Beauty rituals are as ancient as time itself. For centuries, women around the world have used natural resources to improve their appearance, and passed down those beauty secrets from one generation to the next. Did you ever wonder how Cleopatra maintained such smooth, milky white and supple skin? She filled her bath and basin with camel milk! Want to know the secret behind the radiant glow of Grecian skin? Ancient Greeks applied a mixture of honey and olive oil to their skin to emulate the goddess Aphrodite's natural shimmering complexion. If you want to discover natural remedies that women from different countries are using today to stay healthy and beautiful, then read on:
France - According to French make-up artist, Laura Mercier, French women have inimitable French manicures because they soak their fingernails in warm water with lemon juice to get rid of the yellow tinge that colored polish can leave behind. This optimizes the whiteness of the nail tips.
Japan - Japanese women are known for their long, silky, shiny hair. which many attribute to the miracles of seaweed. Whether simply eaten, or boiled and applied to the hair as a paste, seaweed nourishes and strengthens hair resulting in awe-inspiring beauty.
Sweden - Classic blond and blue-eyed beauties are blessed with clear and youthful complexions. As a result, many of us have wondered if Swedish women have indeed found the evasive fountain of youth? But Swedes swear that the secret to radiant skin is contained within their diet rich in fresh berries and grilled fish --- packed with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids indispensable for healthy and beautiful skin.
Romania - Recognized worldwide as beauty experts, Romanians share their solution for strong nails: combine warm water, olive oil and a few drops of vitamin A oil in a bowl, and then let your hands soak for several minutes to moisturize your nails and make them less prone to splitting and peeling.
Italy - The belle donne from Italia are known for their lustrous, luminous locks. To boost shine and fortify their hair, Italian women can't stay away from food! Whisk two eggs until frothy, and then apply the egg white mask to wet hair. Shampoo well, and rinse with tepid water, and next comes amore!
China - Ancient Chinese tradition says that to prevent premature aging of the skin, use rice water! Rich in anti-oxidants, rice water is used to cleanse the skin, even the skin tone, and naturally reverse sun damage.
Philippines - Filipino women break aloe leaves in half and massage the aloe gel into their scalp. Aloe has excellent healing properties, and it soothes dry scalp skin while simultaneously nourishing hair.
Brazil - Brazilian women, like Gisele Bundchen, are among the most beautiful women in the world so it's always good to learn their beauty secrets. Try this one next time you are relaxing on the beach: rub sand on your body! It will act as both an exfoliant and cellulite reducer.
Ivory Coast - As a natural, anti-aging remedy, many African women turn to Rooibos tea. As a drink, Rooibos is rich in antioxidants and also acts as an anti-inflammatory. But, rooibos can also be placed directly on the skin (after it is brewed) to treat infected and irritated areas.
Do you have any natural beauty secrets to share? Tell us! We want to know!
And, whether you drink your beauty or rub it on, here's how you can make every ounce of you look better. Check out the winning recipe-of-the-month below: The BeautyScoop Blueberry Blast Smoothie, by Meghan O'Reilly, and get prettier with every sip! And don't forget to submit your own favorite BeautyScoop recipe to info@beautyscoop.com for the chance to be next month's contest winner and receive a free canister of BeautyScoop.