With your nuptials just around the corner you’re probably getting super-rigorous about your beauty regime—scheduling regular facials, manicures and pedicures to ensure you look picture-perfect. While these appointments may be de rigueur in North America, brides around the world indulge in different bridal beauty rituals. Some of these have been passed down through the ages and have even been linked to historic beauties like Cleopatra—who built the first spa along the banks of the Dead Sea and regularly bathed in its healing waters. Get inspired by how brides get prepped in five different countries and create your own beauty ritual.
The Middle East
For brides in the Middle East, their beauty regime consists of regular milk baths. These baths are said to utilize lactic acid and alpha-hydroxy acid to dissolve dead skin cells. Historically, the Queen of the Nile and Elizabeth I of England were both believers in the beautifying benefits of these baths. The natural properties of milk help soften and smooth skin and accelerate skin cell renewal. So go ahead and indulge before the big day by adding a cup of milk (or powdered milk) to your bathwater.
North Africa
Natural oils (even ones you are used to incorporating in your food!) are used to create glossy, gorgeous wedding locks. Moroccan beauties use warm olive oil and sweet almond oil to deep condition their hair. Both of these oils are rich in vitamin E and iron, which contribute to healthy, smooth and incredibly shiny hair! Do as these brides do and heat up a couple of tablespoons of olive oil for about 10 seconds and apply a thin coat to your scalp and hair. Blow-dry your hair for about 30 seconds to make sure the oil is well absorbed then follow this up with a good shampoo.
India
Many of the beauty treatments you indulge in before your wedding day actually have Indian roots, such as threading, aromatherapy facials and Ayurveda. So as you can imagine, a bride in India is already ahead of the game when it comes to pampering herself before her wedding. Leading up to the big day, though, Indian brides will shower and slather turmeric pastes, sandalwood and coconut milk on their bodies and heads. These ingredients are great for the skin and hair because they are rich in antioxidants and perfect for getting rid of dead cells and making the skin and hair baby soft.
Hungary
Besides having amazing genetics (Hungarians are known for their great beauty and glistening skin) brides from Hungary make use of the country’s hot springs. The hot springs that run beneath Hungary are abundant with minerals that reportedly cure many ailments such as allergies and respiratory diseases—locals claim the springs also have “fountain of youth” qualities. The water is rich with magnesium-hydrogen carbonate, sulfur and lime, and it froths up steamy and hot, which is a nice calming experience for any stressed-out brides.
United Arab Emirates
In this Middle Eastern culture a bride is made to feel like a princess leading up to and on her big day (we love this tradition!). The bridal process starts 40 days prior to her big day when she is ordered to eat only the best foods and get plenty of rest. The day before her wedding the bride is covered with traditional oils and perfumes from head to toe, her body is rubbed with cleansing and conditioning cream, then her hands and feet are decorated with henna.
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