Russian Folk Beauty Tips

In today’s world, a plethora of beauty products and treatments exist, promising a panacea for every ill. Creams, lotions and gels claim they’ll make you look younger or get rid of cellulite. If they don’t work, one can turn to the surgeon’s scalpel or high tech equipment to get quick results. There’s Botox and other injectables, as well as the deep freezing or sucking out of fat cells and even heating skin to stimulate collagen.

The array of beauty products and hair treatments is mind boggling and frightening to think about.

That’s why I prefer to get back to basics. A few years ago, I made my own soap by using water, lye, olive and coconut oil and some essential oils for fragrance. I was delighted with the results and I began experimenting with other beauty treatments.

I’d like to share two of my favorite Russian beauty rituals, care of my Mama, that you may want to consider at home instead of heading out to an expensive spa. They’re suitable for both women and men and appeal to a sense of frugality.

Mama swore by a weekly facial steam to make the skin smoother and tighter. The procedure is simple: turn on some calming music and boil a big pot of water. Add a handful of fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, lavender or lemon balm and mix. Place the pot on a trivet on the table, and sit down. Relax; make yourself comfortable. Position your face about a foot or so from the pot, cover your head with a towel and enjoy the steaming action. Set a timer for five to ten minutes and certainly if you have sensitive skin, use your judgement!

Afterwards, splash your face with cold water and avoid going outside for at least an hour.

The second ritual is that of a protein hair mask, a treatment that is especially needed during hot weather. There are many variations around the world of this easy recipe.

I’d like to thank the girls, my chickens, for the primary ingredient, eggs. Take two egg yolks, beat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or other oil such as walnut, jojoba, almond or coconut. I suppose this is a type of mayonnaise, no? Then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

Wet your hair slightly, and massage the egg yolk mixture in. Cover with plastic and wrap in a towel. You may leave this on for 1 to 2 hours.

Rinse the egg mixture out first and then shampoo, more than once if needed. You’ll find your hair shiny, soft and smooth.

Enjoy the tips and I’m certain that you will be -- kraseavaya or kraseavee -- beautiful -- afterwards without spending a lot of money.