As a college student it’s hard to find the time and the cash to invest in pricey beauty products. We often let our hair, nails and skin suffer due to stress and lack of time to give ourselves some much-needed pampering. Her Campus has dug up some of the best-kept beauty secrets that women all over the world use. The best part? You can put away your wallet because everything you’ll need can be found in your kitchen.
Jamaica- Acne treatment
Have a pimple that’s been giving you trouble? All you need is a little baking soda for that. Jamaican women combine baking soda and water into a paste and use it as acne spot treatment. As the paste dries, it sucks all of the dirt out of your pores leaving you with a smooth complexion.
France- Perfect manicure
We all have that one shade of nail polish that we love but when it’s time for a new shade, it will not go away and it sticks to your cuticles. Lemons are the answer to that problem. Soak your fingers in warm water with lemon juice in order to take away the tinge that your nail polish left behind so that your next manicure will be perfect.
Mexico- Gorgeous lashes
Let’s face it, lashes that have the perfect amount of curve can work wonders for your eyes. Who knew the secret to the perfect lash is in a spoon? Yes, a spoon! Mexican women hold the spoon horizontally so that the edge of the spoon touches the roots of their upper lashes. They press their lashes upward using the thumb of the same hand that they are using to hold their lashes. Once they have the amount of curl they want, they apply mascara.
South Africa- Beautiful hair During the winter, the harsh weather often leaves hair parched and brittle. The solution lies in the bottle of honey in your cabinet. To create a South African hair mask, mix a little olive oil, one egg yolk and honey. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it for 30 minutes. After rinsing you will be left with a beautiful mane.
Romania- Healthy nails
Manicures do not look as good if your nails are soft and brittle. If you have a bit of olive and vitamin A oil, then you have your ticket to healthy, strong nails and a gorgeous manicure. Romanian women have been doing it for ages. Soak your nails in warm olive oil and a few drops of vitamin A oil every two weeks.
Scandinavia- Reduce eye puffiness
It’s happened to all of us: we spend all night studying and when we’re getting dressed in the morning we notice that our eyes have huge bags under them. No worry, the solution is hidden in your fridge. Scandinavian women use mineral water to reduce puffiness. Use 15 to 20 splashes of cold mineral water to your eyes to rid your eye puffiness.
Chile- Skin that glows
Winter weather tends to dry out our skin leaving it dull and dehydrated. Use grapes to get back your glowing summer complexion. Chilean women make a paste by mashing up a handful of grapes and adding 2 teaspoons of white flour then applying the mask to their faces. After ten minutes, they take off the mask for a remarkable glow.
India- strong hair
Tired of split ends and breakage? Use coconut oil for stronger locks. Indian women have beautiful hair, and, with a little coconut oil, it stays that way. Massage coconut oil into your hair and scalp once a week.
Egypt- Silky skin
We all want silky, touchable skin that’s irresistible. It’s time to whip out that powdered milk that you’re never going to use anyway. Egyptian women take milk baths to get softer skin and remove dead skin cells. Add two cups of powdered milk to your bath the next time you’re in the bath tub.
Italy- Hair conditioner
The next time you’re out of hair conditioner, before making that emergency run to the nearest store, check your kitchen to see if you have any yogurt and olive oil. Italian women have been using this remedy for centuries, and they have gorgeous hair, so why not try it? Mix one cup of plain whole milk yogurt and one teaspoon of olive oil. Apply to freshly washed hair and let it sit for five minutes and rinse with cool water.
Sources:
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty-and-style/international-beauty-tips
http://shine.yahoo.com/great-skin/beauty-secrets-from-around-the-world-1675857.html
http://the-coveted.com/blog/2009/05/04/diy-beauty/
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/beauty-secrets-from-around-world?page=5#copy
Photo Sources:
Girls with flags, baking soda and spoons (photo): womenshealthmag.com; http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty-and-style/international-beauty-tips
Yogurt (photo): shine.yahoo.com; http://shine.yahoo.com/great-skin/beauty-secrets-from-around-the-world-1675857.html
Jamaican woman (photo): panachejmagazine.com; http://panachejamagazine.com/index.php?limitstart=36&limit=4
Mexican woman (photo): homadge.com; http://www.homadge.com/2011/08/something-with-jessica-biel-i-actually.html
Mineral water (photo): aviewfromtheright.com; http://aviewfromtheright.com/2011/08/31/evian-naive-are-you-a-sucker-for-bottled-water/
Scandinavian woman (photo): luuux.com; http://www.luuux.com/fashion/cutest-scandinavian-fashion-blogger-ever
Italian woman (photo): ourvanity.com; http://www.ourvanity.com/beauty/monica-bellucci%E2%80%99s-hot-italian-beauty-secrets/