Pre-existing wrinkles will naturally shrink – or, if you’re young and don’t have any yet, this routine is an excellent way to maintain your youthful skin!

Asia

China: Keep your face looking young and radiant with rice water! 

Rice is much more than an important dietary staple. It’s an incredible beauty secret! Women in China have discovered the amazing benefits of cleansing your face with rice water.

Chock full of antioxidants, rice water nourishes the skin and fights harmful free radicals that lead to aging. Soak a cup of Chinese rice in a bowl of water for just 20 minutes. Strain the rice out. Using a washcloth, soak up the left over water and smooth it over your face.

Try using this rice-cleanser once a week and you should notice results as soon as after one month!

Mediterranean

Greece: Food for your hair- yogurt and olive oil!

That amazing Mediterranean sun may help give Greek women their fantastic bronze glow, but it can certainly take a toll on their locks! Fortunately, these wise ladies have long since solved that issue with a quick and easy, natural conditioning treatment.

Mix one cup of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of olive oil. After shampooing hair, apply the mixture and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing out. Let your hair air dry afterward and enjoy a nice, lustrous shine! This all-natural treatment not only gives your hair a visible boost of vibrancy; it’ll also make your locks soft and silky! Feed your hair this concoction once or twice a week and I promise, you’ll be happy!

Southern Asia

India: Turmeric for flawless and vibrant skin!

Turmeric is certainly an amazing cooking ingredient; but did you know it can also do wonders for your skin?

Before an Indian wedding, brides commonly perform a ceremony called the ‘haldi,’ in which they apply a paste made from turmeric and chickpea flour to their face and body. After washing the paste off, the bride is left with vibrant, healthy looking skin for her big day! The mixture works as an exfoliant and a natural glow booster.

Turmeric also treats and prevents acne! You can make a great facemask by mixing a teaspoon of turmeric powder with honey and yogurt. Combine ingredients until you have a thick, pasty consistency. Apply to your face for fifteen minutes and then wash off. Don’t worry; your skin won’t turn yellow! But you will see a nice glow!

If you’re looking for more of an exfoliating face scrub rather than a mask- combine turmeric powder, chickpea flour, yogurt, and honey for an awesome cleanser! If you don’t have yogurt on-hand, you can add a few drops of water instead, until you get the desired consistency.

Need a quick zit-buster? Mix a tiny bit of turmeric powder with a drop of water. Apply a small layer of the paste on any problem spots. Turmeric’s antibacterial properties will help clear up those blemishes! You can even sleep with this spot-treatment and wash it off in the morning.

Central America

Costa Rica: Shrink your pores with orange juice!

Ever glance in the mirror and wish your pores looked a little less… obvious?? Women in Costa Rica have a quick-fix answer that can accomplish just that! The secret ingredient: orange juice.

Combine a bit of water and orange juice (equal parts). Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to your face. Let it sit for about 3-4 minutes before rinsing off. This all-natural concoction works to instantly shrink your pores!

While this trick won’t last forever, it’s still a great temporary solution!