Beauty and The Greeks

For centuries, the Greeks have been known for their beauty - and wellness. The lifestyle in Greece is much more slow, and natural than it is here in the states. For natural beauty, the Greeks have known for years that the properties of yogurt - and olive oil - are perfect for all skin types - and within any beauty routine.

YOGURT FOR HEALTHY GLOWING SKIN
We all love yogurt here in the states - it's a staple of good health, great taste and healthy 'pro-biotic' properties. But back in the homeland (Greece, of course) yogurt is more than a heart-healthy and good-for-digestion snack. It's actually a highly-prized beauty treatment. Yogurt (and not the "TCBY" kind - we're talking Dannon, here - without the fruit chunks) is a natural source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It can be used on all skin types - and is a great balm/mask for sunburn. Want to try it at home? Here's how!

ZIZIKI'S YOGURT MASK
1 tablespoon natural yogurt (allow to reach room temperature - and opt for low or no-fat variety)
1 teaspoon honey (get it soft, and pliable - stick it in the microwave for a few seconds so it mixes better)
A few drops of lime juice (if your complexion is oily)

Mix ingredients together, and apply to face - leave on 15 minutes, rinse and pat dry.

OLIVE OIL GODDESS BEAUTY

Olive oil, a staple of Mediterranean food dishes - is also an ancient secret to the most beautiful complexions and hair in the world. (Need you ask? The GREEKS!) Here are several uses for your olive oil. (best to opt for extra-virgin for the purest oil and the best results - it's from the first press of the olives - and is mostly unprocessed)

You'll find olive oil as a main ingredient in tons of bath & body products such as shampoo, lip balms, soaps and lotion. But if you don't have any commercial olive oil products - grab a bottle at the grocery store and start working on a beautiful new you.

Bath: Turn your bath into a bath of the GREEK GODDESSES - with a few tablespoons of olive oil added to running water.


Makeup remover: Olive oil is an all-natural makeup remover. Certainly - don't drop it directly into your eyeball for ANY reason EVER- but use it on a cotton ball to gently remove makeup.

Foot Mask: Clean your feet and rub olive oil all around your feet, ankles and toes - then put on your favorite pair of socks before bed. When you get up - your feet (heels and all) will be soft and supple.


Shiny, Beautiful Hair: Haven't you heard that mayonnaise is a great conditioner? So is olive oil. Olive oil helps heal dandruff and repair split ends as well. Gently massage a few drops of olive oil on your scalp and hair. Leave on as long as possible - up to 30 minutes or so - then shampoo and rinse.  And here's a bonus - put a few drops on your hair when it's dry - to eliminate frizz. But don't overdo this or you'll look greasy.