Passport To Pretty: Trends In Global Beauty

by on Tuesday, July 8th, 2014 with

Passport To Pretty

Stacy Cox for The KTLA Morning News, 7/8

Dead Sea Mud from Israel…Marula Oil from South Africa…Wakame Kelp from Japan…All coveted ingredients from around the world that unlock the secret to growing old gracefully. However…the plane ticket to shop these miracles-in-a-jar will no doubt set you back your kid’s college tuition! So…KTLA sent me on a mission to report on which brands are harnessing unusual ingredients from distant shores that promise to turn back the clock in ways you never imagined possible. Here’s what I unearthed…

FRANCE

June Jacobs Brightening Serum

Ingredient: Licorice

Price: $110, Available at JuneJacobs.com

What is now used to make candy was once believed to soothe stomach ulcers, skin diseases, and inflammation. The licorice lovers of the past weren’t wrong (Turns out, Napoleon was a big fan). Licorice extract comes from licorice root, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This paraben and preservative free brightening serum is formulated with lactic acid and vitamin A to promote cell turnover reducing the appearance of skin discolorations and promote even skin tone.

ISRAEL

AHAVA Natural Dead Sea Mud

Ingredient: Dead Sea Mud

Price: $15, Available at AHAVAUS.com

Bring the Dead Sea home with a packet of rich, black mineral mud, harvested from the banks of the Dead Sea which are comprised of layer upon layer of sedimentary clay formed over thousands of years. This mineral-rich formula absorbs excess oil and removes dead skin cells, dirt and toxins to reveal fresh, soft skin. Therapeutic Dead Sea mud stimulates circulation and refines skin’s texture, clarity and tone. Mud treatment can also be heated to help relieve stress and muscle aches. Leave on 7-15 mins rinse with warm water. Mud may be heated for maximum benefit. Not for facial treatment.*

JAPAN

H2O Plus Face Oasis CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA +++

Ingredient: Wakame Kelp

Price: $35, Available at H2O Plus stores and H2OPlus.com

Wakame kelp is a type of seaweed that grows around the coast of Japan. It is commonly used in the beauty regimens of Japanese women and is said to be the reason why Japanese women have youthful-looking skin into a ripe old age. This lightweight, oil-free color correcting cream offers sheer to medium coverage and instantly improves dullness and imperfections. This versatile cream is infused with Wakame to energize skin’s natural functions and recharge the tone of the skin.

MOROCCO

L’Oréal Paris OleoTherapy Sulfate-Free System

Ingredient: Argan Oil

Price: $6.99 – $12.99; Available at www.lorealparis.com and chain drug, food and mass market retailers

Argan oil comes from the Argan Tree of Morocco. For centuries, the Berber people of Morocco have used the oil for its numerous culinary, cosmetic and medicinal benefits. In cosmetics, argan oil is advocated as moisturizing oil, against flaking of the skin as well as for nourishing and fortifying the hair. L’Oréal Paris recently launched Argan Oil infused hair care to help turn around dull, dry or damaged hair into shiny, silky strands. Formulated with a blend of six precious flower oils, including Argan oil, OleoTherapy provides intense nutrition to restore and replenish hair.

NEW ZEALAND

RODIAL SKINCARE Bee Venom Eye

Ingredient: Purified Bee Venom

Price: $140, Available at Beauty.com

While you probably aren’t dying to get stung by a bee, women in New Zealand are reaping the beauty benefits of bee venom. Purified bee venom, harvested without harming the little bees, has anti-aging properties and helps prevent acne. This eye cream is a revolutionary formula and works in synergy with plant stem cells to help visibly improve skin tone, elasticity and diminish dark circles for a bright eyed result.

SOUTH AFRICA

Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Cream

Ingredient: Marula Oil

Price: $265, Available at Nordstrom and ErnoLaszlo.com

Africans have been reaping the skin benefits of marula oil for centuries as a key part of beauty rituals, since it protects the skin and hair from harsh and damaging weather conditions. Archaeological evidence of marula fruit can be dated back as far as 10,000 BC! Loaded with antioxidants, and with high omega-9 fatty acid content, not only does it help protect your skin against free radical damage, but it also helps reduces the appearance of wrinkles and protects against fine lines. The high fatty acid content also reduces redness, prevents water loss and improves elasticity. .

TAHITI

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask

Ingredient: Monoi Oil

Price: $32, Available at Beauty.com

The Polynesians discovered centuries ago that coconut oil makes a powerful impact on hair and skin, since it works as a replacement of sorts for your body’s natural oils. Monoi oil is a mixture of hydrating coconut oil combined with Tahitian tiare gardenia. Overly treated, processed or sun-damaged hair will truly benefit from its moisturizing effects, as will skin that’s dry or frequently exposed to the sun.