Hair Tricks from Around the World You Should Be Using

You don't have to travel the globe to start incorporating these international hair tips into your daily routine.

In Brazil, women daringly burn off their split ends

It's safe to say that Brazilian women are fairly obsessed with their hair. In fact, according to Household and Personal Products Industry (HAPPI), Brazil completely dominates the Latin American hair-care markets and ranks third in the world for global hair-care sales. Brazilian women are particularly interested in post-treatment products to reverse the damage caused by hair dyes, chemical straighteners, and hot styling tools. One way Brazilians maintain their hair moisture is to partake in their signature 'velaterapia' procedure. During velaterapia, a hair stylist uses a flame to literally burn off all split ends, essentially cauterizing tresses to seal in hydration. A word of advice: don't try this at home, and make sure you're not making these split end mistakes to begin with.

Jamaicans make the most of cactus oil

Sweltering heat is one of the largest obstacles to maintaining great, frizz-free hair in the Caribbean. Fortunately, Jamaicans have a long-standing tradition of using cactus oil to keep their locks looking beautiful. Cactus oil offers an array of hair benefits including added softness, smoothness, and shine. In the same way a cactus plant must trap and retain moisture in the driest of conditions, so too can cactus oil help hair remain hydrated and healthy. The cactus oil's omega fatty acids and B5 vitamins are also key to hair growth.

Francophiles everywhere lust over the Parisienne's quintessentially laid-back and effortless beauty. One French secret for gorgeous hair is to avoid using hot styling tools altogether. Instead of blow-drying their locks after showering, French women will let it air dry naturally. Similarly, flat-irons and curlers are a major faux pas. Instead, fingers are the French's go-to tool for a perfectly tousled look. The result is chic, undone hair with minimal damage and breakage.

Yucca is a top Amazonian beauty secret

Yucca, a tropical root vegetable found throughout Latin America, is traditionally used as a natural cleanser for both the hair and scalp. Amazonian women, in particular, are able to successfully battle the smoldering heat and humidity with the help of the yucca's many nutrients. According to Around the World Beauty, a travel blogger who had the chance to try the yucca treatment firsthand in Ecuador, it "works to prevent hair loss, strengthens strands, boosts shine, and even treats dry scalp."

Moroccans are lucky to have Argan oil

In the beauty industry, pure Argan Oil is synonymous with liquid gold thanks to its super hydrating and smoothing properties. Argan Oil is often referred to as simply 'Moroccan Oil,' due to the fact that Argan trees almost exclusively grow there. With its high demand and limited fertile region, Argan Oil is one of the rarest and most luxurious oils in the world. Aware of its fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, Moroccan women lather it all over their hair shaft and roots for added luster and health.

Shea butter is the go-to hair ingredient in West Africa

You've no doubt heard of the miraculous benefits of Shea butter for your skin (especially if you have stretch marks), but did you know that this thick goop can also transform your hair? Shea butter is extracted from the seeds of Vitellaria paradoxa tree, which is native to West Africa. As such, Shea butter has been deeply ingrained into the West African beauty culture for centuries, and is used for a multitude of hair care purposes including daily conditioning, as an overnight hair mask, and a deep conditioning treatment.

Aussies know the importance of UV protection

The excruciating heat down under can dry out even the most naturally oily locks, so it's no surprise that UV protection is a high priority in Australia. Daily hair-care products with UV like the Kerastase Soleil-Mirco-Voile Protecteur are always top sellers in Sydney salons. Even better, these vital hair sunscreens can simultaneously help control frizz.

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Why Rose-Infused Beauty Buys Are Your Skin’s New Best Friend

Stop and smell the roses—or better yet, add them to your beauty routine.

June is National Rose Month, so what better time than now to plan your entire beauty regimen around your favorite bouquet of roses? "Rose extracts are some of the best anti-inflammatory and scar reducing ingredients out there," explains Dana Murray, licensed esthetician and Babe and Beauty blogger. "They reduce redness and calm the skin. Plus since they have astringent and antibacterial properties, they are especially wonderful for people with oily and acne-prone skin types. Rose extracts are high in vitamin C so they help to stimulate collagen and are high in vitamin E so it's very moisturizing."

