Clay, seaweed, and…snail serum might belong in your cabinet.
In Japan, matcha isn’t just for drinking. Women there have been known to put the green tea powder in their hair to minimize thinning and amp up shine. That’s just one of the tricks Stephanie Flor, founder of Around the World Beauty, has picked up during her four years of traveling the world. A self-taught makeup artist who worked with clients like Mariah Carey, six years into her career, Flor was ready for a change. “I took all the money I made and decided to trade in my makeup bag for a suitcase, and I never looked back,” she says. In 2014, she started ATWBeauty, a space for people to “cross cultures and learn from one another.” Since then, she’s traveled the globe (30 countries and counting!) and picked up beauty insights from locals—like these favorites.
India
When a traditional Hindu bride gets married, she uses a turmeric paste on her face and hands in what’s known as a Haldi ceremony. It’s a symbolic gesture—the color of turmeric resembles that of the planet Jupiter, which astrologically represents prosperity and success. “By using masks with turmeric, the belief is that you’re attracting the planet’s energy,” says Flor. She adds that many women there also believe turmeric has bonus properties: Glowing skin.
Mexico
In Mexico, nectar from the Agave plant is mixed with oatmeal or cooked rice and turned into a face scrub to tap into the plant’s moisturizing properties, which they believe will “help with anti-aging and healing wounds,” says Flor.
Peru & Ecuador
While trekking Machu Picchu, Flor learned about the power of aloe. “It’s used there to treat dry skin, scalp, and hair issues,” she was told by locals on her hike. “I love to use it directly from the plant, and work it into the skin after a sunburn or wind rash.”
Australia
Native to Australia, the kakadu plum is high in vitamin C and often used in face creams. “It’s said to help prevent skin aging, cure breakouts, and heal pimples overnight,” says Flor.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. There, seaweed is used to make soap because it’s packed full of vitamins A and B12, as well as iron and zinc. “It’s both purifying and moisturizing,” Flor found.
Brazil
Acai berries are considered a beauty staple in Brazil. “Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, these are small antioxidant packed berries, which are said to help with anti-aging,” explains Flor. Not only can you eat them, but “you’ll see Brazilians use it as a cream” after smashing them and rubbing the juice on their hands.
Japan
In Japan, it’s believed that applying matcha to the scalp can prevent hair-loss and promote shine. They mix the matcha with one egg and a bit of coconut oil before putting the mixture on their hair, making sure to cover the entire scalp.
Morocco
In Morocco, rhassoul clay is said to remove impurities and detoxify the skin. Locals there mix the clay with water to create a paste. “The steam from the bath in combination with the clay is supposed to purify the body,” Flor says.
Haiti
Black castor oil is widely known because it’s filled with Omega fatty acids that can help moisturize and regrow hair. “We’re seeing this beauty ingredient incorporated into more and more shampoos and conditioners in the United States,” Flor says.
Korea
While in Korea, Flor learned about the art of massaging skincare products into the skin before applying makeup. “They told me that working something like a snail serum into your skin in circular motions allows the pores to open and soak in all the ingredients. It gives you a natural face lift and makes everything you use afterwards look even better,” says Flor. As far as technique, it’s about focusing on one area of the face at a time and applying pressure so the product really sinks into your skin. Snails? Well, in the name of beauty…
