Passport to Beauty: Secrets and Tips from Around the World for Becoming a Global Goddess by Shalini Vadhera

• Table of Contents
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Table of Contents

Read an Excerpt

Chapter One
 
Old-World Charm, Modern-Day Beauty
 
The first stamp on our passport begins with a journey through old-world charm, Baroque architecture, and cosmopolitan fashion capitals. It’s a vacation through Belgium for some hearty beer, down the cobbled streets of France for the finest wines, and to the beaches of the Mediterranean for soaking up some sun and olive oil (not at the same time, of course). It’s a European holiday that leaves you looking and feeling like a million euros. From the beaches of Monte Carlo to the Russian Kremlin, we’ll discover beauty secrets and tips that make these women the envy of many. Our European adventure is one of artistic beauty, indulgent foods, and fashion trends that demand attention. So get ready, get set, and let’s go!
 
Local Beauties
 
European women, known to be some of the most beautiful women in the world, dominate the catwalk and exude confidence with their natural beauty and sense of style. From the smooth, flawless skin of the Nordic beauties to stunning chestnut highlights of the exotic Spaniards, women here use diet as much as natural beauty secrets to gain the upper hand on beauty, as well as gain a sense of well-being.
 
A Taste of the Region
 
Variety is the spice of life, and in Europe, the sky’s the limit, but processed food is seen as a huge diet no-no. European women look to their diet to play a huge part in their overall beauty. “You are what you eat” is the universal mantra of many European women. Portion control is another way of life for these stunners. Whether you call it the French Paradox (that magicalway French women always seem to stay thin despite all the cheese and chocolate) or just good sense, less is more. Listening to your body is how you best take care of your body. Deprivation leads to failure when it comes to dieting, so instead these gals indulge in all their favorite foods in moderation. Europeans say oui or sí to chocolate and cheese, but “no” to second helpings. Their trick is knowing when to stop, and not overindulging. Fresh fruits, vegetables, exotic cheeses, fluffy breads, and meats make up most of Europe’s menu. While many countries have a signature dish or cuisine, within one country popular dishes may change regionally. Mussels and beer are favorites of the natives of Brussels, Belgium. Exotic delicacies like sheep testicles are saved for special occasions in regions like Iceland. (I may have to pass on that one!) And fish and chips is a must-have in England.
 
Weather Report
 
From the Swiss Alps to the beaches of Monte Carlo, the countries in Europe share a mostly mild climate. With rain and snow seasonally, European climate is cooler than in most other parts of the world. In northeastern Europe, bring your umbrella, because the winters tend to be windy, cold, and gray. Summers are mild, but the sun can hide behind clouds for weeks.
 
Beauty Secrets of Europe
 
Europe is one of my favorite places to visit. With countries steeped in history and art, down to the fabulous nightlife and extravagant shopping, it’s a must-go destination. I am always struck by how style is visible everywhere. Paris is the beauty capital of the world; Milan corners the fashion market. Natural beauty also makes its mark, as one notices that in certain parts of Europe, many of the women wear little to no makeup at all. Even when keeping the makeup to a minimum, these European beauties still manage to look great (and healthy!) from head to toe.
 
A Makeup Remover So Sweet
 
French beauties treat their skin as delicately as a porcelain vase, especially around the eyes. Their secret to removing eye makeup while hydrating and keeping the eye area smooth? Sweet almond oil. That’s right, these gals use a dab of sweet almond oil on a pure-cotton ball to remove makeup around this delicate area.
 
Give Your Feet a Treat
 
Our feet don’t get the constant TLC they deserve, especially in the wintertime. Often neglected, our tootsies are usually left to our pedicurist for all the tough work. It’s time to give your feet a treat at home and maintain beautiful-looking toes all year round. Here’s a tip from our friends in the Mediterranean, using a traditional staple of many European mealtime dishes—olive oil.
 
Beautify your feet by dipping them in warm olive oil for a few minutes, and then buff with coarse salt, and rinse. You’ll have soft, beautiful feet in no time!
 
Get Dirty, Girl!
 
