Tag Archives: Greece

Brand, Essentially Lili Products, Skincare Tips

Loving Your Feet

Posted on by Lili Giglia
Loving Your Feet
05
Oct

Loving Your Feet

Why do we often forget
to take care of them?

QR BLOGOCT19

Our feet are often the last thing we think about when we take care of ourselves.Do you forget to take care of your feet until you’re about to go on holidays?Or do you wait until they’re dried out, cracked, smelling and aching? I honestly think that we take our hard-working feet for granted.We stand, walk, hike, dance, run, exercise, and they take our weight from place to place in our shoes which are often too tight, low, high or non-supportive. How do we cope, remain active, play sport or compete when they hurt or ache? At what point do we stop and give them a whole lotta love with pampering and massage?

Day to day, after showering or following our morning routine, we make sure we put on our skincare, fix and style our hair and get dressed for the occasion before rushing out the door. If you’re wearing closed shoes, no-one really needs to see the condition of your feet, unless you’re wearing fancy open shoes or heels.Are you guilty of this? I can tell you I’m guilty of rushing out the door with my laces undone, tying them up in the lift to the garage!!! But let me share my yukky feet story. I hope you can relate to this and I would love for your honest feedback too.

I recently stumbled across those hideous pics of my feet the last time I went for a pedicure in 2014.Don’t get me wrong, I loved going to see the Beautician and spending time with my friend whilst getting pampered. What I didn’t like is how embarrassing my feet’s heels were, cracked and bleeding, hurting like hell and ugly to look at.The beautician exclaimed, ‘OMG Lili, what happened to your feet?’ as she puts on a mask to start grinding the dead skin on them. Urgh how disgusting, no matter what I did, they were always dry. That yukky habit of picking, itching, scratching, picking, pulling, rubbing, and ripping that then caused bleeding and pain had exposed me, and I felt awful showing my feet in public.

While she blasted my dead skin off, I just wanted to be sick and puke, or crawl into a hole from my embarrassment.And of course, she needed extra time to get passed the layers, cutting my heels by accident, which only added to my existing pain. Applying some feet product to my skin, she finished off with some colour nail polish, but my heels were already drying out by the time I arrived home. That’s just crazy, after all that time being pampered, why were my feet still dry?

I tried many products over the years, from cheap Supermarket brands to expensive ones. Some of them were so icky to put on and smelt awful, yet I would apply because my feet needed them. I just didn’t like the results, irrespective of how religiously I treated my feet. Can you relate to that?

When I started making Essentially Lili products in 2015, I decided that feet had to be included in the range. Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter are used to help provide the hydration to the skin.I experimented with blends. I accidentally spilled the liquid version of peppermint aero onto the stove which made our apartment smell so deliciously fragrant for quite some time!!I tried a number of blended versions to achieve the right buttery mix that would just melt onto the skin when it came into contact with my body’s natural temperature for the most effective application. This was the beginning of Peppermint Feet. It’s a definite favourite in Australia as another package heads out to Melbourne amongst other goodies.Not only does it get rid of smelly feet, athlete’s foot or fungal infections, it really hydrates the heels, keeping the skin soft and hydrated.

Did you know that Peppermint Essential Oil is not suggested for Expecting or Nursing Mums? When a newly expecting lady asked me to help with her feet, I created the new blend using Tangerine instead of Peppermint essential oil, making it suitable for expecting and nursing mums. My daughter and I wanted to have a cute name for the new addition to the Feet Range. We came up with Tango Twinkle Toes as we imagined the expectant and nursing mum wanting to dance with her little ones, which is what I did with both my babies!

The last product to be included to the range is Lime Foot Repair . The difference with this one is that it contains Beeswax, which seals the hydration into the skin.You don’t need much to keep the feet soft, but if you have stubborn problems, I suggest adding a little more and wearing socks to keep the product close to the skin whilst you sleep.

