Over the last decade, Greek cosmetics companies have seriously upped their game and are now creating products that can easily compete with some of the world’s best brands.
High-quality cosmetics made with pure, innovative, natural, and sweet-smelling ingredients make me very happy. They don’t just make me feel and look better, they help reverse problems, offer deep nurturing, and prevent future issues. As with almost everything by now, I like to shop local, not only for environmental reasons but also to support the many charismatic producers around the country.
This summer I stocked up on sophisticated products to use on my one-month island holiday as well as the city, choosing from three of the country’s top natural/organic brands: Eolia Cosmetics, Dos Cosmetics, and BioSelect. Here are the tried and tested products that have added beauty, joy, feel-good textures, and aromas – not to mention noticeably impressive results – to my summer:
GOLD STAR!
Eolia Lip Balm with St John’s Wort Oil
The only lip balm I’ve ever used that has a light texture and immediately and ongoingly soothes my lips. The sweet smell of St John’s Wort herb with honey, propolis & beeswax reminds me of the delicious aromatic wafts that come from island fields that have been sitting under the sun.
GOLD STAR!
Greek Sun-kissed Bronzer
This dry oil bronzer with Argan oil, vitamin E oil, and olive oil for deep moisturisation & nourishment has added daily nourishment and glamour to my arms, chest, legs, thighs and even hair. It’s perfect for adding a glow any time of day and helps to prolong your suntan while soothing the skin from sun exposure.
Pomegranate & Aloe Vera body butter
A mix of fruits and herbs from Laconia, plus St John’s wort oil, natural beeswax, and honey that smells soothingly sweet and fruity and has a rich, nutritive texture. A bedside buddy that I used regularly on my hands, legs, and feet before sleep.
Instant Lift Serum
Lifting active pearls combine hyaluronic acid molecules with natural bio-saccharides that form a three-dimensional grid of instant tightening and are proven to provide deep and lasting hydration, improve skin appearance, reduce blemishes, smoothen wrinkles and give a bright, youthful, restful look. This gel dries quickly and revives the skin, making it perfect for application before makeup on evenings when I’m heading out.
GOLD STAR!
After Sun
This incredibly cooling cream-gel with aloe, Greek yogurt, cucumber, and vitamin E instantly soothes away any kind of redness, dryness, or irritation that can result from overexposure to the sun (guilty as charged!). Even better when kept in the refrigerator.
DOS Cosmetics
A 100% natural glitter oil was my other secret weapon in creating post-beach glow!
GOLD STAR!
Tanning Oil
This tanning oil only has a 3SPF, with oils that accelerate the natural tan while protecting the skin from premature aging. It contains antioxidants that bind free radicals while maintaining the elasticity and moisture of the skin. The best part is the delightfully exotic aroma that Dos describes as a Californian-Caribbean-Greek blend!
GOLD STAR!
Sunscreen 50+ SPF | UVA UVB Light Serum
This face sunscreen was my daily face serum, which I applied pre-sun and again at the beach after several hours. With 50SPF it protects from UVA / UVB rays while preventing dark spots and hyperpigmentation through its powerful antioxidant action.
Face Tonic Lotion
This gentle skin toner with dictamelia, hibiscus, aloe (which soothes, softens and revitalizes) and green tea, which protects from oxidative damage was part of my morning skincare routine. It helped wipe away any greasiness from the night and tighten my pores.
Nourishing Body Butter
A rich, natural buttery cream, which provides intensive hydration to your skin also has dictamelia, which protects from oxidative damage as well as shea butter, which is rich in vitamin E and aloe, so it offered my sun-kissed body a deep nourishing action.
GOLD STAR!
Hair & Body Fragrance Mist Piña Colada
Several people asked me what fragranced I was wearing whenever I liberally spritzed this cheering stuff on myself. With exotic coconut and monoi de tiare oils and a light hint of pineapple, it both revived and soothed me.
Body Sugar Scrub – Exfoliate & Polish – Piña Colada
I used this delicious organic sugar scrub with coconut oil, organic olive oil, orange essential oil & monoi de tiare oil in the shower every four to five days to scrub off dead cells and enjoy a smooth, silky result.
