Passport to Beauty

By Susan Trumpbour

    Artwork by Justin Negard

Travel is magical. It opens the doors to different cultures, tantalizes our taste buds with exotic flavors, allows us to explore new destinations, and is soothing for the soul—and, wait, good for our skin, too? 

Across the globe lie coveted beauty products, each steeped in history and cherished for its transformative power. While the international stamps on these products intrigue many beauty enthusiasts, some of us insist that the ingredients are stronger and more effective. Plus, they hold a certain allure. 

“International skincare brands often emphasize exotic or natural ingredients sourced from different parts of the world, which can create a perception of uniqueness and efficacy,” points out Dr. David Bank, M.D., a dermatologist in Mount Kisco. “Some countries have different regulatory standards for skincare, which may allow certain ingredients to be approved in the U.S. market. This can lead to the perception of greater potency or innovation. These products feel exclusive and unique because of their origin, and the difficulty obtaining them in the States increases their appeal and desirability.”

 If you dream of beauty-jumping across the world, please join me on this virtual adventure as we indulge in all things beauty from across the globe, starting in Asia then making our way through Europe before stopping in South America on our way home.

Moisturize in Japan 

Our journey begins in Tokyo, where skincare focuses on prevention rather than treatment. Albion’s renowned Skin Conditioner Essential N is a popular all-purpose product for the skin. This lightweight essence has been a best-seller for six decades because it contains a rare variety of the plant Kita no Hato, which is known for its revitalizing properties. 

Cultivated in the frigid climate of the Hokkaido region, it offers exceptional moisturizing and antioxidant benefits, helping to smooth and brighten the skin. Many people seek it for its ability to revive the skin’s radiance and reduce melanin production. 

Hype-worthy fact: It has been the best-selling essence since 1974, with one bottle sold every ten seconds.

Rejuvenate in Korea

As we bid farewell to Japan and board a sleek jetfoil bound for Seoul, we immerse ourselves in skincare rooted in natural ingredients and holistic beauty.  

“Korean skincare is known for its fast-paced innovation, multi-step routines and emphasis on hydration, brightening and gentle exfoliation,” says Bank. “Korean brands often incorporate innovative and unique ingredients like snail mucin, ginseng and various plant extracts.” 

Yes, you read that correctly. Snail mucin, the sticky substance snails use to glide gracefully and keep their skin supple, is a star ingredient and best-kept Korean beauty secret.  COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and 92 Mucin All in one Cream products lead the beauty brigade, outselling all the other contenders. Best known for its antiseptic properties and reputed ability to boost collagen and rejuvenate the skin, mucin even helps eliminate acne.

Hype-worthy facts: It is important to share that no snails are harmed while collecting the mucin. Both products are formulated with 92 percent or higher snail secretion and have over 100,000 rave reviews. 

Oil up in India

We now travel west to India’s lush deciduous forest, where legend has it that the Indian gooseberry was the first tree to take root in the universe. The forest is known for its abundant gooseberries, also called amla fruit, which are brimming with vitamin C and antioxidants. 

Dabur Amla Hair Oil is hailed as the quintessence of beauty by Indian women and celebrated as the world’s number one hair elixir. For over 80 years, it has been the secret source of luscious, stronger, longer and thicker hair in India because it promotes growth and improves hair health. 

Hype-worthy facts: It claims to be the largest hair oil brand in the world, with over 35 million consumers. 

Soothe and Protect in Finland

Crossing continents, our plane takes us to the enchanting landscapes of northern Europe, where we border the Baltic Sea. We land in Finland, known for its natural wonder and timeless beauty, and uncover a Nordic beauty secret: Lumene, the country’s best-selling skincare brand. Its most-loved and most-popular foundation is the CC Color Correcting Cream. Supercharged with Nordic ingredients like lingonberry seed oil and arctic water, this foundation illuminates the skin with a radiance so captivating that it rivals the ethereal glow of the arctic aurora.  

Hype-worthy fact: One is sold every 60 seconds 

Refresh in the U.K.

We embark to the United Kingdom aboard Finnair, where travel fatigue sets in and our eyes need extra care. The top beauty brand here is grace & stella.

“The eye masks are Amazon’s number one bestselling under-eye mask,” says Bedford resident Lauren Kahn, the U.S. publicist. “I absolutely love them. I keep them in the fridge and use them every morning before I head out. I also travel with them and use them on the plane. They are very hydrating and work well for jet lag.” 