This leads me to this next wonderful story. I was contacted by a concerned wife about her husband’s feet. They were aching, causing him agony and discomfort to walk. I suggested using either the Peppermint Feet or Lime Foot Repair depending on his preference of oils, scents and overall goal for his heels. Instead he opted to take them both, using Peppermint Feet in the mornings and Lime Foot Repair in the evenings. A few weeks later, he sent me before and after photos with this remarkable testimonial.

From Andrew G, Zurich:
“With my religiously male application techniques – not every day, often missing a few in between and several false starts, it is still no surprise that my heels look so good. Including the use of a pumice stone and repeated application of Essentially Lili Lime Foot Repair the difference is easy to see. At the start, I had cracked heels with cuts so deep they bled and were so painful I could barely walk. Within 3 weeks my heels were healed and my feet were looking stellar. I used Essentially Lili Lime Foot Repair at night and Peppermint Feet in the morning. Now the pain is gone, my cracks have disappeared and there’s a newfound spring in my step.”

What an amazing result in such a short period of time … and how many men would ever admit to needing this kind of help for their feet? Check out his pictures in the upper gallery – before and after using the products!!

Another testimonial about happy heels from Sevi, Geneva:
My pregnant friend in Greece is very happy with Lime Foot Repair and keeps on using it every day. She has seen a huge improvement in the quality of her skin on the feet and toes. I must admit my daughter and I are huge fans of the Lime Foot Repair as well.
After bathing and applying the Natural Baby Moisturising Oil, she insists on putting Lime Foot Repair on her feet. We both love the texture and scent of this product. I am a forever customer of Essentially Lili, once tried, you can never go back to anything else. Keep up the great products Lili, you are doing an amazing job!”

This testimonial was from lovely Emily, Basel, who just wanted to try something different.
The Tango Twinkle Toes healed my dry scaly heels during my Camino de Santiago walk in Spain. As I wanted to carry only a few items as possible, I also used it for the rest of my body and it worked great!! It isn’t oily or greasy.

Judith from Zurich wrote:
The Tango Twinkle Toes is the only foot balm that has had any lasting positive effect on my feet! Absolutely love it! It was so nice to use a completely natural product whilst pregnant too.

Who wouldn’t love to have results like these? I know that I love reading these kinds of happy testimonials, every time!!

Gallery: Products for your feet; Before & After Andrew’s Feet, Yukky Feet at Beautician, Treated Feet, Products from Essentially Lili Range.

As mentioned above, there are plenty of brands you can get from the stores that may treat your skin. What I try to do with my products is give you long-term results, and make your feet feel great all the time. Depending on how bad the condition of your heels are, you’ll need to gently scrape away the dead skin before having your shower.

You can also make a gentle scrub using sea-salt, or Himalayan Pink Salts, coarse sugar, Olive Oil and some lemon juice .Mix the contents together in a container and gently scrub your legs and feet, before washing it off in the shower.I use this mix (without the lemon) to soften my hands after washing the dishes too. You only have to mix up a small amount in order to keep it for around a week before making a fresh batch.

As stated in the Newsletter, I’m discounting the Feet Range this month so that you can get your Pot of Magic and take care of your feet, all year round. Remember, your feet need just as much love as the rest of you, and if they’re aching, hurting or even smelling, get them sorted, as naturally as you can.

Be one of the many who add their testimonials to the Essentially Lili page, sharing your own story and experience with what helped you. This is what I love the most about what I do. Helping you overcome not only your skin concerns, but finding the confidence to be the best version of yourself to Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

    • Have you had a pampering nightmare session that you would love to share for laughs?
    • What’s the best way to apply your Feet Products products?
    • If you could have a special blend made, what ingredients would it contain?

About Lili & Essentially Lili

My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management. I’m a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine.I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.  At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients.  See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.

Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.  We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products.  Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

See the Blog Library for previous writings about Alopecia Areata, Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili x

Brand, Essentially Lili Products, Skincare Tips, Travels

What 21st Century Makeup Contains

Posted on by Lili Giglia
Makeup containing Parabens
02
Sep

What 21st Century
Makeup contains

Following on from Ancient times,
the ingredients contained
in products are a different kind of toxic.

QR BLOGSEP19

In the last blog, I wanted to share a bit about the history of Santorini, Crete and the Minoan civilization, and shared the kinds of ingredients used by the Ancient Greek, Egyptians, Romans and Queen Elizabeth I.I must say that it seems QEI had the worst result in the end as she suffered the most from lead poisoning combined with pox and rotting teeth.There’s one way to encourage our kids to brush their teeth! Picking up where we left of:

From 1800-1900s, toxic lead and copper which was used for facial powder is replaced with Zinc Oxide. Another ingredient Ceruse, which also comes from white lead, was later declared poisonous.Health issues like muscle paralysis, facial tremors and death were thought to be caused by this. Queen Victoria regards make-up as ‘improper’ for everyone except for those in the theatre!

During the Edwardian times, the pressure for hostesses to appear youthful increases, resulting in a rise of cosmetic purchases.Beauty salons become secretly more popular, as many of the customers enter through back doors to hide the fact they need help to maintain their ‘youthful appearance’.Imagine that, hiding your appointments to the beauty parlour, so that others wouldn’t know you were getting help with your ageing skin!

In a previous Blog, I wrote about the horrible ingredients contained in a lot of modern-day products.You can click here to see the full details of that Blog: Pick Your Ingredients.

So let’s fast forward to what 21st Century makeup & skincare products contain.

• Detergents called P-phenylenediamine, 4-MMPD Sulphate, Diaminobenzene, Ammoniated Mercury and Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS/SLES) & Foaming agents should be avoided. Found in soaps, detergents, shampoos, mouthwash, hand cream, cleansers, hair dyes (Permanent & Semi Permanent) as well as toothpaste.The mucous membranes of the mouth is the main source of absorption, storing the detergents in the liver, heart, lungs and brain. The skin can become irritated, can cause hair loss, whilst prolonged exposure can cause skin damage.
• Solvents derived from Petroleum found in brake & hydraulic fluid like anti-freeze. Includes Propylene, Butylene & Glycol, Mineral oils & petrolatum. Used as a humectant, they penetrate the outer layers of the skin, leaving a film on the skin, trapping moisture, toxins & waste that would otherwise be eliminated through the skin.These ingredients are found in deodorant, shaving gel, conditioner, shampoo, toothpaste, baby wipes, lotions, cosmetics such as foundation creams, mascara, lipsticks & suntan lotion.These ingredients are odourless and colourless, are cheap and allow the ingredients to combine well.Side-effects include:
* Solvents can irritate the skin and may cause dermatitis & conjunctivitis. Ingestion may cause pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycaemia, intravascular haemolysis.
* respiratory & throat irritations, central nervous system depression, blood & kidney disorders.

• Bleaching Agents: Hydroquinone and Kojic Acid are whitening agents used to bleach the skin.
• Proyply-Alcohol is an antiseptic used in cosmetics, shampoos, shaving products, waterless hand cleansers, mouthwash (25-30%) and in the preparation of bottled water, carbonated drinks and decaffeinated coffee.In the mouthwash, it has been linked to mouth and throat cancers.
• Preservatives, Q15, Antiseptic, includes Parabens Includes Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl- ethyl-) Proyply-Alcohol. These have also been found in carbonated drinks. Parabens are added to stop microbial growth and extend the shelf life of the products.Many Skincare Products contain Parabens, those with citrus seed may have been sprayed with parabens.They can be harmful if inhaled or swallowed, they can cause irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.It can cause allergic reactions on the skin, of which symptoms include itching, redness and pain.And it can affect hormones and have been found in Breast tumours.