You can layer rose oils under anything

"The best way to receive the benefits of roses would actually be in essential oil form since it is more concentrated. My favorite recipe is pretty simple: mix rose hip oil (made of the rose flower after the petals have fallen off) and rose essential oil in a dropper bottle," says Dana Murray. "It can be used as a moisturizer, a serum, or mixed with foundation for a dewy coverage."

Organic rose cell extracts fight skin dullness

Even if a bouquet of roses makes you sneeze every once in a while, you'll want to add them to your skin-care routine since they can protect your skin against pollution. Jane Iredale, founder and president of Jane Iredale explains, "Rose compounds condition the skin in a way you can feel as soon as it's applied. They work to moisturize, brighten and protect skin from trans-epidermal water loss and airborne pollutants." She recommends her BeautyPrep High-Performance Moisturizer, which uses organic rose cell extracts, an ingredient that helps keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Rose water is a treat for your skin

"The sugars and natural oils found in rose petals trap moisture in your skin, making your skin look smoother and softer—just like the beautiful rose petals themselves," write Deepak Chopra, MD, and Kimberly Snyder, Certified Nutritionist in Radical Beauty: How to Transform Yourself From the Inside Out. The authors suggest picking up some rose water from health store and adding a few drops of it to your usual cleanser and moisturizer; the fresh scent will help relax your nervous system while the rose water's antiseptic properties help restore your skin's pH levels.

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Ways Dermatologists Switch Up Their Skin-Care Routine Every Summer

Want to know how the top experts change their skin-care regimen when the weather turns warm? Here, dermatologists reveal all their secrets.

Get rid of oil and bacteria

To remove oil and grime that might be on your skin, Wu recommends daily cleansing with Foaming Joy! Purifying Facial Cleanser, which contains hydrating and purifying ingredients to cleanse without stripping skin. David Lortscher, MD, a licensed dermatologist and founder of Curology, suggests swapping out creamier cleansers for gel-based products, such as Avene Cleanance Cleaning Gel or Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel. "If you have oily skin in the summer, opt for a foaming cleanser such as CeraVe Foaming Cleanser," he says. For a finishing touch to your makeup, Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, recommends Colorscience SPF powder. Tanzi, who is founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care and assistant clinical professor, Department of Dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center, admits to having one in every bag she owns so she's never caught outside with it. "It's amazing because it absorbs excess oil and goes on like a pressed powder, so it works beautifully over makeup and provides excellent sun protection," she says.

Apply sunscreen before going outdoors

No summer skin-care routine can skip SPF. And don't fall for these sunscreen myths, which make dermatologists cringe. "I recommend using at least SPF 30, which blocks out 97 percent of the UVB (burning) rays," says Wu. "If you go in the water or exercise outdoors and work up a sweat, look for water resistant sunscreens that won't wash off. It's also a good idea to reapply every three hours, since it wears off or rubs off, especially if you have oily skin or touch your face frequently. Our 50 Fierce Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Moisturizer & Sunscreen not only protects you from sunburn, it also protects against the UVA (aging) rays that break down collagen and lead to premature aging." A great SPF tip comes from Francesca Fusco of Wexler Dermatology. She keeps trial/sample sizes of her SPF everywhere—her bag, her desk, her car, her pockets and the gym.

Don't restrict sunscreen to your face

Sunscreen is for any part of your body that's exposed to the sun, not just your face. Don't forget the back of your neck, the top of your ears if you wear your hair up, and the backs of your hands. "It's especially important to use sunscreen if you're using a retinoid or vitamin C product which can make your skin more sun sensitive," says Wu. Board-certified dermatologist Cheryl Karcher, MD, applies sunscreen to her hards and arms in summer, which she doesn't always do in winter. "If I'm wearing a skirt or shorts, I apply sunscreen to my legs as well," she says. "I prefer the thinner chemical sunscreens for daily use as the zinc and titanium oxide sunscreens tend to be a little thick. One of my personal favorites is Elta MD Clear SPF 46."

