From byrdie
It’s here: 31 days. 31 cities. 31 perspectives. Each day in the month of March, we’re profiling an inspiring woman from across the world and asking her to share her beauty routine, products, and wellness secrets. Consider this your firsthand look into the beauty traditions and cultures of your beauty-obsessed counterparts from Thailand, Nigeria, and more (and don’t forget to check our Instagram for a beauty-themed global takeover each day). Up next, Greek beauty junkie Korina Vrousia shares her half-French, half-Meditteranean beauty routine (which includes loads of brightening serums, SPF, and the secret ingredient on every Greek’s vanity—olive oil).
Name: Korina Vrousia
Age: 40
City and country of residence: Athens, Greece
Your beauty icons:
Audrey Hepburn; Violette, Estee Lauder’s global beauty director; and Giorgia Tordini, the creative director and co-founder of Attico.
The skincare products you can’t live without:
Galenic Aqua Infini Face Lotion; Lierac Hydragenist Cream-Gel ($50); Korres Wild Rose Brightening Oil ($54); Chanel UV Essentiel Sunscreen ($55); Bobbi Brown Remedies Skin Brightener No 42 ($45); Klorane Make-Up Remover Water ($24); and Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector ($24).
The hair products you can’t live without:
Phyto Paris leave-in Phytomillesime Beauty Concentrate (it keeps the color of my hair alive; not available in the U.S., but the brand’s leave-in Day Cream, $29, is); Sachajuan Ocean Mist ($31); Ouai Wave Spray ($26) and Matte Pomade ($24); Sephora Collection Coconut Water Dry Shampoo ($8)—it smells like summer holidays.
The makeup products you can’t live without:
Chanel Dimensions de Chanel Mascara ($32); Glossier Boy Brow and Haloscope Highlighter ($38); Galenic Teint Lumiere DD SPF 25, Galenic Poudre de Soleil and Blush Crème Rose; Benefit Boi-ing Brightening Concealer ($20); and Lanolips 101 Ointment ($17).
What countries and cultures do you find most inspirational when it comes to beauty?
I’m somewhere in between the Mediterranean and French beauty. Mediterranean beauty because it’s full of surprises and it’s so feminine. It’s natural and bold at the same time—sexy and carefree, sun-kissed, and transparent but still has great character. On the other hand, I love, love, love the sophistication and je ne sais quoi that all French have. I’m a big fan of effortless beauty.
The most popular products and brands in your country right now:
In Greece, we love lightweight textures that give a matte effect when it comes to our skincare. But we also love hydrating products for both skincare and hair. We are crazy about highlighters, bronzers, and nude makeup. We always care about our manicure, and we never leave the house without SPF protection.
As for brands, we love our own brands like Korres and Apivita. We love to shop all these really cool brands from Sephora like Benefit, Too Faced, Korean brands, Frank Body, etc. We also go for brands like Chanel, Dior, and Estée Lauder. Last but not least, we love all French brands from the pharmacy like Galénic, Lierac, Nuxe, and Caudalie.
The most popular beauty trends in your country right now:
At this point, we have a thing for these soft curtain bangs, the brushed-up brows, face masks, and glossy skin.
Favorite traditional beauty secret from your country:
All our best-kept secrets in my country have one thing in common: the olive tree—our sacred tree. The benefits for the skin and hair cannot be described. So check the Olive Collection by Korres—you will be amazed.
Where you buy beauty products:
I’m a huge fan of Sephora. I really like all these not-so-commercial brands, and I have a huge crush on the Beauty-to-Go.
What does “healthy living” mean to you?
Healthy living to me is working my best so I can have balance in my life. I try to take good care of my body and also my mind. I try to eat healthy most of the time, but I always allow myself to have these “cheating” moments that put a big smile on my face. I also enjoy walking for hours with my dogs or just by myself—it kind of puts all the missing pieces together.
How do you define/practice “self-care”?
For me, self-care is feeling good in my very own skin and keeping my stress level low. I always smile back at life no matter what. I work really hard on having a positive attitude about everything. Self-care for me is also having a deep respect for the planet where I live and treating animals with love and respect.
What’s your favorite way to stay active and why?
I would say I am a big fan of Pilates during the wintertime, but the feeling of swimming in the sea, walking in the sand, and enjoying the endless Greek sun—always with an SPF—is unbeatable. This is my very own heaven on earth. My absolute remedy!
What’s your favorite healthy meal?
The traditional Greek salad with all the Mediterranean goodies in it—tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, feta cheese, and pure olive oil.
What are the most popular wellness trends in your country right now?
Runnin—everyone is out on the streets running. During summer, swimming of course.
Check back every day for more beauty and wellness routines from cool women across the world.