The history of cosmetics in Greece goes way back, to the days when Ancient Greek ladies would use olive oil and honey to protect their skin, cover their eyelids with charcoal to bring out the natural color in their eyes and even apply white lead to their skin to make it look paler, a very dangerous but effective practice! According to some sources, they would also dye their hair with sage leaves and myrtle fruit and spread scented oil on their bodies to moisturize it.

The important role of natural cosmetics in this part of the world can easily be explained by the fact that Greeks have always had access to a variety of natural ingredients with remarkable properties. Olive oil, honey, Greek herbs and fruits are considered natural sources of longevity, energy and rejuvenation. Plus, they can even be used to create inexpensive beauty products, without the use of chemicals. Follow the simple recipes below to create your own cosmetics, from the Greek nature’s workshop. Your skin will thank you for it!

Lip balm
1 tbsp of honey
1 tbsp of Vaseline
5-6 drops of olive oil

Preparation method: Put the ingredients in a fire-resistant bowl and then sink it in a bain-marie. Stir until the ingredients have melted into a smooth mixture. After the balm cools down, put it in a small sterilized glass jar and store it in the fridge.

Lavender cologne
2 cups of purified water
50 ml of raki
10 drops of lavender oil

Preparation method: In a sterilized bottle pour the purified water and the raki. Add the lavender oil and shake well. Store it in a dark and cool place for a week before you start using it.

Shampoo for blond highlights
10 grams of nettle
10 grams of chamomile
10 grams of mint
2 grams of lemon juice
2 cups of water

Preparation method: Boil the water and pour it on the chamomile, the nettle and the mint. Add the lemon juice and let the solution rest for two hours. Strain it well and weigh the final mixture; add as much of the shampoo. Stir well and store in a sterilized glass bottle.

After-sun refreshing spray
200 ml of purified water
1 drop of eucalyptus oil
2 drops of lavender oil
1 drop of mint oil

Preparation method: Blend the oils together in the water, stir well and just spray!

Recipe source: Visit Greece