Beauty Rituals from Around the World

Travel has taught me that beauty is universal, but the rituals surrounding it are wonderfully local. In Tokyo, I discovered the art of the double cleanse — oil followed by foam — and it transformed my skin within a week. In Marrakech, the hammam ritual of black soap and rhassoul clay left me feeling reborn.

The French, of course, have their own philosophy: less is more. A good moisturiser, a red lip, and the confidence to leave the house without foundation. I have adopted elements from each tradition, creating a routine that is part Japanese precision, part Moroccan indulgence, and part Parisian nonchalance.

The common thread across all these cultures is intentionality. Beauty is not about perfection — it is about care. Taking time for oneself is not vanity; it is a form of respect. For the body, yes, but also for the people who will share your company.