• Body Acidity regulators like Ethanloamines used with preservatives like Diazolidinyl Urea. These are found in soaps, shampoos, bubble bath, lotions, cosmetics, laundry detergents.It can severely irritate body tissues, can cause dermatitis and may be corrosive to the eyes.It prevents bacterial growth, though it’s not effective against fungi.These are acidity regulators and used normally with other Ingredients like DEA Cocamide. Amines react with nitrosating agents to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.

• Nanoparticles: include titanium dioxide & zinc oxide for sunscreen products. They are ultra-fine particles which possess certain properties due to their tiny size.This allows them to accumulated in the body, possibly by topical use.May trigger potentially harmful chemical reactions.

• Chemical blocks: may be absorbed by the skin and work by absorbing the UV light.This causes a chemical reaction in the molecule of the block, which may release free radicals. The skin damage can cause photosensitivity and blockers known to do this include: octocrylene, octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), benzophenone-3, (oxybenzone) and benzophenone-4 (sulisobenzone). If these penetrate the skin before it absorbs the UV photon, then these free radicals are released into the skin.It can increase the risk of cancer and contributes to skin ageing.

• Synthetics like fragrances & colours, Talc & Toluene. Phthalates listed as Perfumes / Fragrances preserves synthetic scents. These are often not listed on the ingredients but are contained in health & beauty products like Nail polish, lacquers and soft plastics such as pet and infant chew toys. Toluene acts as an endocrine disruptor, potential carcinogen, may cause birth defects.Whilst Talc Is chemically similar to Asbestos. It is found in many baby products, including feminine powders, condom lubricants and cosmetics.As a feminine powder or spray, it can cause ovarian cancer. There are Over 200 Synthetic Fragrances used in Cosmetics. The label only has to state ‘Fragrance’ so you have no way of knowing which of the 200 are in your product.The fragrance can mask the product going off, provide no benefits, so best avoided.Adversely affects male sperm, increases testosterone and oestrogen, has been found in Breast Cancer.

• Preservative: Parabens, Benzoyl Peroxide, many of which are toxic and come from questionable sources. to see what kind of other products are included.
• UV Filters and Sunscreen Agents: Refer to a previous blog about the shocking ingredients contained in sunscreens: The Shocking News About Sunscreens.Ingredients include Avobenzone, Mexoryl, Oxybenzone (a hormone), Benzophenone, which are UV Filters that are meant to block or absorb UVA rays.Titanium Dioxide helps block both UVA and UVB. This is enough to make you feel sick just reading to this point.

But wait, there are some fabulous ingredients derived from plants, herbs, and the ground which are amazing too!

Images: Edwardian Make-up in 1908; & Chemical Lab, Coloured Beads to represent unnatural ingredients, vs green beads for natural.

Always check that the source is plant-based.
• Essential Oils, including Lavender, Frankincense, Cypress, Sweet Orange, Myrrh, Rose, Palmarosa, Tea Tree, Sandalwood & Jasmine

• Butters like Cocoa & Shea Butter, with Vegetable Oils like Avocado, Jojoba, Castor & Wheatgerm Oils. These are known as Emollients which help calm, soothe and heal the skin.

* Castor Oil: is a thicker vegetable oil, which acts as a barrier, emollient and lubricant, found mainly in lipsticks and moisturisers.
* Jojoba Oil: is also very similar to skin pH and human sebum, being able to effectively penetrate the skin.It moisturises and naturally renews cells.
* Avocado Oil: is rich in vitamins, is a great skin conditioner, moisturiser and is absorbed easily by the skin.

• Soothing Agents: that help calm, soothe and heal the skin. These can include a variety of ingredients.
* Aloe Vera has the same pH as skin, is extremely protective and soothing as well as being a natural oxygenator, allowing oxygen to be drawn and held to the skin.It is also a natural astringent, and its best form is directly from the plant.
* Allantoin: also has soothing healing agents and calming properties.
* Camphor: alleviates itching, irritation, redness and acts as a cooling agent.
* Olive Oil: contains antioxidants called secoiridoids and these activate gene signatures that assist anti-aging and reduced cellular stress, as mentioned in the previous newsletter.

