Greece Now Magazine-Harper's Bazaar Arabia - Summer 2022

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Kallos: The ancient Greek beauty secrets

BEAUTY —

You can still use today at home! The secrets of ancient Greek grooming included regular exercise, the use of essential oils, and even natural decoloration. — BY FILIA MITROMARA

I

t is true that beauty in antiquity was considered one of the main virtues of women and had developed a strong relationship between mathematics and beauty. The ancient Greeks, having at their disposal only natural products, discovered beneficial properties in some of the strangest ingredients. With imagination they created the most beneficial beauty recipes for the skin. Some of them can even be easily applied today!

beehives, but none of them are more renowned around the world than thyme honey. Honey, due to polysaccharides, attracts and absorbs the water molecules from the surrounding environment, acting like a sponge. In addition to its hydro-retentive properties, honey has been clinically proven to accelerate the biosynthesis and maturation of collagen fibers, so it improves skin elasticity and roughness and provides a velvety texture. Furthermore, thyme honey has a high content of vitamins, amino acids, and flavonoids, so it provides antioxidant protection and nourishes dry skin areas. One of the most common Grecian mask preparations is to mix olive oil and honey. Honey is one of the most naturally antibacterial ingredients while olive oil is super healing. DIY: Before your bath, place 1/4 cup of honey in a short jar or bowl (adding a small amount of warm water to the honey to make the honey more spreadable). Mix 1/4 [cup] extra-virgin olive oil in with the honey. Apply with a clean paintbrush or makeup brush to your face. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, and remove with a washcloth.

Cosmetics like kosmetikos The word cosmetics is actually a Greek word, kosmetikos, meaning the awareness of harmony, organisation and tranquillity. The word kosmetikos originated in the 17th century, so these beauty rituals have been around at least that long. Almond oil Almond oil for hair growth Ancient Greek women used almond oil on the hair as well as on their skin. Use of almond oil in ancient Greece symbolized hope and patience. Almond oil is known to provide utmost hydration. This quality is due to the presence of palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. Almond oil also serves to be a good source of vitamin E and K. It reduces hair fall and provides strength right from the hair roots. DIY: Before bath, apply almond oil in your hair, leave in for 20 minutes and then take a shower.

Salt Scrub Ancient Greeks used Mediterranean Sea salt mixed with olive oil to scrub and exfoliate their dry, sun-exposed bodies. DIY: Mix equal parts Epsom salt and olive oil and rub on your elbows and body parts while you soak in the bath. Let the mixture remain in your tea bath soak to provide extra detoxifying and soothing properties.

Honey Mask Numerous varieties of honey are produced in Greek

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