The beauty road less travelled

They say a change is just as good as a holiday, but what if you feel like both? We did, so we put together a list of some of our favourite products from around the globe, which will not only shake up your skin-care routine, but also let you travel vicariously through your make-up bag.

Destination: Korea

This country has taken the world of beauty by storm. Korea’s huge and demanding market for skincare products keeps them innovative and trendy, all while sticking to the best local ingredients and extracts.

Try: Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream

It contains 74% snail extract – gross, right? Actually, the extract is revered for its restorative properties, and is the same slime snails use to heal their sensitive molluscy bodies. It fights acne scars, dark spots and even fine lines. The product is a wonderful mix of floral and botanical extracts, with a dash of seriously hydrating hyaluronic acid that makes this cream heaven in a bottle.

You can buy 45mls here.

Destination: Japan

The folk of Japan definitely do not skip corners when it comes to beauty. Their natural ingredients are unique and they have wisdom that’s timeless, going all the way back to the days of gorgeous Geishas with porcelain-smooth skin.

Try: Sumi Haigou Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap

Not just for making fire, apparently charcoal is really good for your skin too. Oak branches from the Kishu region are burned for several days and then cooled. The resulting charcoal powder magically draws out toxins from clogged up pores, making skin bright, clear and even-toned. Gently exfoliating and moisturising, it’s seriously refreshing for your skin.

You can buy a pack of three bars here

Destination: France

The secret to French chic and classy style is the philosophy of ‘less is more’. They take their beauty as seriously as their health with genius products that keep skin looking beautiful, from the inside out.

Try: Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water

This is France’s original and most popular take on easy face-cleansing; especially for dry and sensitive skin. While it looks and feels like regular water, it’s much more special: it contains tiny gentle micelles, or oil molecules, that bind with stubborn residue or makeup on your skin to draw it out. It dissolves the bad while keeping the good, without the harsh foaminess found in other cleansers that can strip good oils from the skin. Make-up artists love its powerful cleansing abilities. It also soothes and treats irritated skin, while leaving no oily residue.

You can buy 250mls from local pharmacies like Dischem and Clicks from R 189.95.

Destination: Morocco

Moroccan clays and tree essences have been high on the beauty radar for years now! They believe you should stick to the purest formulas, letting the raw materials do their magic. No small wonder then, that they are known for their amazing skin and hair.

Try: Zakia’s 100% Pure, Organic Argan Oil.

Argan oil is made from the kernels of the indigenous Argan tree. It’s known to treat everything from dry hair to eczema. It strengthens nails, soothes and moisturises skin, keeps hair silky soft, fights acne and improves fine lines or wrinkles. Made up of fatty acids, anti-oxidants and vitamin E, it’s no surprise that this versatile ingredient is nicknamed ‘liquid gold’. It can be pricey, but it’s really worth it; only a small drop or two will see you through the whole day.

You can buy 50mls here.

These picks truly shine brightly and show us just what we should be looking for in first-class products. Say bon voyage to harmful chemicals and un-natural ingredients that do nothing for your skin’s health – why settle for any less?