As you clean, get dirty! French women soak up toxins with clay, which absorbs oil and impurities without drying or irritating the skin. It draws out toxins from the skin and improves circulation. The best way to find clay is in powdered form at your local natural grocery store. Mix it with a little water (just enough to form a paste), and then smooth it over your face and body. Let dry, rinse off, and feel the difference!
 
Lost Baggage? A Good Thing!
 
Cucumbers are great for reducing puffiness around your eyes . . . it’s a trick that’s not so tricky. Just slice a few, and lay them on closed eyelids for a few minutes. One new secret I learned from my friends in Germany was to use chamomile tea bags to get the same effect. Just steep the tea bags in hot water for a few minutes, and let them cool. Place each bag over the eye, and relax for a few minutes. Take them off, and voilà! Your puffiness is gone!
 
Think Mink for Anti-Aging
 
And you thought that only the rich and famous wore mink! Wrap your skin in luxury with rejuvenating mink oil. This amazing oil is recommended by many European dermatologists to reduce the look of aging skin. In fact, research by Belgium’s Health Department has proven that mink oil is the easiest to absorb and the most compatible oil for human skin. It’s perfect for tackling fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, as well as blemishes, stretch marks, scars, and irritated skin. Use it as a face moisturizer and makeup setter (a few drops of the mink oil spread evenly over your wet face or mixed with foundation), a nourishing treatment for thinning hair (a quick massage with a few drops), and a nourishing bath treatment (1 to 2 teaspoons in the tub).
 
Grab the Honey, Honey
 
Here is some sweet beauty. Polish women apply honey to their faces as an intensive moisturizer. Just a thin layer does the trick. This sweet, golden goo’s firming and moisture-retaining properties make it popular with the older ladies as well, while also helping to protect the skin from the damage of UV rays. Smooth it on, then rinse away after a few minutes for softer skin!
 
Feeling Blue?
 
Russian women mean business when it comes to keeping their skin healthy looking. Even when their skin is feeling a little blue—black and blue, I mean. They use arnica cream to stimulate white blood cells to fight bacteria around a bruise. The arnica flowers blossom in Russia’s Siberian mountains and have tremendous healing power. Although herbal arnica is tough to find, search any natural foods store for topical creams and gels that have arnica as the main ingredient. They do the trick!
 
Scottish Sea Kelp
 
Like a Scottish lass, turn to the sea and restore hair’s shine with sea kelp. High in vitamins A, B, C, and E, kelp fortifies follicles and adds shine to hair. The hairdresser’s shop is full of several shampoos with sea kelp as a main ingredient. Mix 1 tablespoon of kelp powder and 2 cups of warm water, and massage it into your scalp for two minutes. Then rinse away to fortified follicles!
 
French Flour Formula for Shiny, Silky Hair
 
This simple flouring technique is all the rage in France, where women are known for their beauty. This easy formula is the key to lustrous, manageable hair. Evidently, flour smoothes the scales of the hair shaft. Magnifique!
 
Venetian Gold—The Perfect Hair Color
 
In Venice, the women once were obsessed with dyeing their hair blond with different concoctions (sometimes using the oddest ingredients, like alum and oriental crocus), choosing the hottest moment of the day to sit outside, and letting the sun bleach away the color. They still knew the importance of keeping skin safe from the sun’s harmful rays. These lovelies wore a wide-brimmed hat called a solana to protect their faces from the sun while bleaching their hair.
 
Don’t risk your hair’s beauty—apply sunscreen on your hair. After all, it needs shielding from the drying summer elements like salt, chlorine, sand, and sun . . . especially if you already have bleached color. Look for sunscreen made specifically for color-treated hair.
 
Tapped into Beauty
 
Turn off the tap, and turn instead to thermal water for what your skin needs. French women have started adding thermal water to their skin-care creams and cleansers to help relieve dryness and irritation. This water contains selenium, an anti-inflammatory that gets rid of redness; tap water, on the other hand, can strip away the skin’s protective lipids and increase sensitivity.
 
