April is known to bring showers, and May is always about flowers. But, did you know that April is also National Arab-American Heritage Month?
The month recognizes the cultural, historical, and traditional contributions of Arab-Americans throughout the years. Though dedicated to Arab-Americans, April also broadens its celebration of Middle Eastern and North African-Americans. In honor of Arab-American Heritage Month, what better than to share beauty secrets, some over thousands of years old?
Here are eight Middle Eastern beauty secrets to put you in the mood for National Arab-American Heritage Month!
Rosewater
Apparently, if you’re using rosewater, you’ve got a huge similarity with Cleopatra. The Egyptian queen, like many other Middle Eastern women, was thought to have used rosewater for dewy and youthful skin. According to Healthline, rosewater may help soothe skin irritation, reduce discoloration, and slow aging. Apply as a toner before your skincare routine!
Moroccan Hammam
This North African beauty regimen has been around for centuries. The Moroccan hammam is a public bathing house where individuals cleanse and exfoliate their entire body, usually with a coarse cloth glove. A clay mask is then applied to moisturize your freshly exfoliated skin at the end!
Olive Oil
We know that olive oil makes for a key part of our favorite salads and home-cooked meals, but what does it have to do with beauty? High in antioxidant and vitamin content, as Medical News Today mentions, olive oil can be great for your face and skin. Olive oil is also antibacterial and a great moisturizer to lock in hydration. Brownie points if you give it a try on your hair!
Dead Sea Mud Masks
The Dead Sea, located in the Jordan Rift Valley, is not only a historical landmark for tourists, but for skincare lovers as well! In recent years, Dead Sea mud masks have become popular with the rise of social media and travel, but these mud masks have been around for over two thousand years.
The Dead Sea, geographically the lowest body of water on earth, contains mud rich in minerals such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium, according to Healthline. You can even treat psoriasis or back pain with Dead Sea mud!
Kohl
Love a smoky eye? Kohl, a Middle Eastern eyeliner made of crushed antimony, charcoal, or almond powder, was originally used to protect the eyes of its wearers from the harsh desert sun. TikTok user johannaaghazal takes us through a simple kohl routine perfect for daily wear or a cat-eye look on a night out!
Arab Perfumes
What makes Arab perfumes so special? Traditionally, Arab perfumes are oil-based, making for a strong and long-lasting scent. Incorporated with oud, amber, or sandalwood, these perfumes are suitable for both men and women. With their recent popularization in Western fragrances, you can now find a range of Arab scents with neat twists on them. Give baked cookies and oud a try!
Sugar Wax
Sugar wax, dating back to ancient Persia, is a form of hair removal commonly used in the Middle East and North Africa. Made of sugar, lemon juice, and water, the wax is heated into a syrup and applied onto the area where hair removal is needed. The Cleveland Clinic explains that sugar waxing may cause hair to grow back softer, thinner, and cause less irritation than regular waxing. Plus, you can use water for a quick clean-up!
Clay Lipstick
Try out this sustainable and eco-friendly take on lipsticks! Moroccan clay lipstick, also called Aker Fassi, is formulated with dry poppy and pomegranate bark. This red-tinted lip product has been used in North Africa for centuries and is activated with a spray of water. Apply to your lips and cheeks for a pop of color like chantelleef on TikTok.
Happy Arab-American Heritage Month! Which beauty secret are you going to try?
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