I used to be a fashion and beauty writer, I love beauty products and I have travelled a lot. Here is a list of local unusual beauty products that I have found in all kinds of places. Some of them may sound familiar but on their home ground the range tends to be way bigger than in foreign markets. They also tend to be way cheaper!
What I find interesting is that in the USA people tend to talk of a beauty regimen, in the UK they talk about a routine but in France they talk about a ritual. I find anything to do with beauty products soothing, therapeutic, relaxing – like a ritual.
I would like to ask my readers all over the world to let me know in the comments if there are any other great products local to you that you would recommend.
Australia
- Lucas Paw Paw Ointment
- Jurlique
- Invisible Zinc suncare
- Lano
Brazil
- Nunaat
Dubai
- Shiffa
Finland
- Lumene
France
- Homeoplasmine
- Embryolisse
- Hyalomiel
- Bioderma
- Vichy
Germany
- Labello
- Nivea (the best Nivea formulation is from Germany. No others are as good)
Greece
- Korres
- Apivita
Hungary
- Omorovicza
Iceland
- Moa
- Skyn
India
- Lakme
- Kama
Israel
- Noveya
Italy
- Cleo
- Santa Maria Novella
- Davines
Japan
- Diorsnow (and whitening products from almost every well-known brand)
- Astalift (made by Fujifilm)
- SK-II
- Dr. Ci:Labo
Morocco
- Kajame
- Kaeline
- Zakia
New Zealand
- Lanolin Cream or ‘sheep cream’
- Antipodes
South Africa
- Nimue
- Environ
- Placecol
- African Potato Cream
- Zambuk
- Justine
- Tissue Oil
- Avroy Shlain
- African Extracts Rooibos
- Africology
- Victorian Garden
- Bio Oil
- Oil of Olay
- Skoon
- Wisdom of Africa
Sweden
- Håkansson
- Emma S
- Ole Henriksen
- Sachajuan
- Försvarets hudsalva
- Estelle & Thild
- Kerstin Florian
- Oriflame
- Isadora
- Face Stockholm
- Make Up Store
- L:A Bruket
Switzerland
- Valmont
- Juvena
United Kingdom
- Simple
- Astral
United States
- Terax Crema
- Pond’s Cold Cream
- Cetaphil
- Mario Badescu
Hi Janet – Before I became obsessed with planners, I was obsessed with cosmetics (and then I just sort of gave up the fight, and accepted the inevitable). Cosmetics were a more expensive obsession for me, what with the La Mer products and all. One little correction — I’m pretty sure that Pond’s is American, although it’s everywhere (because the world needs to be covered in cold cream).
I love your blog, by the way — particularly your Filofax reviews and your observations about the places you’ve lived.
Thank you so much for that Sharon! I have checked and you are, of course, correct so off to change it now. Thanks again and I am so glad you like my blog!