Beauty secrets from around the world

When it comes to beauty, we can learn a lot from different cultures around Africa. Have you ever wondered why people from certain cultures like the Somali or Egyptian have such flawless, glowing skin? What do they do that we may not be doing? Here are some tips from around the world:

1. South African Rooibos tea Rooibos tea is known to protect the skin from free radicals and helps detoxify the body. This red tea has similar benefits to green tea and is free from caffeine. Rooibos tea has long been used in South Africa to treat different skincare problems such as acne, eczema, irritation, rashes, and sunburn. It has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties therefore it helps to delay the signs of aging. • Wash your face with rooibos tea as an alternative to water. • Apply Rooibos directly on your skin • Use the tea as a toner • If you have itchy skin, wipe the affected area with rooibos tea. There are now many skincare products that contain rooibos and these are also locally available.

2. Egyptian eyeliner Nearly every woman owns eyeliner, but have you ever wondered where it originated from. Ancient Egyptians of all social classes and both men and women used eyeliner daily. The winged eyeliner or “cat eye” was believed to ward off evil spirits, and is still used for the same reason in some parts of Kenya’s coast. In recent years, the winged eyeliner look has become popular all over the world. For many of us, we can’t do without our daily fix of eyeliner.

3. Eritrean butter Eritrean women are renowned for their beauty and while most of it is genetic, they rely heavily on do-it-yourself (DIY) beauty. When you speak to Eritrean women, you realise most of them have special beauty recipes passed down through generations. One of their go-to products is butter on their hair and skin.

One of their treatments involves giving women a 45-minute massage from head to toe, using butter as the massaging medium. Plastic bags are put over the hands and feet to soften them. This results in baby soft, smooth skin.

4. Somalian oasil Somali women are known for their flawless complexions. From a young age, Somali women are brought up using natural products such as turmeric, qasil, lemon, sesame oil, and henna. It’s not uncommon to find a woman with a DIY face mask while doing her chores. The result is flawless skin throughout their lives.

5. Kenyan bridal skincare In Swahili and Mijikenda societies, brides undergo special skincare rituals where they apply a mixture on the face and body daily. This mixture contains the super spice turmeric, rich in antioxidants. Nourishing fats from almond oil and fresh daily cream make up some of the remaining ingredients.

Combined with a series of massage treatments, this intensive pampering results in a bride whose skin is as even and as smooth as a baby’s.