Chile
What: Red grapes

The history: Many people know about the antioxidant properties of red grapes (vino, anyone?). To get that glow, some Chilean women would create a paste out of mashed-up grapes and flour, then apply it to their faces as a mask.

The lowdown: Rich in a proanthocyanidins and resveratrol, which research shows aids in cancer prevention and cardiovascular problems, grape seed contains complexes that help combat free-radical damage. However, unlike our Chilean sisters, King recommends using a compound scientifically formulated to absorb efficiently into your skin — not just rubbing it on. "It’s about using complexes now. Just like having a mixture of different things in our diet brings out the best responses, our skin works in exactly the same way," she says. "The more you can combine the best of nature and the best of science, the more you’re going to see an effect on the skin."

Poole, a die-hard proponent of natural ingredients, believes that the vitamins and beta-carotene in grapeseed oil and grapeseed butter are great for skin health. "When absorbed into the skin, it promotes suppleness, helps even out skin tone, strengthens tissues in the skin, and promotes flexibility," she says. (As with many butters and oils, however, it can clog your pores, she adds.)