DIY Facials with Greek Yogurt Face Masks

I love finding natural beauty treatments and remedies that work just as well (if not better!) than store bought cosmetics. Earlier this year I experimented with the effects of Raw Honey Face Masks and was blown away by the results! It made me think about other simple, natural products and I remembered my experience with Greek Yogurt.

I learned about the skin healing and beauty benefits of yogurt years ago in Greece. Back then, a local brand called Korres was being sold in pharmacies and specializing in natural and holistic remedies, creams and cosmetics.

The first Korres product I tried was their Yogurt Face Cream. It was supposed to soothe the skin, help minimize breakouts, and have anti-aging effects. Lucky for me, the cream delivered on everything it promised.

(More than a decade later, Korres is now available all over the world and they are still using unique ingredients and plants in their lines. Check them out on Amazon.)

Korres was definitely on to something, but you do not need to visit a cosmetics counter to benefit from the effects of yogurt – instead, shop your refrigerator for some plain Greek yogurt.

Yogurt is full of proteins and enzymes that help soothe, heal and treat your skin.

Gently apply a thin layer of plain Greek yogurt to clean skin for 10 to 30 minutes 2 to 3 times per week. On its own, it will moisturize, exfoliate, minimize acnesoothe sunburns and brighten your skin. For more intense all natural masks, try the following:

  1. Intense Moisture
  2. Exfoliator and Acne Healer
    • 2 tsp Greek Yogurt + 1 tsp Organic Raw Honey + 1/2 tsp Organic Coconut Oil
      • Yogurt is Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal which helps destroy acne-causing bacteria.
      • The Alpha-Hydroxy Acid gently exfoliates by dissolving dead skin cells to give you a youthful, glowing appearance.
  3. Sunburn Soother
    • 1 tbsp Greek Yogurt + 1 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel
      • The Zinc in Yogurt helps heal the skin and removes the sting.
  4. Skin Brightener
    • 1 tbsp Greek Yogurt + 1/2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Which is your favourite Greek Yogurt Mask? Do you have any special concoctions of your own for other skin concerns?

My New Favourite Beauty Mecca

When travelling outside of North America, I rarely purchase beauty products. It seems like every thing from Cover Girl mascara to MAC lipstick costs at least twice as much as back home. Fortunately, I discovered the Australian beauty chain, Mecca, in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall.

The store has a great selection of trusted cosmetics, skincare, and hair care brands like Bobbi Brown, GlamGlow, and Bumble and Bumble, as well as Australian brands. I was especially excited to see a wide assortment of Korres products – one of my favourite beauty brands from Greece.

The best part about Mecca: they have converted US pricing on their exclusive lines, into $AUD. That means brands like Josie Maran, NARS, Mario Badescu, and Korres are as close to US pricing as possible (only you are paying $AUD instead of $USD)

I had a great time shopping in Maxima Wintergarden thanks to the helpful staff, beautiful store, extensive selection. and my new Korres Water Lily body butter.

If you find yourself in Australia, I highly recommend checking it out.  http://mecca.com.au

The Australian cosmetics superstore, Mecca Maxima.

The Australian cosmetics superstore, Mecca.

Tickled Pink

One of my favourite people is getting married and her gorgeous blush and gold colour palette needs to be acknowledged! I had the privilege of attending her Pinterest-worthy bridal shower yesterday and, for a few hours, felt like it was actually spring.

Light pink hydrangeas, pink ombre layer cake, and a table of homemade Italian sweets are guaranteed to put you in a good mood.

The perfect Pinterest bridal shower with a plethora of homemade goodies, a pink paper flower wall, fluffy hydrangeas, and a polaroid station.

The perfect Pinterest bridal shower with a plethora of homemade goodies, a pink paper flower wall, fluffy hydrangeas, and a polaroid station.

In homage to the festivities, I have showcased some of my favourite pink cosmetics that will put a smile on your face and get you ready for spring.

Pink products to put a smile on your face (clockwise): Fujifilm Instax mini 8 instant camera; OPI Nail Lacquer in Passion; L'Occitane Rose Bonne Mere Soap; Korres Body Butter in Jasmine; Bite Agave Lip Mask in Champagne; Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm; Aquiline Pink Sugar Parfum; NARS Blush in Angelika.

Pink products to put a smile on your face (clockwise): Fujifilm Instax mini 8 instant camera; OPI Nail Lacquer in Passion; L’Occitane Rose Bonne Mere Soap; Korres Body Butter in Jasmine; Bite Agave Lip Mask in Champagne; Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm; Aqualina Pink Sugar Parfum; NARS Blush in Angelika.

Enjoy!