One of the highlights for any beauty buff visiting Greece is getting your hands on some treats from Korres, an amazing, natural skin, hair and make-up brand. Born out of Greece’s first homeopathic pharmacy, all the formulations are developed based on natural ingredients like aloe, calendula and Evening Primrose (it’s actually quite fascinating – read this). I was very excited to spot a small stand-alone store in Athens airport while waiting for a flight so I attacked it with my credit card and here’s what I bought:
Pomegranate Moisturising Cream-Gel
I often think that the best test of a beauty brand is the quality of their moisturisers, so I always try to pick one up if I’m unfamiliar with a line. This product caught my eye because it was suitable for combination/oily skin and had a lovely light formula (I can’t handle thick, rich face creams during the day – especially in a hot climate). Organic Pomegranate extract (which contains three times the antioxidant properties of red wine or green tea), tightens the pores and rejuvenates the skin, while alpine Willowherb regulates sebum production. It’s not quite as effective at banishing shine as my Clarins Hydra-Matte Lotion but I love the scent (it smells like tea – I suppose that’s all the tannins/antioxidants) and the fact that it sinks in so easily.
Guava Lip Butter
Korres’ lip butters are amongst their most famous products. Available in a variety of different colours and flavours, including Jasmine, Mango and Wild Rose, these little pots of joy contain super-moisturising shea butter for smooth, chap-free lips. Camilla bought me the Mango one last year and I love its bright orange colour, so I chose the Guava one for a more natural option. In cosmetology, guava is known for its healing and nourishing properties, thanks to a high concentration of actives.
Cooling Yoghurt Face & Body After-Sun
I convinced myself that this was first and foremost a practical purchase, considering that I was about to spend two weeks on the beach, but it’s also an absolute pleasure to use. It’s a light gel-cream formula made with real Greek yoghurt, nature’s best skin soother and works best if stored in the fridge for the maximum cooling effect. Yoghurt is a natural source of lactose, proteins, minerals and vitamins, and increases the water content of the top layers of the skin to instantly relieve redness. I didn’t actually get sunburnt while I was away (*pats self on back*) but I found this cream to be extremely soothing after my evening shower and left my skin feeling fresh and smooth.
Heliotrope, Ylang-Ylang and Citron Eau de Toilette
Every single one of Korres’ fragrances is delightful and it was a tough choice for me between this one and the darker, more masculine notes of the Vetiver, Green Tea and Cedarwood EDT. I ended up plumping for the former because it was lighter and more subtle, and feels perfect for spring. I am absolutely in love with it and find the floral-citrus scent so uplifting and refreshing when I spritz it on in the morning… and the afternoon… and the evening.
Next up on my hit-list are some items from the Wild Rose range which I’ve heard rave reviews about. I cannot wait until the brand rolls out into Edgars later this year – which products appeal to you?