• Other Emollients, Emulsifiers & Surfactants: include:
* Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Cetearyl Alcohol these emollient or lubricants allow for the emulsifying process of mixing oil and water phases of skincare making, which are also known as a binding Agent.
* Isopropyl Isostearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate form a film on the skin when applied, allowing for easily absorption.They are contained in pre-shaving, after-shaving, shampoos, bath oils, deodorants, antiperspirants, creams and lotions.
* Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: works as a barrier agent, lubricant and solvent found in foundations.
* Emulsifier & Surfactants include: Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Cocoate (surfactant), Glyceryl Stearate SE (pearlizing/opacifier), otherwise known as a binding Agent. These ingredients allow for the emulsifying process of mixing oil and water phases of skincare making, whilst the surfactant gives the foaming and cleansing aspect. Pearlizing allows products like shampoo to be a pearl type colour instead of transparent, whilst opacifiers are added to transparent cosmetics to make them more impervious to visible light.

• Waxes: sourced from a variety of natural sources, these act as a barrier agent or binder.These include:
* Beeswax: can be used to blend oil with water components, and is a great barrier to protect the skin, found in skincare and make-up.
* Candellila & Carnauba Wax: found in lipsticks, creams, deodorant sticks and hair removal products, and used as a binder as well as barrier agent.
* Kaolin Wax: is found in masks for oily / combination skin types, and is an oil absorbing powder that gives not only colour, but slip.

• Himalayan Salts, course sugar, Herbs, clay, mud, flowers, leaves, roots, nuts, seeds, beeswax, milk, honey, yoghurt & natural fats.

• Water: Found in many products as the basis of the formulations.It should be distilled, deionized or purified water.

• Vitamins: A (Retinol, or Retinyl Palmitate), C (Ascorbic Acid, an antioxidant and preservative), E (Tocopherol, an antioxidant which can prevent UV damage) & B (Pathenol, a humectant – is what helps retain moisture).

• Antioxidants: Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) and Resveratrol, which is found in seeds, stems and leaves of grape vines.This protective antibiotic is produced when the plant is under stress, whether caused by drought, ultraviolet irradiation, inflammation or fungal attack.Other antioxidants are Vitamin C and E.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids: citric, glycolic and lactic acid assist with exfoliating the layers of the skin, improving the texture and allowing the absorption of active ingredients, reducing wrinkles and restoring moisture.These are typically found in anti-aging skincare.

• Salicylic Acid: (beta hydroxy acid) helps reduce oiliness, acne and the appearance of fine lines, found in chemical peels.

• Glycerine: is also a humectant, which helps keep moisture and hydrate the skin, providing a barrier.

• Hyaluronic Acid: can hold water in the skin and is commonly used for deep hydration in anti-aging products.

• Lecithin: is a water attracting agent that allows for easy spreading, hydration and improves the texture of the skin.

• Silicones: Cyclomethicone & Dimethicone are molecules which gives the smooth texture, slip & glide factor to cosmetic products without blocking pores. These are adding widely in hair styling, skincare and make-up products.

• Lanolin Derivatives: from dewaxed lanolin is used in skin moisturisers, minimising the stickiness of creams and lotions.The Lanolin alcohol however, is used to thicken shampoos and bath gels, giving the cosmetic products a high gloss and creamy texture. Some are reacting to lanolin in products.

• Caffeine: believe it or not, alleviates puffiness under the eyes.

Images: Different Ingredients include Niaouli Plant, Flowers of Helichrysum italicum, otherwise known as Immortelle Essential Oil, Coloured Clays, Chamomile Flowers.