Hype-worthy facts: According to Kahn, every 30 seconds, one of their eye masks is sold globally, and they have received 20,000+ five-star reviews across all online marketplaces where their products are sold.

Another British beauty staple for over 80 years is the brand No7, and their newest collection, Future Renew, contains ‘super-peptide’ technology, which they  claim is a “first in the world innovation.” This technology is said to reverse signs of skin damage, and many beauty insiders say it’s like “Botox in a bottle.”

Hype-worthy facts: No7 is the UK’s number one beauty brand, and Future Renew was the number one consumer goods innovation in Great Britain in 2023, according to their publicist. 

Do it all in France

Next, we jet-set on the Eurostar to France. Unlike your typical drugstore, French pharmacies have become must-visit destinations for tourists, offering a unique glimpse into the heart of French beauty. There are so many favorites to try, like Biafine (great for burns and dry skin), Homeoplasmine (homeopathic ointment for skin irritations), A313 Vitamin A Pommade (plumps skin), laluset Hyaluronic Acid Cream (anti-wrinkle) and Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil (nourishes skin and smells like the Côte d’Azur in a bottle). 

One product that’s worth bringing home is a tube of Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. A multi-tasking marvel, this velvety cream serves as a cleanser, primer, mask, moisturizer, after-shave, after-sun care soother and makeup remover, leaving the skin with a coveted velveteen finish. Loved by makeup artists and models alike, it’s the quintessential French beauty secret used at backstage fashion shows.  

According to celebrity makeup artist Jessi Butterfield, it’s all about the finish.  

“If I were to have one cream in my kit, it would be this product,” she says. “It’s a does-it-all cream. Rich but never greasy, this moisturizer glides on effortlessly after application so there’s no need for a primer.”  

Hype-worthy fact: One is sold every 20 seconds around the world. 

Moisturize and color in Italy 

Venturing further across Europe, we continue our journey through Italy’s captivating and picturesque streets. We are mesmerized by the allure of Italian women, with their exotic eyes and expressive lips. It’s no wonder that Italy is the birthplace of KIKO Milano, the number one Italian makeup brand in the world. One of their most coveted products is the 3D Hydra Lipgloss, a true gem perpetually flying off the shelves worldwide. 

“Good luck finding it on shelves; it’s consistently sold out globally,” says Bianca Busketta, the brand’s publicist.  

Why is it super-loved? With an array of 30 beautiful shades and stunning finishes ranging from transparent to pearlescent and sparkly, this lipgloss not only enhances the natural beauty of your lips but also provides unparalleled moisture and smoothness. It’s no wonder this lipgloss has captßured the hearts of many. 

Hype-worthy facts: The 3D Hydra Lipgloss had a moment last year when it received 7.3 million views on TikTok. In 2023, 24,000 lip glosses were sold per day worldwide. 

Sculpt your skin in Brazil 

For our final stop, we travel to the vibrant city of Rio De Janeiro and open our senses to the allure of beach-loving Brazilians and their exquisite skin and body products. One such gem is Sol de Janeiro, which captures the essence of the Brazilian summer.  

“The iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is our award-winner for firmer-looking skin,” says Anne Talley, general manager, Americas, Sol de Janeiro. “Crafted in the dining room by the co-founder, this cream revolutionized body care when the market had limited offerings.” 

If the delicious scent, which Talley describes as “a blend of pistachio, almond, heliotrope, jasmine petals, vanilla, salted caramel and sandalwood,” doesn’t lure you in, then the cream’s exceptional skincare benefits probably will. 

“Guarana extract is caffeine-rich and helps visibly smooth and tighten the skin, while cupuaçu butter provides deep hydration for a radiant appearance,” Talley explains.                                                                                                      

Hype-worthy facts: One Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is sold every six seconds, and the hashtag #bumbumcream boasts 17.9K posts on TikTok and 23.3K posts on Instagram. 

As we prepare for touchdown back in New York, I hope this adventure has sparked your curiosity. Each product has a unique story—a mix of tradition and innovation brought from different corners of the world. Some are timeless symbols of cultural richness, while others have skyrocketed to fame and become overnight success stories. While physical travel might not be an option, the good news is that many of these treasures are now just a click away, ready to be purchased and enjoyed. 

This article was published in the July/August 2024 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.