INSPIRATION
The line is inspired by four dominant plants, which grow in places all around the Mediterranean
True to
our nature
Famously known for its clear blue waters, high mountains and rocky shores, the Mediterranean region has a mild climate with hot, dry summers and humid, cool winters. Home to diverse and rare vegetation, the Mediterranean has been a centuries-old source of valuable herbs, which have been extensively harnessed for their distillates, extracts and essential oils.
Nature is a pivotal part of the civilisations within the region. Living in nature and from it, has surely helped shape the Mediterranean distinctive cultural traits. Peaceful, sun-filled shrubland hills and serene coasts, endless fields of ethereal beauty, infinite view of sea and coastal wetlands have contributed to positive, optimistic, joyful vibes, a pleasurable togetherness and outgoing, social and warm-hearted temperament, which is also influenced by the uncomplicated and inviting climate.
For years, herbalism has also been a major and valued aspect of the Mediterranean life. A way of living that goes way back in time. The abundant Mediterranean nature has generously supplied many generations with its numerous herbs, which have been used a food source, herbal remedies and medicines. The knowledge built around this area has sustained life for decades and helped them reach self-sufficiency.
For the creation of the line we were inspired by four dominant plants, which grow in places all around the Mediterranean and reflect the energy and quality of its people, capturing the Mediterranean way of living. These were Grapes, Olives, Oranges and Lavender, which of course have a world-famous reputation of having beneficial and healing properties. These ingredients soon became the basis of the 4 main Collections of Velvet- Love for Nature.
We are confident that every and each one of our products from the Velvet-Love for Nature cosmetics line speaks for itself and tells its own story, representing our philosophy and successfully embodying our vision and conceptualisation.
INSPIRED
By Ancient Greece
The ancient Greeks cultivated and harvested all the precious crops and herbs of the Greek land and used them in their diet, for medicinal purposes and also in cosmetic recipes. Grapes, olives and mastic belonged among the most popular elements of their everyday life.
Ancient natural cosmetics involved pure, natural ingredients that not only catered for one’s appearance but also targeted the overall health of hair, body and face. Taking care of the body was as important for them as looking after the mind. Beauty was such a valued ideal that in fact ancient Greeks worshipped Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, which was portrayed as an outstanding figure of the Greek Pantheon in Greek mythology.
Olive oil was an essential part of the skincare regime of people of Ancient Greece. It was used as softening medium, in order to treat dry skin and provide a glowing effect, and it was often mixed with herbs to supplement its action and add fragrance. Olives were also incorporated in the routine as an exfoliant, to offer clean, revitalised skin, or alternatively ancient Greeks mixed salt with olive oil to make an earliest form of a scrub. For their hair care routine, ancient Greeks would also opt for olive oil to condition and moisturize their hair.
Vine was also another fundamental element of the ancient Greek culture and the ancient Greeks had gained quite a popularity for their skilful wine-making. Patron of this activity was one of the twelve Olympians, Dionysus, the god of fertility, grape-harvest and wine-making. Apart from the mortals, grapes and wine were also believed to be the food of gods, which was called Ambrosia or Nectar and was believed to offer longevity and immortality.
Mastic was known in Ancient Greece for its natural healing properties and was praised by Hippocrates for its many applications in ancient medicine, thanks to its anti-microbial, anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties. Among other applications, mastic was often used to treat digestive problems and promote oral hygiene.
Since ancient times, pomegranate has been a symbol of life, good fortune, abundance and fertility. People of ancient Greece understood the health benefits of pomegranates and incorporated them in many medicinal applications and remedies. Apart from its use in medicine, pomegranate juice was also used in skincare to cleanse, purify the face and tighten the pores.
Nowadays the great secrets of health, wellness, youth and beauty are still based on this ancient wisdom. The essential ingredients for those who are true seekers of longevity and desire a healthy lifestyle are indeed to this day based upon the hundreds of years knowledge of the beneficial properties of herbs, which have withstood the test of time. To carry on the tradition of herbalism, we have included these miraculous ingredients in a precious product line of personal nourishment and care of the hair, body and face.
