It seems like every month there’s a brand new beauty tip or trick floating around that everyone just has to try. We’re putting lemon juice in our hair, coconut oil on our skin, even butter in our coffee! (bulletproof anyone?) But did you ever stop to think about where some of these beauty remedies come from?
Well, we decided to do a little investigating and, as it turns out, some of the best home remedies originated from the other side of the globe!
Here are some of the top beauty secrets we’ve picked up from women all across the world….
1. Brazil
Adriana Lima is arguably one of the most beautiful women on the planet. What’s her secret? According to the Brazilian supermodel, it’s coconut water she has to thank for her soft, glowing skin.
The natural product is super hydrating and ever so versatile. But before you go downing bottles of the stuff, remember there are plenty of other ways to get your coconut fix! Adriana even recommends putting iced coconut water on cotton pads and applying them to your face for five minutes or so.
Bioglan SuperFoods BioWater Powder 100g – Priceline, $14.96 |  |
2. Australia
Australian women are some of the most beautiful in the world (okay, perhaps I’m a little biased!) Either way, we’ve got some pretty gorgeous Aussie celebs to back up the claim. Iconic Aussie beauty, Elle Macpherson says she can’t travel anywhere without the humble Lucas Paw Paw, a 100% Australian ointment made from fresh papayas that can be used to soothe the lips and skin.
Ok, so this one is kinda obvious but it’s a must in any beauty gal’s bag.
LUCAS Paw Paw Ointment 25g – Priceline, 25g |  |
3. China
Chinese model Jin Weng says she loves to drink ‘good-for-the-skin’ herbal tea. The regime was passed down by her grandma to her mother, and is a massive part of Chinese culture. Green tea is especially powerful, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s no wonder skincare brands all over the world have been following in the footsteps of the Chinese and adding green tea extracts to their products.
La Clinica Rebalancing Green Tea Hydrating Mist – The Organic Beauty Shop, $23 |  |
4. Ivory Coast
Shea butter is the go-to item for women in West Africa, according to model Nina Keita, who was born on the Ivory Coast. This nourishing nut-butter softens the skin and can even be lathered through the hair as a hydrating mask.
Of course, there is one more reason we love Shea butter. To find out what it is, all you have to do is smell the stuff…one word – yum!
Crema Deep Conditioning Shea Butter Rich Body Butter 226 g – Priceline, $9.99 |  |
5. India
Indian actress Aishwarya Rai, who also happens to hold the humble title of ‘the world’s most beautiful woman’, loves her homemade remedies. She uses a mix of besan flour, milk and tumeric as an exfoliant, and yoghurt to moisturise her skin.
Yoghurt and other milk products contain a natural alpha hydroxy acid, which helps to smooth and exfoliate the skin. If you don’t feel like getting all sticky, try a pre-made yoghurt based facial mask. This one’s our favourite because with yoghurt, clay, wild honey and oats, it’s about as natural as you can get!
Farmhouse Fresh Pajama Paste Soothing Active Yogurt Mask – Strawberry Net, $33.50 |  |
6. Philippines
Women from the Philippines always seem to have incredibly luscious locks. Well, according to Lara Parpan, editor of Women’s Health Philippines, these results are actually super easy to achieve (and inexpensive too!).
Apparently, women in the Philippines use aloe to keep their hair glossy. The gel-like substance in the plant is similar to the naturally occurring protein in our hair and therefore helps to condition and promote hair growth.
Green People Daily Aloe Shampoo – Adore Beauty, $19.95 |  |
7. Jamaica
According to Jamaican born make-up artist Nadine Luke, women back home use a special magic potion that keeps their skin from aging. The ingredients? Simply vitamin E and moisturiser! I see no reason not to give this one a try…
Vita E Pure Vitamin E Oil 25 ml – Priceline, $16.99 |  |
8. Singapore
When it gets to summertime, I usually stick to one hairstyle – tied up and tied back. At least this way I can try and attempt to ensure my hair isn’t attacked by humidity! Well guess what? The women in Singapore have found a solution to conquer this hair-destroying heat!
According to Azreen Noor, a magazine editor in Singapore, a lot of women apply a few drops of coconut oil to their hair and leave it overnight. The girls at SWIISH are obsessed with this coconut oil serum from Priceline. It prevents split ends and keeps your hair shiny and frizz-free even on the most humid of days!
Anti-Breakage Serum Nourishing Coconut Milk 118 ml – Priceline, $17.99 |  |
We’d love to hear your beauty tips and tricks! Leave a comment for us below…
