4 Beauty Tips From Abroad You Can Try This Weekend
You could travel around the world for expensive (and edible) spa treatments — including one in which you can swim in pools of beer — or you could let the beauty secrets of the world into your home. Even better, you probably won't need to spend a penny on any of these tips, as the ingredients are most likely already in your fridge or pantry. And if they're not, then your trip to the grocery store is overdue, and you should take care of that as soon as possible.
We've sourced tips from our list of beauty hacks around the world to help you target four very important zones: hair, skin, nails, and eyelashes. After a relaxing day at home, gather some friends and experiment with these treatments before going out — you'll paint the town red, looking and feeling great.
Beauty may or may not be in the eye of the beholder, but it always starts at home.
Egg White Hair Mask
The idea of putting mayonnaise in your hair might freak you out, but there is a reason companies are starting to bottle mayonnaise that's meant specifically to be applied to hair: it works. In Italy, women make a frothy mousse of two egg whites and apply it to their hair, leaving the mask in for 10 minutes. This prevents follicles from drying out and gives hair a rich Mediterranean glow.
Garlic Nail Polish
Good DIY manicures start with strong, healthy nails, and one easy way to get them is with garlic. Women in the Dominican Republic put minced garlic into clear nail polish and let it sit there for a week. It's smelly at first, but smelly garlic doesn't stand a chance against the fumes of nail polish. When the mixture is ready, apply it to your nails and notice the difference. You won't be able to have those nice nails this weekend, but if you start the process now, you can show them off on Memorial Day weekend.
Red Grape Face Mask
Women from Chile fight tired-looking skin with a 10-minute face mask made from a handful of red grapes and a few tablespoons of flour. When crushing the grapes, make sure to leave the skin on, as that's where all the nutrients are. Take that stressful week of work off your face and start afresh.
Teaspoon Lash Curler
This treatment requires absolutely no preparation whatsoever. Women in Mexico (and supermodel Miranda Kerr) use the back of a teaspoon as an eyelash curler and mascara primer. Hold the bowl of the spoon behind your lashes and use your thumb to press the hairs against the spoon for a few seconds. Apply mascara immediately after to preserve the curl.