Beauty Lab: Korres

Click for full size

The Korres products belong on every and any Green fashionista's must-have list. The brand is all-natural, has really subtle packaging that looks pretty in any bathroom and best of all, it's reasonably inexpensive.

As a true natural label, Korres replaces mineral oil, the synthetic product of chemically processed petroleum, which is known to block skin pores, by vegetable oils. Silicones, family of synthetic, non-biodegradable compounds, are replaced by dry vegetable oils with moisturizing and nourishing properties. Propylene glycol, a widely used solvent linked with a number of allergies, is replaced by butylene glycol and other solvents, which are safe and compatible with the skin.

Korres also uses medicinal herbs in its formulations, thanks to their pharmacy heritage. Other ingredients are Greek flora such as olive oil, basil, camomile, sage, rosemary,... Or some food ingredients containing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They boast to incorporate real yoghurt and Greek thyme honey into the formulas. And of course, this is something I had to see for myself!

I tried out their yoghurt mask, and their milk proteins cleansing lotion. I have sensitive skin, so first of all, I was pleased to notice the label "dermatologically tested" on the packaging. The milk protein cleansing lotion is superb. The texture is just perfect, and for removing light day make-up, it works like a charm. I had a little more difficulty removing really heavy professional make-up, but I have that problem with all cleansing lotions. I guess it's the texture that doesn't allow removing so many layers of make-up at the same time. However, for daily use, this has become my new favorite.

The mask is supposed to be an "ultra-soothing and cooling mask for long-lasting hydration and comfort to normal or combination yet dehydrated skin". The yoghurt should relieve dry skin areas, while the watercress should help the deeper skin layers to bind water. This sounded perfect to me. The instructions ordered me to apply the mask twice a week, which I did for three weeks in a row. I really liked the smell, which is not sour like yoghurt, but rather sweet. It also had a nice touch of spicy herbs, like clove, in it. The texture of the mask was very pleasant, more like a light creme than a heavy mask. But unlike cremes, the mask wasn't fully absorbed by my skin, so I had to wash off the remainders after five minutes. My skin felt really soft and after three weeks, it does look less dry in certain areas.

The Korres products are available at several pharmacies, like the Europa Apotheek in Antwerp (Groenplaats 42).

xx Steph

Korres Yoghurt Mask 22€
Korres Milk Proteins Cleansing Lotion 17,90€