Go for multi-purpose skin protection

If you don't want to wear heavy makeup in summer—make sure you know how to make summer makeup last in the heat—but still want enough cover, the best skin-care products are multifunctional, like Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36. "It's an all-in-one product that combines sunscreen, environmental protection, moisturizer and foundation in a beautiful formulation and convenient pump," says Maryland dermatologist Roberta F. Palestine, MD. "It goes on easily, feels lightweight, looks great, and is easy to remove." Dermatologist Anna Avaliani, MD, recommends SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion Tinted SPF 50. "It's lightweight, blends easily, does not turn my skin yellow and, because it's tinted, I don't feel the need to use much make up at all," she says. .

Go light on moisturizer

If you've been slapping the moisturizer on all winter, it might be time to ease off. "Water has a tendency to evaporate from the skin into the environment, especially in dry cold air. For this reason, skin requires more help during the cold winter months," explains founder of FryFace Fayne L. Frey, MD, FAAD. "In general, moisturizers that are thicker, ointment based, provide a better barrier to water loss than thin lotions and creams. Therefore, the skin benefits from thicker, greasier ointments during the winter months, and more frequent application of moisturizers as well. During summer months, when the air is warm and humid, there is less of a tendency for water to evaporate and less moisturization is required. As a matter of fact, when ambient humidity is high enough, the skin can actually pull water out of the environment." Tanzi agrees that lighter moisturizers are best for summer skin care since the skin produces more of its own natural oils. Try Dr. Jart+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer.

Up your water intake

Before you even thinking about what you're putting on your skin, you should be thinking about what you're putting into it, says celebrity dermatologist Harold Lancer, MD. "When it comes to properly transitioning one's skincare routine to adapt to the warmer months, first and most importantly, everyone should be drinking more water," he says. "Staying hydrated is essential for beautiful skin and good health. Being well-hydrated stabilizes the skin barrier, which moisturizes your skin and provides the proper medium for cell turnover and collagen production." According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Public Health, drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will help rid the body and skin of toxins. As it's generally accepted that less toxins equals more radiant skin, it's a no-brainer.

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The Retinoid Rule Dermatologists Are Urging Everyone to Follow

We caught up with top dermatologists to get to the bottom of how to use retinol cream safely and what all the buzz about retinoids and reinoic acid is, anyway.

Retinoids can be a miracle worker for those dealing with acne, anti-aging, or hyperpigmentation. But if you use them year-round, you need to be extra careful with your sunscreen.

That’s because retinoic acid, retinol, and other popular chemical exfoliants gently scrub away dead skin cells, which leaves skin more open to potential sun damage, and the biggest culprits may actually be all those AHA and BHA cleansers, toners, and moisturizers you have in your bathroom vanity.

“AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, can cause skin to be more susceptible to sun damage from being regularly exfoliated, and these are commonly used in anti-aging, skin-brightening, and acne-fighting products,” shares Julie Russak, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. “But when used consistently, retinoids help keep your skin clear, even out skin tone, reverse sun damage, and prevent premature aging. Some products, like Skinbetter Science, actually combine a retinoid with Alpha Hydroxy Acid (lactic acid), resulting in less irritation.”

The most important part of using retinol cream in the summer may actually be the time of day you use it, though, and some studies even suggest that proper usage of tretinoin, a popular retinoid, may be the most effective treatment in the battle against photo-aging, or aging caused by the sun.

“Retin products are typically used at night because the sun breaks them down, making them ineffective,” suggests Ryan Neinstein, MD, a plastic surgeon at NYC Surgical Associates. “And the overall effect of the retin is to thin the skin, which makes it more sensitive to the rays of the sun. I suggest patients use their retinol cream and retinoid products at night, but they should really avoid using them during the day when sun exposure is expected. Most importantly, always use a minimum of SPF 30 over the retin-treated areas.”

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Makeup Artists’ Fixes for Clumpy Mascara, Smudged Eyeliner and Other Minor Beauty Hassles

Whether you've smeared your cat eye or smudged your polish, these clever hacks will erase your makeup mishaps when you have only seconds to spare

Unlike professional makeup artists, most of us have a tough time applying liquid or gel eyeliner with a steady hand. Fortunately, there are a number of quick and easy ways to correct any smudged eyeliner mistakes. "There are products on the market especially for this," says makeup artist Anni Bruno. "On the lower end, ELF's Makeup Remover Pen is basically just a cotton swab that's pre-moistened with makeup remover (essentially just mineral oil) in a felt-tip applicator." You can also make a DIY version by dipping sharp-point cotton swabs into makeup remover (coconut oil works great too!). "On the higher end, there's Paula Dorf's Sweep Away, a twist-up, solid stick of emollients that work like a pencil eraser to make smudges disappear," Bruno says. These makeup techniques will make your eyes pop!