We have definitely come a long way from Ancient times, in both good and bad ways.Whilst the makeup cosmetics of the past included minerals and plants which enhanced their beauty but gave the impression of nobility, purity, wealth and stature, they were unknowingly poisoning themselves with items like lead. Despite the evolution of the ages from ancient times, we have been applying cosmetic products and treatments to maintain our youthful appearance.The difference is that today’s cosmetics contain far more harmful ingredients in their mass production, allowing products to be stored for years, to be kept in direct sunlight in the shop-front windows and have a uniform consistency when applied to the skin. These toxins are absorbed by our cells and distributed throughout our body causing more harm which is extremely scary.

Cosmetics is a multi-billion-dollar industry that appeals to creating an illusion of perfection, of being better than what we already are, of changing what we don’t like about ourselves, covering it up or using applications to enhance our overall look.Then we add modern technology and social media which helps to constantly push us to manipulate our real image.Whether it’s through photo-shop, airbrushing, beauty apps, image enhancers or other gadgets, some of us are using these to create or enhance our moods, change our colour, improve our shape and size to perfect this unrealistic image that we want the others to see, hiding what’s real and true.

But everyone is doing it, from movie stars, singers and influencers, those that are revealing too much, wearing heaps of make-up and portraying this almost exaggerated vision of what they regard as ‘beautiful’.Will we ever are comfortable enough in our own skin to embrace our beauty from within? Will we constantly make changes to improve or finding alternative solutions instead. How do we encourage each other, especially our youth to ‘Love Their Own Skin?

What I love is helping you find your inner beauty & confidence with simple self-love which starts by taking care of yourself first. Whether it’s watching what & how much you eat, what you’re applying to your skin, being aware of the ingredients contained in the products that you’re using, and making lifestyle changes to improve your overall health. This is the beginning of a beautiful journey with yourself, loving who you are and Being Your Own Kind of Beautiful

Products Hamock Episkopi Heraklion

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

    • What 21st Century makeup contains
    • Have you tried the Essentially Lili range, and if so, what’s your favourite products?
    • Feel free to comment and share your personal stories below.

My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management. I’m a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine.I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.  At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients.  See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.

Shou ldyou need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.  We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products.  Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

See the Blog Library for previous writings about Alopecia Areata, Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili x

Check out the Gallery of Pictures – Ingredients contained in 21st Century Essentially LIli Magic Bundle of products, Essential Oils, Lavender batches from Ticino, and Cool Eyes.

Brand, Skincare Tips, Travels

Makeup ingredients since Ancient times

Posted on by Lili Giglia
The Ladies in Blue Knossos Palace
18
Aug

Makeup ingredients
since Ancient times.

From Prehistoric Minoans, Ancient Greek,
Egyptians, Roman to Queen Elizabeth I,
what have they been applying on their skin?

The fresco are the Ladies in Blue from Knossos Palace, Crete.

QRBLOGAUG19

Whenever we travel, we always incorporate some historical locations as we believe this is a great educational lesson for our children. We can better understand the people, and just how advanced the previous generations were. In Santorini, we stopped by Akrotiri, the prehistoric home of the ancient Minoans from over 4000 BC, which was well before Pompeii was founded.Situated on the southern part of the island, near Red Beach, what started as a fishing & farming village soon became a prosperous trade destination between the Middle East and Europe.The findings from this Neolithic period are astounding. The Minoan people lived in two and three-storey houses, which had underfloor heating, hot and cold running water, balconies, ventilation and proper toilets.

It’s believed that Santorini, previously known as Strongili, meaning Round in Greek fell victim to the 1500 BC volcanic eruption. This caused giant waves to reach Crete which was located some 70 Nautical miles away, destroying the Minoan civilisation. The central part of Strongili sank into the sea, known as the Caldera, whilst subsequent earthquakes destroyed a big part of what was left of the island.What happened to Strongili has been closely associated with the legend of Atlantis. Strongili was also referred to as Ancient Thera, but under Venetian rule, the name give to the island was Santa Irini, from which the name Santorini developed.

