Everyone loves a good drugstore bargain. But sometimes you've got to look beyond the aisles of CVS and Walgreens — and into another time zone. Take Arianna Skin Care, which just set up shop on Tremont Street. Founded by Israeli transplant Miri Torres, Arianna uses minerals from the Dead Sea to slough off dead skin without being too harsh on that shayna punim of yours. (The spot also stocks finds from a couple of other brands, like Swanky Sweet Pea's double-take-worthy cupcake bath bombs, shown at left.) After testing out Arianna's Exfoliating Shower Milk Refiner ($69), we got to wondering about other interesting beauty imports, so we tapped some Boston pros for picks from around the globe. Bon voyage.ARMENIA » Drawing on old-timey remedies from her native Armenia, Violet Mkhitaryan of Violet Skin Boutique puts everything but the kitchen sink into her hand-made products and spa treatments — think ingredients like egg yolks, honey, olive oil, and rose water. Her latest confection: Coffee Face Polish ($39), which exfoliates and firms with Armenian coffee beans and organic dark chocolate. 1362 Beacon St, Brookline :: 617.264.7546 or violetskinboutique.com
AUSTRALIA » The land down under brings us a remedy for limp, lifeless hair. A favorite of clients at Trephin salon, Evo Haze Styling Power ($29.95) is the perfect pick-me-up for days when lathering up just isn't an option. Make like a dingo and snag yourself a bottle. 25 Temple Place, Boston :: 857.233.2363 or trephin.com
CANADA » There's a reason our friends from the Great White North look so damn happy. At Skoah Boston — the skincare spatique's only outpost outside Canada — owner Pete Dziedzic recommends Skoah Dewlux Face Kream Lite 30 ($70). "People love it because it's a great mid-weight moisturizer," he says. Made with coenzyme Q10 to stimulate circulation and lipoic acid to calm redness, it'll have you smiling like a Molson-drinking native in no time. 641A Tremont St, Boston :: 857.350.4930 or skoahboston.com
SOUTH AFRICA » Down in Cape Town, Dr. Des Fernandes created a cult skincare line called Environ. Now, Bostonians are lining up for its C-Quence Eye Gel ($88) to reduce their fine lines. "It's very results-oriented," says Brad Duncan, owner of Brad Duncan Skin Care. "Their eye gel is one of our best-selling products." 530 Tremont St, Boston :: 617.482.1700 or bradduncanskincare.com
DIY, ITALIAN-STYLE Whisk olive oil with a touch of honey until creamy. Add rosemary, slather onto wet hair, and let it sit for an hour under a plastic grocery bag. Ciao, bella.
ARIANNA SKIN CARE :: 151 TREMONT ST, BOSTON :: 857.277.0784 OR ARIANNASKINCARE.COM
