While each country has its own beauty rituals, it’s always interesting to see what pampering secrets women across the world have to share.
Lucky for us, Hairtrade.com has done a bit of snooping and come back with some fascinating traditions we’re dying to try.
From Indian women using spices for more radiant skin to Swedish women splashing icy water on their face to reduce puffiness, it’s time for your round-the-world beauty trip…
Germany
To activate blood circulation, it’s not uncommon in Germany to tread in cold water (known as a Kneipp treatment). This traditional technique is said to strengthen your immune system and promote a good night’s sleep, keeping you in top condition.
Brazil
For skin that’s been out in the sun a little too long, Brazilians’ treatment of choice is a breakfast staple – oats. Not only a great extra to add to facemasks, mixing it with water helps to soothe skin.
France
In France, the tricks are all about your approach to beauty. A favourite way to keep skin looking its best is to take time when applying facial moisturiser, massaging it in.
Spain
To brighten tired eyes, a favourite Spanish beauty trick is to slice potatoes and leave them under the eyes. This adds a boost of extra hydration with a similar cooling effect to cucumber.
Sweden
The Swedish like to keep it natural and cool when it comes to beauty. From the simple trick of splashing icy mineral water on their faces to reduce puffiness, to making green tea ice cubes and using them as toner, ice-cold skincare is their approach for a fresh face.
Greece
A favourite Greek beauty product is olive oil, eaten to leave skin with a healthy glow or applied to the ends of hair to hydrate and protect. For trips to the beach, this product is applied all over hair before it’s tied up to protect it from sand and salt.
India
An unexpected Indian beauty ingredient is turmeric. While we tend to reserve it for cooking, turmeric paste can be applied to the face to make skin vibrant.
Singapore
Papaya is the magical beauty product in Singapore. It can be applied to the skin to increase radiance and also works as a natural exfoliator as it contains papain.
Morocco
Morocco’s not-so-well-kept secret is argan oil, used for almost anything. While we might already know that this is great for our hair, the Moroccans also use it as a rich moisturiser and relaxing bath oil.
Japan
To achieve flawless skin from within, the Japanese drink matcha green tea powder, which leaves skin looking vibrant and clear.
Poland
In Poland, they take to the kitchen for the surprising secret beauty product of egg whites. Applying a home-made hair mask containing whisked egg whites helps to strengthen hair and leaves it shiny.
Canada
After washing their hair, some brave Canadians turn the temperature down and cold-rinse their hair. This tames hair, preventing hair disasters down the line, and also works wonders on the skin as it helps to close pores.
Thailand
Another foodie favourite turned skincare product, Thailand’s beauty secret is coconut milk. Added to shampoo, this natural treatment softens hair and adds a little extra shine.
Italy
While the thought of adding garlic to our skincare routine doesn’t make us jump with joy, the Italians swear it’s well worth it. This traditional skincare secret is said to help reduce spots and calm bad breakouts.
China
In China, pearl powder is an essential part of some women’s skincare routine, applied to the face to keep skin bright and clear.
This article originally appeared in Good Housekeeping UK.