The Minoans were also living in Crete, and traces of their civilisation were found at other various locations like Knossos Palace, Malia and Gournia, whilst discoveries including jewellery, frescoes, weapons and funeral coffins can be found at the Museums of Heraklion. At Knossos Palace we were able to see copies of the frescoes that were saved.It fascinates me how artists depicted the beauty of the people of the time.My favourite painting was the Prince of Lillies below.

Gallery of Pictures taken at Knossos Palace, Prince of Lillies Fresco Crete, Akrotiri & Red Beach Santorini Greece.

This brings me to the next part about history.

When looking at the beautiful artwork of these ancient times, it interests me what the artist is trying to capture with the final outcome. The subjects whether male or female is usually extremely handsome or beautiful, with striking features which stand out whilst others are often angelic and innocent in their appearance. In ancient times, the artist had full control of what the final painting would look like.However, what happened if the subject wasn’t happy with the result?Would the artist simply start again or amend the work?Would the artist remove facial and body ‘faults, blemishes or imperfections’ to please the person being portrayed?

Let’s look back at what the Ancient Greeks were doing in their time. Make-up was expensive so it was a luxury for the rich.Their idea of prestige and beauty was having pale porcelain skin tone, with long curly golden hair.If their skin was pale, it meant they were wealthy, as they didn’t have to work in the fields to support themselves.The women used to paint their faces with a toxic white lead that ultimately shortened their glamorous rich lives.If this wasn’t in stock, they used chalk, though this wore off quickly.The paint required a soft and even base underneath, so the women would apply creams made with honey all over their faces to keep it hydrated, adding some olive oil if they wanted to have that extra special glow. The hype around make-up was to appear natural, though it was often achieved using toxic unnatural substances. For their lips and eye-shadows, they used rich colours from red iron oxide, earth-based pigments or ochre clays, olive oil and beeswax, mixed with ground charcoal. The dark powder was also used to connect their eyebrows, creating the Unibrow for both Ancient Greek men and women! From the three Graces (Charities) called Beauty, Charm & Grace, to Aphrodite and Helen of Troy, they are some of these Greek Goddesses & strong women featured on this list: Goddesses Of Greece.

What about Cleopatra and the Ancient Egyptians? In general, men and women alike loved using cosmetics for vanity, religious rituals and after-life as well as to protect them against the desert’s sun and bites from insects, regardless of status and wealth.The eye shadow, made from dark pigment, was painted around the eyes to beautify but also to safeguard their skin from the sun’s burning heat beating down on the desert sands.Often seen in pictures of the ancient Egyptians was the bright green thick paste which came from the mineral stone, Malachite Greek: malachites lithos, ‘the mallow-green stone’. This green colour wadj has been linked to death, the power of resurrection, combined with fertility and new life.For them, there was a ‘Field of Malachite’ after death, an eternal paradise of life without pain or suffering, though in the present world, the colour petitioned the protection and healing of Horus, the god of the Sky and Sun.

In the 1BC, Queen Cleopatra had an array of rainbow-coloured cosmetics made from plants, minerals and rocks from the area.She applied the bright green malachite paste on her lower eyelids to make them appear larger, whilst the deep blue eye-shadow and golden flecks from ground lapis lazuli stone were used on the upper eyelids.A concoction of black kohl, animal fat and powdered lead sulphide was used to lengthen her lashes and enhance her eyebrows.Using red iron oxide & earth-based pigments or ochre clays as rouge on her cheeks and lipstick.The Egyptian privet tree was the source for the reddish-brown dye called Henna, which was used to create gorgeous designs on her palms, as well as for painting the nails.

Impurity was associated with an unclean and stinking body, so for hygiene, the ancient Egyptians ensured they were well-groomed and cleaned, frequently washing with soaps consisting of scented oils combined with clay or ash. Due to the harsh weather conditions that the Egyptians were subjected to, their skin was often left dried out, cracked open and burnt. This made moisturising the skin a necessity, even for the workers, who received their body oils or honey as part of their wage allowances. To read more about the Female Rulers of Egypt.

