Mexico’s Insider Beauty Secrets
By Natalie Evans-Harding for The Edit
THE MIND and BODY REHAB
Embrace Mexico’s mañana mañana mentality and check into the intimate Hotel Escondido on the Oaxacan coast, where the motto is “where time hides”. Occupying its own exclusive stretch of white-sand beach, this remote retreat is a surfer and yogi’s paradise. The massage-focused spa is a highlight, as are the seasonal yoga and nutrition retreats. Book your place on the upcoming Viaje al Espíritu (‘Journey to the Spirit’) in March: a four-day program that focuses on realigning a personal equilibrium via traditional healing sessions – meditation, yoga, treks and a traditional Mayan cacao ceremony.
Insider tip: Make use of the 50-meter seafront pool and, after watching the sun set on the Pacific Ocean from your hammock, fall asleep in your palapa hut listening to the sounds of the sea.
THE DETOX GURU
Tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas… The temptations of Mexican cuisine are abundant, but, for a land with a natural wealth of superfoods, including avocado, cacao and coconut, a Mexican diet needn’t be unhealthy, says celebrity nutritionist Christina Lima. Based in Mexico City, Lima’s clients include many of Mexico’s most famous faces from cinema, modeling and television – Ana de la Reguera, Glenda Reyna and Vanessa Huppenkothen among them. Lima advocates tailoring your diet to food PH levels, remodeling menus to be more alkaline friendly (our bodies function best when blood is at a pH between 7.35 to 7.45), and guides her clients through carefully monitored detoxes.
Insider tip: Schedule an appointment at Lima’s clinic, Medicalima, for a personal pre-prognosis based on your blood type and lifestyle.
THE A-LIST BOOTCAMP
Utilizing of the inspiring landscapes and vast array of luxurious resorts that Mexico has to offer, pop-up bootcamp retreats have boomed in popularity of late. Bikini Bootcamp, considered the best in Mexico, offers retreats on the serene Tulum coastline, attracting A-list attendees such as Charlize Theron and Drew Barrymore. Expect hikes, circuit training, yoga, organic meals and salsa dancing – this is Mexico, after all.
Insider tip: Look out for tour schedules of the leading Mexican fitness names on Facebook, including yogi Alejandro Maldonado (so popular he has his own TV slot), or celebrity personal trainer Leticia Roman, who has appeared as a dancer on tours with Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin and the Rolling Stones.
THE ANCIENT SPA RITUAL
One of the most stylish spas in Mexico, Rosewood Mayakoba in Quintana Roo combines ancient techniques of indigenous Mayan people with the chic setting of a beachside spa. For those wanting to tap into Mexico’s spiritual heritage, the new half-day ‘Healing Hands Experience’ promises to “interconnect body, mind, emotions, spirit and environment”. After a private consultation with a visiting shaman, a personalized healing ritual is performed before visiting a cenote (a natural sinkhole), considered by the Mayans to be wells of health and eternal youth.
Insider tip: Add on a traditional Mayan massage or the ancient ritual of temazcal – surrounding oneself with herbal steam and heat from volcanic rocks to purify and detox the mind and body.
THE CULT BEAUTY PRODUCT
Blood-red lips are a Mexican beauty signature, but in fact, it’s creating sensual, dramatic eyes that they consider an essential. Naturally, then, the country has its own cult mascara. Loved by Alexa Rodulfo, one of New York’s most popular makeup artists, and championed by designer Michael Bastian’s vice president Eugenia Gonzalez Ruiz-Olloqui, IM Mascara is made from a cocktail of mamey seed oil (a natural herbal healing remedy) and vitamin E to condition lashes.
Insider tip: IM Mascara is only sold in Mexico, so stock up on the cult beauty product during your visit. If you’re not in the country, do as Mexican beauty aficionados do and use a disposable mascara wand to run coconut oil through lashes for an overnight deep conditioning treatment – it makes for the perfect stopgap.
MEXICAN MUST-HAVES
Add a sultry edge to your look with these cult beauty buys
The Fragrance: Arquiste Parfumeur Anima Dulcis
Inspired by a centuries-old recipe, this scent has notes of warming Mexican vanilla, spicy cinnamon and chili.
The Lip: Ilia lipstick in Femme Fatale
Take your cue from Mexican actress Salma Hayek and add this seductive shade to lips for fiery glamour.
The Eyeliner: Burberry Beauty Effortless Kohl in Poppy Black
For dramatic eyes, run this bold kohl along your lash line and soften to add smokiness.
The Body Oil: Coqui Coqui Coco Coco Bath Oil
Scented with fragrant coconuts native to the Yucatán Peninsula, it’s a vacation in a bottle.
