I've told you about Big Green Smile before - it's basically a one-stop online shop for all things natural and eco-friendly. I've reviewed some of their cleaning products in the past but this time, they sent me through some lovely beauty products from new (to them) brand Korres. Korres is a Greek beauty brand that I have tried and loved in the past, as much for the products themselves as for their ethics. On their Facebook profile, they explain : "Our goal is to develop innovative and clinically effective skincare products based on natural active ingredients; to promote natural ingredients research in relation to skin biochemistry; and to project the unique Greek flora benefits through our cooperations with local farmers, and the production of our brand-own high value organic extracts."
The first product that I tested was the Almond & Linseed Nourishing Hair Mask which promises root-to-end moisturising for dry and damaged hair. It contains almond and linseed extracts combined with shea butter which help hair retain its moisture, increase its resistance against breakage and split ends, control static and prevent frizzy hair. It's quite thick - more of a cream than a runny liquid - so a little goes a long way. I have very thick hair so it can be quite hard to work it through all my hair but adding a quick spray of water from the shower usually does the trick. It's very nourishing and I can really feel the difference in my hair for a few days after use. You should only use it once or twice a week though or I think it could leave your hair feeling heavy and almost greasy. For an intense nourishing boost for dry hair, it's brilliant though, so this will be perfect for looking after my hair after a fortnight of sun, salt and chlorine. It costs £10 for a 125ml tube which is actually quite good value, especially compared to individual treatment sachets, as you get quite a few applications out of it.
The second product was one of Korres nail polishes. Sophie had been going on for ages about wanting a dark blue nail varnish so I kindly selected the Midnight Blue one for her to try out.
As you can see, even when badly applied to chewed nails by a cack-handed pre-teen, you can still see the fabulous colour and good coverage of the product ! I was very impressed to learn that it contains myrrh extract, oligoelements and provitamin b5 for strong, healthy nails, as well as being free from acetone, phthlates, formaldehyde, camphor, toluene and xylene, so it won't dry out your nails like many nail varnishes.
Sophie did a double take at the mention of myrrh - she predictably said "isn't that what the wise men gave to Jesus?!" - so I was intrigued to read a bit about this key ingredient on the website. They explain : "As all precious natural ingredients, Myrrh resin drops or ‘tears’ are still hand-picked. Constituents of Myrrh include resin, gum and essential oil among others; all carrying antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Myrrh enhances keratin while also boosting hydration levels in the under-the-nail skin area. Its advantage also lies in the fact that it helps bring the nail back to its naturally-flexible status instead of making nails brittle as most of the strengthening ingredients used, do. Its antiseptic and healing properties, contribute to the overall nail wellbeing including the surrounding area, through treating minor wounds and irritations." Well, you learn something every day !
There are twenty products in the Korres nail polish range with a wide range of colours so if you don't like the blue, you're bound to find one you do like - my top picks are Coral Pink, Hibiscus and the slightly more original Dark Brown and Light Grey. They cost £9 for 11ml which I think is a very reasonable price, especially given the added myrrh which sound like a nail-saviour if ever there was one !
for more information : http://www.biggreensmile.com/
Disclosure : I received the products in order to write an honest review.
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