Perk Up Your Summer
 
When summertime hits, Parisian women have nothing to worry about when it comes to perky breasts in their bikini tops! Follow the French and splash on cold water for breast-firming benefits. These flirty women use pulsing, ice-cold shower water to boost circulation, which allows their skin to absorb their favorite breast-firming creams more easily. They also believe that hot baths and steam treatments can cause sagging bust muscles—a definite no-no when it comes to hitting the beach!
 
A Quick Brit Fix for Winter Skin
 
Wintertime in England can be harsh on the skin. With whipping winds causing chapping on lips, hands, and any other exposed skin, English lasses ask their local chemist for a glycerin fix for their dry skin. My friend Diane says she and her family swear by glycerin to soften up any chapped areas.
 
Hydrate for Beauty
 
Scandinavian women know that beautiful skin is just a splash away. These beauties simply drink at least 11/2 liters of pure spring water every day, and begin and end their day with 15 to 20 splashes of ice-cold spring mineral water after cleansing, which is said to encourage the skin’s own natural functions. In other words, they can skip spending tons of money on expensive skin-care regimens that exfoliate and rejuvenate. The ice-cold water takes care of that for them! Ice-cold water also helps to reduce puffiness while bringing on a rosy glow.
 
Spice Up Your Mood
 
There’s nothing like a zesty fragrance to get the heart pumping, the mind going . . . and the mood soaring! Women in Spain know that the trick to elevating their mood starts in the kitchen and ends in the bath. Try enveloping your body at home in this zesty bath, sure to kick up any grumpy day.
 
Lash Out at Lame Lashes!
 
I used to work with an exquisite model who had the most amazing lashes. She told me about a little secret she picked up in Romania—castor oil. Placed carefully on the eyelashes, it helps to strengthen and stimulate lash growth. It’s also good for hair regeneration. Castor oil can rescue your thin, brittle lashes and locks.
 
A Carrot a Day Keeps the Acne Away
 
Hungarian women reach for the carrot to relieve unsightly blemishes and to cleanse oily skin. They dab carrot oil lightly on the offending areas. Women in general have been using carrot oil to treat skin diseases since the sixteenth century. It’s rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, which nourish new cells.
 
A Good Witch
 
In England, girls who suffer from oily skin and breakouts turn to witch hazel for skin therapy. Witch hazel, a natural astringent, is used once a day to dry out breakouts and to reduce oil on the face. Make your own oil-control astringent by mixing 1 part witch hazel and 2 parts rose water.
 
European Facial—A True Skin Treat
 
Nothing says beauty like a facial! Sources tell me that it’s the second most popular spa treatment after massage therapy. After a facial, you leave the spa feeling like you just stepped out of a glamour magazine. A European facial involves a few basic steps: deep cleansing, skin analysis, steam, exfoliation, massage, and extraction of blackheads. This routine is followed by an application of products (either a mask or moisturizer) targeted to your skin type, whether it’s dry, oily, mixed, sensitive, or mature. With all that close attention and special care, your skin will thank you with a healthy glow.
 
Wake Up Your Feet
 
Hard day on your feet? Wake up your tired dogs with mint as the British beauties do. The refreshing oils in mint stimulate the circulation and get your toes a-tinglin’. Soak your feet in warm water, then smooth on peppermint oil. Prop up your tootsies on a few pillows, and feel your hard day ebb away. Or mix peppermint oil into unscented body lotion, and give your entire body a minty, refreshing treat!
 
Get Deeper Color
 
Brunette beauties in Romania often maintain their naturally deep, luscious hair color by rinsing with an infusion of walnut tree leaves. The concoction is made by steeping the leaves in hot water and then straining them out, and it helps to bring out the hair’s dark reflexes. Their blond counterparts choose a rinse of chamomile tea for golden hair shine.
 
Swedish Massage to the Rescue
 
A relaxing Swedish massage is all I need to unwind from a day of the crazies. Traditional Swedish massage was developed by a doctor in the 1700s and is based on the theory that by applying pressure and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart, you’ll relax the muscles. This practice uses five main strokes to achieve its relaxing and healing effects. Through kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles (so it’s not as painful as those deep tissue massages), you will drift away!
 
