Global Beauty Products That Will Rock Your World

Beauties, we’re living in a global melting pot of makeup and skin care. For centuries, cultures have developed their own beauty rituals using ingredients and practices indigenous to their geography. Try these global exports and see which exotic concoctions can change your beauty routine!

Tatcha’s gold-flecked aburatorigami papers have raised the beauty bar in shine control, and their new complexion line exceeds all of our expectations. Formulated with time-tested, Geisha-approved ingredients such as rice bran, algae extract, and camellia, the line is both nourishing and brightening. The rice enzyme powder and cleansing oil (one of the most luscious scents we’ve ever sniffed) will change your life.

Yogurt is known for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties, and Greeks have long-used the dairy byproduct—not Windex—to heal and nourish every skin type out there. Korres, the Greek apothecary company, capitalized on ancient Mediterranean beauty secrets with a full skin care set based on the fermented milk, and just launched a cooling gel we adore! The line helps with everything from sunburn to rashes, and it tastes good enough to lick!

Is good skin really worth the time and effort? Korean beauty brand Sulwhasoo—who advocates a seven-step routine—says yes! Sulwhasoo, translated to blooming snow flower, formulates each of their products using traditional holistic techniques and ingredients native to the Korean landscape—which include medicinal herbs, fruits, seeds, and plants. Consider the line modern alchemy!

You may know Iceland as the land of Björk and scenic nature, but the Scandinavian country is actually home to one of the most pristine sources of water on the planet. In fact, the locals love their H20 enough to infuse it with skin care! Icelandic Glacial Water has partnered up with Christian Dior to develop Diorsnow, a line of skin-brightening products exclusively hydrated by pure Icelandic water. The natural spring water is free from traces of acidity and is Carbon Neutral-certified. Let your skin drink it up!

Cult-loved Aussie brand Becca may have been inspired by the islands of the Mediterranean when crafting their bronze and burgundy Balearic eye palette, but we’re instantly transported to the dusty topography of Australia’s Uluru desert at nightfall! The beauty Down Under is rugged, raw, and inspired no matter where it travels.

Among the sea of popular exotic face oils—Argan and sea buckthorn come to mind—Marula oil is yet another miracle elixir from the African continent. The oil is derived from the nut of its eponymous tree, and people have used it in cooking and beauty alike forever! Darphin, a French-based line, uses the wonder oil in their rosewood cleansing balm. The gorgeously scented salve washes away impurities on your skin by emulsifying into a milky liquid when mixed with water, similar to how a cleansing oil functions. Your skin will feel moisturized, yet squeaky clean!