From Greece with love!

The Ancient Greeks were lovers of beauty. They used natural treatments and ingredients to improve their appearance and slow the ageing process.  Also, good nutrition and athletics played a big part in their lives.  Cosmetics played a huge role in ancient Greece.  
The word 'cosmetic' comes from the greek word 'kosmetikos' which means a sense of harmony, order and tranquility.  It also means 'skilled in adornment'.  Many beauty products that they Ancient Greeks used were made from fresh ingredients found in nature.

 ♥  Olive oil: this super natural ingredient has been used on the body for centuries.  Olive oil can be used on body, face, nails and hair.  It is full of vitamins, natural fatty acids and is well known for its antioxidant properties, prevents skin ageing and can eliminate the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.  It acts as a perfect moisturiser for dry skin and is perfect for areas like elbows and knees.

♥ Honey: is a natural humectant, which means it has the ability to attract and retain moisture. A good hydration of the skin is an important factor for skin to maintain its softness and elasticity.  Honey is also a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial substance so it's great to use as an acne treatment. It fights bacteria, and also it calms the face and prevents irritation.

♥ Milk: Cleopatra's secret to a youthful skin was milk, as it hydrates and replenishes the skin, leaving it radiant and glowing! She used to enjoy long baths soaking her skin in milk and honey. Raw milk is considered a beauty treasure because it contains so much vital nutrients and vitamins, like A, D, B6, B12, calcium and protein, all good for our health but also good for our skin.

♥ Greek yogurt: is considered a miraculous ingredient because it soothes and nourishes the skin.  Great to relieve sunburns, acts as a natural moisturiser and skin brightener.  

Here are some of my favourite Greek companies and products I used from them during the years.

♥ KORRES

 George Korres joined forces with Tzivanides Pharmacy (Greece's first homeopathic pharmacy in the 60s) in 1989, while Mr Korres was studying Pharmacology at the University of Athens.  He was so amazed by the power of natural ingredients and driven by his passion for herbs, that he wanted to create a natural skincare line. In 1996, KORRES was born.  The brand's philosophy is rooted in the use of natural and/or certified organic ingredients of the highest quality.  Products are environmentally friendly, affordable and for everyday use.

I have been using the Korres Sun Care line for years.  This sunscreen is designed for kids with an SPF50, it soothes, moisturises and prevents skin from burning.  If it is suitable for children, then it is great for me!  I buy it every summer!

This product is the best after sun cream ever!  For real!  It is a cooling gel with real yogurt, that provides freshness and comfort to the skin that has been exposed to the sun.  I keep this cream always in the fridge, and I apply it after sunbathing.  The feeling to my skin is sensational! A must buy!

I use this product to protect my hair from the sun.  The water-resistant UV filters prevent the hair colour from fading away.  Suitable for all hair types.

♥ APIVITA

 Apivita cosmetics combine naturally derived active ingredients, extracts from plants of the Greek nature, beehive products of high nutritional value, and organic essential oils. Inspired by the philosophy of Hippocrates, the company addresses the individual concerns of each customer’s skin in a comprehensive way. 

Each APIVITA product offers multiple actions: hydration, protection from environmental aggressors, prevention and treatment of signs of aging or other problems.  Thanks to pure 100% certified organic essential oils, these products offer uplifting, invigoration, relief from tension and stress. All products are ideal partners that reinforce each other and act synergistically to offer maximum results.

I have tried almost every face mask from this brand and I swear by them!  As a face mask junkie, I like to try and experiment with new masks and enjoy their effectiveness and spa experience they offer to my skin.  These masks are the best thing ever to put on your face if your skin lacks hydration, brightness, tightness, firmness or you need to take care of your fine lines and wrinkles.

My two favourites are the Revitalizing Mask with Orange and the Firming Mask with Royal Jelly!

♥ BODY FARM

This company offers a great variety of natural products, and it's been on the market for 25 years.  

 I recently purchased the Grape Hair Mask from this line and I really enjoy it.  This mask protects the skin, provides strength, volume and brightness.  In the past, I also purchased from a holiday trip to Greece the Dark Chocolate Body Scrub.  If you could just imagine how this scrub smells!  Every time that I was in the shower I was so anxious to use it, very good product and left my skin fully hydrated. One thing that I noticed about the Body Farm company is that they have developed special scents for their products.  One smells better than the other.  Very unique and rare scents.

I also have the Sandalwood Body Milk.  It is ideal for dry and cracked skin and provides intense moisturising.  The woody and fresh scent offers calmness and relaxation.  Again, a very unique scent.

♥ FRESH LINE COSMETICS

This brand has been out there since 1992.  It all started when a Greek woman wanted to put into action all the cosmetic knowledge she inherited from her grandmother including unique recipes using herbs and natural ingredients.  What is special about this brand, is that all series of Fresh Line have names of Greek goddesses from the Greek Mythology.  Fresh Line wanted to signify the Greek root of herbal and aromatherapy and creates imaginative, handmade cosmetics made with fresh, organic and safe ingredients from the rich Greek nature.

A must purchase from this brand is their handcrafted soaps for face and body.  Fresh Line has the most delicious freshly cut soaps and when I say freshly cut soaps, this is exactly what I mean.  When you go to their shop and ask for their handmade soaps, they will present you a huge bar of soap and they will cut for you the desired quantity you want!  Plus, when you enter the store, it smells amazing!

So that's it for today, thanks for visiting and I will see you soon!

 ♥