…
 
Copyright © 2006 by Shalini Vadhera

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The Journey

As a self-professed beauty junkie, ever since I was a little girl I have been obsessed with watching what women around the world do to look and feel beautiful. From watching them rim their eyes with black kohl liner for a sexy, sultry look to slathering their face with egg yolk and lemon for an instant facelift, how women stay beautiful has completely mesmerized me!

Having grown up as an Indian-American, I'm no stranger to trips around the globe, with new cultures and histories on the horizon. I have traveled to visit relatives overseas; Africa, Asia, and Europe were just a few stops on our family vacations. One of my fondest memories is flying on the Asian airlines. The Asian flight attendants were some of the most glamorous women I had ever seen. I'll never forget sitting in awe, staring at the beauty of the flight attendants of Singapore and Japan Airlines. They were absolutely perfect. From their flawless makeup down to their perfectly polished toes, I wanted to know everything I could do to look just as beautiful as they did.

I'm not the only one who seemed to take note of their incomparable beauty. On my last trip to Japan, I noticed the flight attendants had come out with their own beauty book, complete with tips on doing your hair and makeup like the crew of Japan Airlines!

With that confession on the table, I think it's safe to say that by the age of eight, my obsession with international beauty had begun.

My love for beauty has led me into a career of helping the already gorgeous become even more so...through good skin care and great makeup application. For the past twelve years, I have been lucky enough to work as a makeupartist with countless models and celebrities in Hollywood. It never ceases to amaze me how the right makeup and hair can completely transform someone into an instant glam queen.

The Importance of a Great Canvas

If there's one thing I have learned over the years, it's that no matter how perfectly you apply makeup, it's hard to disguise bad skin. While hats and scarves can cover up damaged hair, you can't hide for long. If someone is neglecting her skin, hair, and body, the results of flawless makeup are only half of what they could be.

I once worked on a TV show with a young, beautiful actress who had the most stunning facial features. But because she wasn't taking care of herself, you might not have noticed. Every morning she would arrive with a night of intense partying written all over her face. The bags under her eyes and the condition of her skin were getting worse and worse as the season went on. Finally, the producer asked me if there was anything I could do to help whip this girl back into shape.

The pre-makeup routine is as important (if not more) than actual makeup application when ensuring a fresh-faced look. Every time the actress sat in my chair, she entered a "beauty boot camp." We would start with a cup of warm lemon water for her to drink (this trick helps detoxify the body from the damage inflicted the night before). Then I would apply rose water-soaked cotton pads to her eyes, followed by witch hazel-soaked cotton pads (to reduce the puffiness). We would finish with a great moisturizer. The result? A new, refreshed woman.

Taking Care of Your Skin

How many times have you checked your makeup in the mirror and realized that, even after putting on your face, you actually look ten years older than a glowing example of the true you? It might not be your makeup. It may be that you've neglected your skin for too long, and it's time for some TLC!

Every good makeup and hair routine begins with a good canvas. When was the last time you really took the time to exfoliate the dead skin on your face and hydrate with a great mask? If you neglect to incorporate something as simple as good exfoliation and hydration into your daily routine, you may not be receiving the full benefits of your beauty products. After all, you aren't prepping your skin to accept the full potential of your moisturizer. Your makeup is also most likely grabbing onto the dead skin and simply sitting on top of your face, instead of blending into a flawless finish.

In this day and age, we tend to be obsessed with an easy fix and a quick pick-me-up. We forget that looking great isn't only due to M.A.C's newest shade of eye shadow or CoverGirl's hottest lip color (although those are exciting, too). Beauty is so much more than skin deep--it's also important to take care of yourself from the inside out.

Our International Beauty Adventure

In pursuit of the next best cellulite cream or the latest exfoliant, we completely miss one thing: Mother knows best! Mother Nature, that is. Women around the world have believed in natural remedies to treat and prevent beauty blunders for centuries. In fact, many of these beauty treatments are available right down the street, at your local grocery store!

Every Global Goddess should have a few ingredients in her beauty pantry.