Ancient Romans used makeup initially for rituals, but as time passed, applying cosmetics became a natural part of a woman’s life. The wealthy imported cosmetics from Germany and China, whilst those who couldn’t afford these bought cheaper brands, which needed to be reapplied throughout the day. Prosperous women had female slaves called Cosmetae who not only made the lotions, creams and cosmetics but applied the makeup for them as well. The ancient Romans, who had a naturally darker complexion, also wanted to have light coloured skin, so many applied toxic white lead, marl or chalk powder to make it fairer. To enhance the large eyes and long lashes, they put Kohl on sticks made from either glass, ivory, wood or bone which had been dipped in water or oil. The Kohl was incorporated with saffron, soot, ashes or toxic antimony. Date stones and charred petal roses was also used to darken their eyes. For eyeshadow, they used the green mineral malachite like the Egyptians, with blue azurite.

Other ingredients used by the ancient Romans included poppy and rose petals, or red ochre clays imported from Belgium, poisonous red lead, red chalk, alkanet, mulberry juice, wine dregs, Tyrian vermillion or crocodile dung, a well as sheep’s fat and blood for their nails…. Eeewwww! To deal with wrinkles, sun spots, freckles, acne and flaking skin, they made creams and lotions. Some of the ingredients include barley, lupine, honey, lentils, fennel mixed with oils, oregano seeds, vinegar, goose grease, basil juice, hawthorn and sulphur, often adding rose essence or myrrh. For more information about this list of Interesting Women of Ancient Rome

Gallery: Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, Helen Of Troy & Queen of England, Elizabeth I, Santorini Greece.

If you have never seen Horrible Histories you have to watch this British show which is not only hilarious but a fun way for kids to learn something about the Kings, Queens and history of the world.In no time, they’ll be singing songs about the ‘Terrible Tudors, the Kings of England and William Wallace, Scottish Rebel’. During these episodes, my kids always ask why Queen Elizabeth I, the daughter of Henry VIII to his second wife, Anne Boleyn, is made to look hideous. Elizabeth was called England’s Gloriana, the Virgin Queen, married to her country England who helped bring prosperity during her Golden Age of reign.Her ‘mask of youth’ skincare routine incorporated covering her hands, face and neck with layers of toxic white lead and vinegar whilst kohl-lined her eyes, and red paste from plant dye and beeswax made to colour her lips. She wore wigs to match her own colouring and as she aged, the wigs covered her grey hair.Queen Elizabeth, I ruled for 44 years, the once young and pretty woman became bald, frail, with black teeth that were rotten and foul-smelling, who had scars caused by pox, was battling depression and had the worst headaches. For more interesting facts about her, read here: Queen Elizabeth I.

Today with modern technology and social media, there’s a constant push for image manipulation. We have access to photoshop, airbrushing, beauty apps, image enhancers that we can use to create or enhance our mood, colour, shape, size to create what we think is a perfect image for others to see, covering up what’s real and true. This is a conversation I am constantly having with my pre-teen, about what’s really beautiful and what isn’t. Why can we not ‘Be Our Own Kind Of Beautiful’?

In the next blog, I will share what kinds of ingredients are added from the 1800’s to the 21st-century cosmetics. It will help us understand that despite the evolution of the ages, that women in particular, have been applying cosmetic treatments to not only enhance their beauty but to give the impression of nobility, purity, wealth and stature.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • What did you find to be the most intriguing ingredient for ancient times?
  • And the worst? For me it was the crocodile dung!!
  • Feel free to comment and share your personal stories below.

About Lili & Essentially Lili

My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management. I’m a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine.I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.  At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients.  See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.

Shou ldyou need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.  We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products.  Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

See the Blog Library for previous writings about Alopecia Areata, Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili x

Gallery: Products overlooking the Caldera of Santorini.

Essentially Lili Santorini