Beauty Secrets From Mexico

Just in case you missed my 7482 Instagram/Facebook/Snapchat posts about it, but I was in Cancun last week. In fact, I'm in Atlanta, but my mind is still very much dreaming about Cancun. I've been to a few cities in Mexico many, many times and this trip was my favorite yet. I can still hear the waves, imagine the great food, and see the sunsets in my mind. It was the most relaxed I'd been in quite a while. 

I have a tradition when I travel overseas of hitting the stores for makeup and beauty products exclusive to that country. I search for snacks too, but that's another post. ;) 

And over the years, I've tried to get as many beauty secrets as I could when visiting Mexico. Most of the women I tried to talk to were busy working, so most of this advice comes from the entertainers at the different resorts. 

They were so gorgeous, so I had to find out exactly what they used. My Spanish was asi asi, their English was better, and together (along with me asking how to spell everything) we made it work. Here are my beauty secrets from Mexico:

--Tepezcohuite--This is a multi-purpose product that comes from the bark of the tepezcohuite tree. It's used for burns and for healing wounds. They use it in hospitals in Mexico. Yes, it works. I've used it for sunburns.

--Mamey Seed Oil--This helps condition lashes and encourages them to grow. I always pick up their IM Mascara, which is really good, and has mamey in it. And it comes in a pink tube! I've shared this a few times on social media over the years. The mascara is practically waterproof on me though!

--Prickly Pear/Cactus Water--I figured out these are the same thing and both are used in so many ways. They drink it (only this kind is safe for humans, not just any cactus). They use it in hair products. They use it to set makeup. It soothes, it hydrates, and it helps to reduce inflammation.

--Babussu Oil--This is so much better than coconut oil! It's not as greasy but gives the same benefits. It doesn't clog pores like coconut oil does (on me). I bought the oil (not in a product, just as is) and have used it on skin and hair. My new fave!!

FYI: You can buy any of these ingredients mentioned on Amazon or other online retailers. I've also found a few of the ingredients in Nuance beauty, which you can get at CVS.

Have you tried any of these before?

Extra Elle:

• This was a long, short week for me--lots of long hours at work. I posted 6 times--what was I thinking? I know more than one sponsored post in a week isn't ideal, but scheduling conflicts happen, so thanks to everyone who stopped by. I only share products I love and think you will too!
• Design it yourself shampoo? Click here to find out.