The Beauty Pantry

Avocado, Olive oil
Coarse sea salt, Sugar
Honey, Lemons/lemon juice
Apple cider vinegar, Beer
Powdered milk, Spring water
Baking soda, Garlic

So if you've ever wondered how Indian women get such lush hair, why Chinese women never seem to age, and how Brazilian women achieve such insane bodies, well, it's not all genetics! They have all benefited from beauty secrets that have been passed down for centuries.

After years of research, thousands of miles logged, and working with some of the best products, I want to share with you the best international beauty secrets I've found. From the Great Wall of China to the lush beaches of the Caribbean, I'll take you on the ultimate beauty adventure around the world. We'll discover and uncover global beauties' top secrets to looking flawless, staying slim, and finding that elusive fountain of youth. I'll also let you in on some of their fabulous makeup tips, and share with you some of my own beauty secrets I've used for years on my clients. They are simple enough to become part of your daily beauty routine.

I've also included plenty of recipes. While some ingredients might sound foreign to you, they are usually available at your local international grocery store or ethnic food market.

You may also notice that many of the same ingredients are used in different recipes from all over the world. It's fun to see how countries on opposite sides of the map use the same fruits, veggies, and oils for different beneficial beauty treatments. A few of their tips and ingredients may seem unconventional and odd, but native women swear by them, so have a great time exploring and discovering what works best for you.

My passion for international beauty has inspired me to start my makeup and skin-care line, Global Goddess, which incorporates many of the wonderful ingredients we will be discovering on our journey. Please visit my Web site, www.globalgoddessbeauty.com, for more information on Global Goddess products.

Common Sense Rules

As with any product or treatment, not all treatments are meant for everybody. What may work on one person may not necessarily work on another. I'll never forget the time I used my girlfriend's three-hundred-dollar moisturizer--a rich cream that she swore by. Her skin looked great; mine, on the other hand, broke out completely and turned red. As a beauty junkie and makeup artist, I was in the middle of my worst nightmare! Save yourself this trauma, and be smart about beauty. When trying some of these exotic treatments or adding something new to your beauty routine, listen to your body. If you have sensitive skin or are using something new, do a patch test first to avoid irritation or allergies. You can do this by applying a small amount of the product on the back of your arm or in an inconspicuous area, like the inside of your elbow.

The Bottom Line

Assess your needs. Don't try everything. Ask yourself if you have a certain beauty challenge and if this treatment promises the right solution. If you're under the care of a dermatologist, then consult him or her before trying something new.

The same is true with makeup. I could never figure out why women would run to the makeup counter at the beginning of every season to buy all the hottest colors and looks. Remember when the "heroin chic" look was really hot? I certainly do. I remember traveling nationally with a makeup artist line and meeting many women in their forties and fifties who were buying all the products to achieve that look. I remember asking a woman why she wanted to look like she had been partying all night and had forgotten to wash off her makeup. She replied by saying she didn't know and just wanted to be hip. Remember, what's hip may not be what's right for you. I always recommend that women choose one set of colors that complements their skin, eyes, and hair. The best way to find this is to go to your local makeup counter, and have them show you how to best complement your features. Add a few shades every season to stay current.

Be yourself. Use beauty to enhance your look and not to change who you are. That's the bottom line!

Let's Go!

I've noticed that no matter the latitude or longitude, women everywhere pride themselves on looking beautiful. Whether we're in Zimbabwe or Beverly Hills, you'd be surprised at how almost all women have the same beauty concerns. They also realize that looking good begins on the inside. Whether it's by starting their day with yoga and meditation or by adding fresh foods to their plate at mealtime, women around the world have always done what they can to look and feel amazing. I have included information on typical diet for each area of our journey, as well as a chapter on travel tips, should you find yourself on a plane to your own exotic destination.

On our quest to becoming a Global Goddess, I'll leave you with this: You'll know her when you see her. A flawless finish, an innate sense of self. She exudes confidence, but knows she can learn from others. She is a curious adventurer, understanding that wherever she goes, something beautiful can be found. She is the true Global Goddess.

Sit back, fasten your seatbelt, and get ready for a trip around the world on your quest to look your absolute best. Enjoy your journey. I know I have!

Copyright © 2006 by Shalini Vadhera