Eyeshadow fallout

It's so frustrating when you finally achieve complexion perfection only to then have your cheekbones littered with dark powder from wayward eye shadow! Thankfully, Bruno has a few expert tricks up her sleeve on how to avoid having shadow flakes fall down onto your face. "One trip is to do your eye makeup first. Then clean up any fallout under the eyes, and do your foundation and concealer after. Big time-saver!" she advises. Another approach is to use eyeshadows that feel and look densely packed. "Loose pigments are hard to work with, and it's almost impossible to avoid fallout with those," Bruno says. Look for eyeshadows that have a certain solidity to them, and avoid shadows with micro-glitter, as that compromises the strength of the product and makes it break up into messy powder. "Companies also make physical barrier products for this purpose," Bruno says. "Shadow Shields are disposable adhesives that are placed under the eyes to collect fallout, and are thrown away after makeup application. Or, there are several companies that make a silicone pad on a stick, that you place under the eye with one hand, while applying your shadow with the other. The fallout lands on the silicone pad, rather than your skin. These are great, as they're washable and reusable!"

Over-plucked eyebrows

Throughout the nineties, many of us made the huge mistake of over-tweezing our brows, as was then in fashion. Sadly, hindsight is 20-20, and many of those stuck with pencil-thin brows today are deeply regretting that decision! "A lot of follicle damage was done during those days, and most of those hairs will never come back. We also lose hair with aging, so where we once had full, beautiful brows, we tend to notice they thin with age. It's a bummer. But there are solutions!" Bruno says. First, there's the chemical approach. "You know those lash serums that make your eyelashes grow to ridiculous lengths? They exist for brows, too!" says Bruno, whose go-to brand is LiBrow. "It won't make you grow hair where there is no follicle, but it will strengthen your existing follicles, helping you keep the brow hairs your already have, as well as helping them grow longer and stronger. If you don't like a penciled-in look, use an angled brow brush and a matte shadow similar to your brow hair color, and just fill them in. This is the easiest and best way to create a beautiful frame for your eyes," Bruno says. These tips for perfect eyebrows can transform your appearance.

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Outfit Tricks to Magically Slim Your Waist

Look for a wrap waist

The tie around a wrap dress hugs your middle to whittle your waist, and the V-neck keeps you from feeling too covered up. Just make sure to pick one made from a substantial fabric, celebrity stylist Gemma Shappard told Daily Mail. “This style of dress won’t flatter if it’s made from flimsy material that shows every lump and bump,” she says. Check out these other fashion tricks for looking thinner.

Cover up with a blazer

Cardigans can keep you cozy when you need an extra layer, but the frumpy form can hide your curves. Instead, cover up with a fitted blazer. You’ll look polished for a day in the office, and the nipped waist will create a little middle. Pair it with a loose blouse if you want to hide the shape of your belly, Heather Thomson, fashion designer and founder of Yummie by Heather Thomson, told Redbook. “It won’t cling to your curves too much, and the pattern will mask any insecurities,” she says. Find more ways to transition clothes to cold weather.

Face the elements in a trench coat

There’s a reason this classic jacket has become such a timeless icon. Not only is it functional for every type of weather, but it’s incredibly flattering. The belt around the waist creates curves you’d be hard-pressed to find from other unshapely rain jackets.

Add a belt

Slipping a belt around a dress or long blouse is one of the oldest tricks for faking a slimmer waist, but not any belt will do. A thick, three- to six-inch wide style can highlight an hourglass figure, while a skinnier belt is good when you need to create those curves. “For those with straighter figures, try a slim leather belt that matches your apparel, such as a gray belt over a gray sweater,” Sharon Graubard, founder and creative director of trend consulting company MintModa, told Fox News Magazine.

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