THE WORLD'S BEST BEAUTY SECRETS

Every country has a beauty marvel that has been passed down from mother to daughter, generation to generation. Here, we reveal some of the world’s unique ingredients for a more beautiful you.
TEXT AFDEZA MONIR

This Kajal or kohl is commonly used by the Indians and the Middle Easterns to darken their eyelids. Traditionally, it was used as a protection to prevent a child from being cursed by the “evil eye” and to cool and protect the eyes from the sun. These days, many Indian women in Southern India prepare the kajal made from sandalwood paste, pure ghee or castor oil then leave it to store in a box. Most women use it as an eyeliner to rim their lower lids for beautifully, dark rounded-eyes while the men use it in traditional and religious ceremonies. Today, kohl is a growing beauty trend that is made into many shapes and sizes and popularly used to intensify one’s eyes.

FRANCE IMMORTELLE FLOWER

Based on Greek mythology, the beautiful Ulysses was said to anoint and rejuvenate her skin with golden oil extracts of the Immortelle flower. This wild yellow flower grows freely and can only be found in Corsica Island in the Mediterranean Sea of the south east coast of France. It is indeed a good example of how looks can be deceiving. Although these flowers look very fragile, they can last up to years without withering. Just like its everlasting quality, it promises longlasting beauty especially for mature skin and it protects the skin against free radicals. It’s also remarkably known to heal infections, inflammation, liver problems, arthritis and muscle pains.

The complete article appears in the July issue of Marie Claire. Or subscribe today and get Marie Claire delivered directly to your door every month.