Sunday, June 21, 2009

Installment 7 - Travel beauty log: Italy!

Look around any specialty beauty website, and you’ll notice one common factor: whatever country they originate from has the most beautiful people in the world. But what makes these people so ravishing? Well, every country has its own particular secrets and spices, so in this short series, we shall explore some of them.

Our first destination shall be… let’s say… Italy!

No question, Italy has some ravishing folks – women and men alike. Known for fine curves, and even finer skin, these stunners have some simple home remedies that can be grown in your garden and found in your kitchen.

One of the best known remedies is, of course, olive oil. One of the easiest ways to use this is to take about a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, dip your (clean!!!) fingers into it and massage like crazy into your face. After this you just let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, and rinse off thoroughly. However, if you’ve been reading and following my instructions, chances are you’re going to want something more complicated. Oh yea... I know. It’s fun, right? ...Right? Well, anyway... here’s a more complex recipe:

First, grind up some oatmeal (about 1/4 cup or so), then add in an egg yolk; a teaspoon of brewers’ yeast, and finally… that’s right, kiddies, a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Stir up well and smear on. Let it sit for a half hour and rinse really well. Your skin should feel tight, smooth, and ultra moisturized!

You can also mix olive oil with beeswax to make a moistening lip balm; soak your fingers in a small cup to cure rough cuticles, and cover your hands with it and leave it over night to treat cracked hands.

Grapes are also used in Italian beauty; not only are they killer antioxidants, they are fantastic for oily skin, and have a firming effect on the skin. Once again, the simplest way to use them is to cut them in half and give’em a good rub on the face. You can also pulverize them in the food processor and mix them with some all-purpose flour so you can create a good mask. If your skin is oily, but sensitive, you could also add in some aloe vera oil, or chamomile tea.

Finally, lemon and rose essential oils (skincare grade, of course) are used to help skin imperfections. Lemon oil applied directly under the eye for 15 minutes, once a week, can help reduce dark circles under the eye, and help to prevent fine lines. It can also be used to help get rid of warts. Rose, on the other hand, can be applied throughout the face, and is said to moisturize, help fight wrinkles, calm the skin, and help fade scars.

This is a meager list, at best. But I’m guessing the Italian beauties out there want to keep some of their secrets.

Next on our magical journey... Japan!

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