We’re forever experimenting internationally with our tastebuds so why not experiment internationally with our beauty regime too?
Every country has their own beauty secrets and quick-fixes, passed down from generations before. We have the best of the secrets here on Her.ie, courtesy of beauty expert Shalini Vadhera and her international beauty cookbook, ‘Passport to Beauty’.
Get set for a secret beauty-tip trip around the world…
Spain
The Spanish apply thin slices of potato on their eyes for ten minutes to lighten the skin and fade dark circles after a night of partying.
Scandinavia
The woman in Scandinavia banish puffiness with 15 to 20 splashes of ice-cold spring mineral water. We’re thinking tap water could work too…
France
In France they apply freshly-cut and mashed grapes to make skin softer and more youthful. Grapes contain potent antioxidants and have moisturising benefits. C’est vrai!
Italy
Italian ladies rub olive oil on their lips to condition them and add shine. Pout-perfect…
Greece
Greek women massage olive oil onto their skin to soften dry, irritated skin and to treat sunburns.
Asia
In Asia, white camellia nut oil is used to moisturise, condition, nourish and soften skin. Shalini knows several celebrities who swear by the oil for preventing stretch marks while pregnant. Women also swear by it to promote hair growth, treat burns and strengthen nails.
Zimbabwe
The women of Zimbabwe drink a cup of hot tea with lemon at the beginning of the day to cleanse their system and jumpstart their metabolism. A slice of lemon could really add some zest to our morning cuppa…
India
Indian women understand the power of coconut oil and massage it into their hair and scalp once a week to strengthen hair, promote growth, help with split ends and make hair shiny.
The Indians swear by coconut oil…
Australia
The Aussies certainly know their hair-care and to get rid of dandruff, they add a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree oil to shampoo.
Chile
Chilean ladies give credit to the antioxidant powers of red grapes for their luminous skin. They create a paste by mashing up a handful of the fruit and adding 2 tablespoons of white flour. They then apply the mask to their face and leave it for 10 minutes before washing it off. Muy bueno! It wakes up the appearance of tired skin and gives you a healthy, beautiful glow.
Dominican Republic
These women are known for their super-strong nails. It might sound smelly, but they swear by garlic to keep their nails tough. Chop up the fresh garlic, add it to a bottle of clear nail varnish and let it stew for 7-10 days. The scent does disappear, ‘phew!’ says you. It has plenty of strengthening properties and is naturally antibacterial as well.
And, finally, not to forget our own!
Generations of Irish women have washed their hair with Guinness stout and claims it guarantees strong, shiny locks… Let’s hope that smell disappears fast too…!
