Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Natural Cosmetics: Pure Beauty
Greek women have long relied on Greek nature and traditional recipes to whip up a moisturiser or hair dye, a tradition that has survived the introduction of mass-produced cosmetics.
Now, spurred by a general tendency towards natural products, this centuries-old tradition is becoming a trend, and alternative cosmetics brands are creating a niche in international mainstream markets, showcasing olive oil-based cosmetics: known for its beneficial effects on skin and hair, olive oil is a staple of traditional beauty recipes.
Some of the best are, naturally, found in Crete, where small companies, such as Bioesti, Olivaloe and Athena’s Treasures are producing cosmetics made by Cretan organic virgin olive oil. Soaps made from organic olive oil are also becoming very popular: there is Fisika soap company that uses Cretan oil; Electra’s Secrets, a Lesbos-based company that makes exquisite soaps out of the famous Mytilene oil; and Cool Greek Soaps, an aromatic hand-made soap company based on the island of Aegina.
Mastic is another rare treasure from Greek nature’s beauty box: its nourishing and healing properties are now used to make fabulous natural cosmetics. The Chios-based companies Mastiha Shop and Mastic Spa are using their island’s star product for their series, and even offer guides to make your own beauty care products at home using mastic.
Greek flora reserve however is virtually infinite: herbs, essential oils, extracts, flowers, and fruit, form the basis of numerous organic cosmetics. Apivita, the first Greek company to create holistic natural cosmetics since 1979, and Fresh Line, which produces home-made organic cosmetics based on ancient Greek recipes, are just two of the many companies that use aromatherapy, herbal-therapy & hydrotherapy techniques to make natural cosmetics.
