7 African-Inspired Beauty Secrets
By The Global Girl
The Global Girl shares some of her favorite African inspired beautifying products. Skincare to hair care, these items come in handy when you’re in need of an extra moisture boost.
1. Macadamia Oil
I was first introduced to macadamia when I lived in Malawi (you find macadamia nuts pretty much everywhere). Though it’s originally from Australia, macadamia is also grown extensively in South Africa, Kenya and Malawi where it’s become a culinary and beauty staple. Macadamia oil is one of my personal favorites because of its incredible moisturizing properties. Try this creamy shower gel - loaded with organic macadamia nut - for super baby-soft skin. Lavera Passion Rich Cream Oil Shower Gel ($14.24 lavera.de)
2. Rooibos
Rooibos, which means “red bush” in Afrikaans, is a shrub native to South Africa. It’s traditionally consumed as an herbal tea, but this antioxidant rich brew also makes for the perfect beauty boosting weapon. For the best beauty one-two punch, wash away the day with this soap-free African red tea cleanser and follow with a large cup of antioxidant-packed organic rooibos tea. Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser ($30 sephora.com)
See more: How Not to Look Like a Tourist in Paris
3. Baobab oil
There’s hardly anything more breathtaking than the sight of a miles-long forest of majestic baobab trees against Africa’s trademark fiery red sunsets. The daily treat of such awe-inspiring spectacle is one of the most wonderful memories I have of my stay in Malawi. Africa’s giant baobab tree, “The Tree of Life,” isn’t only a sight to behold, it’s also a medicinal, nutritious and beauty powerhouse. This intense hair moisturizing shampoo is perfect for stressed out, dry and damaged locks. Peter Lamas - Naturals Soy & Baobab Oil Hydrating Shampoo ($20 peterlamas.com)
4. Ghee
Ghee, clarified butter, is commonly identified with India but it’s a little known fact that it’s also an Ethiopian beauty favorite. The Afar, a nomadic tribe from the Horn of Africa, is famous for its striking butter covered afro (asdago). It’s fabulous as a hair mask but also as a makeup remover and head-to-toe moisturizer. Banyan Botanicals Organic Ghee ($12.99 naturalhealthyconcepts.com)
5. Mafura Oil
Mafura (also known as Natal Mahogany or Ethiopian Mahogany) is a flowering tree that grows in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa as well as in Tropical Africa. The seed yields mafura oil (that’s also edible) and mafura butter (exclusively used for health and beauty because of it’s rather bitter taste). Like most African oils it’s an all-round fabulous moisturizer. This organic body wash combines the deep hydration properties of mafura oil and manuka honey for an extra moist and radiant skin. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Body Wash ($9.99 target.com)
See more: The Most Underrated American Cities
6. Cane Sugar
Growing up in Cameroon, sugar cane chewing was a national pastime. What I didn’t realize at the time (I was a tomboy kiddo then) is that sugar cane is also super popular in the beauty department, especially as an exfoliator. Want to rock a velvet smooth skin for your next scuba diving adventure? Give this 100% raw cane sugar scrub a try. Kat Burki Raw Sugar Body Scrub ($48 katburki.com)
7. Marula Oil
Marula Oil is an antioxidant-rich oil from Southern Africa that’s been traditionally used as a beauty-boosting moisturizer by the Tsonga People (an indigenous tribe native to South Africa and Mozambique). It’s also the star ingredient in this superb skin-soothing facial cleanser. I love the added blend of AHA fruit acids (great for sloughing off dead skin) and extra skin-soothing Cape chamomile oil. It’s the best post-flight skin dehydration rescue. African Botanics Pure Marula Cleansing Oil ($60 africanbotanics.com)
More from Condé Nast Traveler:
15 Places You Won’t Believe Exist
The World’s Most Dangerous Trips
Private Islands That Cost Less Than an NYC Apartment
photos: Courtesy of vendors
