Turmeric is a bright yellow spice used in many Indian, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, but what many Western don't know is that when combined with yogurt, milk or olive oil, it's also a brilliant face mask. Indian women use it as a skin brightener and it's common practice for Indian brides (and, apparently, their grooms) to smear a turmeric paste made of the powder and sunflower oil on their skin to brighten their complexions for the wedding.
Actress Thandie Newton (who has a dark complexion) reportedly adds turmeric powder to her tinted moisturizer to give her the perfect glow.
Warning: Turmeric powder can stain fair skin. The same properties that make yellow and dark skin glow can make pink-skinned women look sallow. However, the stain does fade away after a few hours.