With so many Beauty options, it’s tough to find out what works and what doesn’t. Often, we discover through trial and error what our Skin and bodies can tolerate. We have to look beyond what is popular and find what works. This sometimes that means taking it back to our natural roots. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and its standards differ around the world. Here are some not-so-secret beauty tips and tricks from women across the globe that can keep us looking at our finest!

The holy grail of oils, this oil is a staple of Brazil. You’ll often find this beauty ingredient listed in many of the balms and lotions you already use. This oil has an incredible ability to smooth and soften skin, act as a natural emollient, and can even be used to make Soap. Half of babassu oil is made up of lauric acid, while the rest is of stearic, myristic, palmitic and oleic acids. It is also rich in Vitamin E, making it an ideal anti-oxidant.

Yucca root has been used by the indigenous peoples of North America for centuries. It is loaded with vitamin C, B and A, as well as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron. Native people of the United States’ southern regions and parts of Mexico use this root for hygienic purposes, such as soaps and natural deodorants.

Turmeric is not only used for beauty, but also health. It is derived from the roots of the curcuma longa plant, popular in South Asia. Its leaves are ground into a fine deep orange powder, and can be used for spices, curries, dyes , face masks and burns.

Rice water is a wonderful beautifying agent. The Yao women of the Huangluo village in China use fermented Rice Water left from boiled rice to cleanse their hair. This keeps it dark and clean. Many other areas in East Asia also swear by rice water as improving hair elasticity and lowering surface friction. Rice water contains inositol, a carbohydrate that repairs and protects hair from damage. Its cooling effects also soothe irritated skin. Who would’ve thought?

 Emerging from the deep deposits in the Atlas Mountains of Northern Africa, Rhassoul clay has become popular in the recent years.The word “rhassoul” comes from the Arabic word “rhassala”, meaning “washing”. It is an incredible detoxifying cleanser for both hair and skin. It is infused with minerals and is able to absorb impurities such as skin rashes and redness.

Black soap has taken the natural skin and hair care industries by storm. It is full of essential nutrients and minerals that work to eliminate acne and eczema. However, not all Black Soap is created equal. While many of these soaps are created with gentle cleansing agents, some can be very strong. If you’re not careful, it can strip your skin of its natural oils. If you’re just starting out with African Black Soap, it might be best to stick with a well-known brand, such as SheaMoisture’s African Black Soap.

Most black soaps also consist of raw shea butter, organic coconut oil, cocoa pods, dried plantain skins and sometimes palm oil. It is an excellent overall skin exfoliator. Just make sure to replenish your skin with a thick moisturizer afterwards as it can be drying!