We’re in a Greek state of mind …
Greek mythology, it seems, is as hot as Athens in August. Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated take on The Odyssey is set for release this July. For several summers now, modern retellings of mythological figures from Achilles to Circe have topped bestseller lists, along with the rediscovery of gems like Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad.
We’re seeing some Classical inspiration in beauty, too. Perfume brand Memo Paris, co-founded by Tipperary man John Molloy seeks inspiration in travel. Search out their Ithaque eau de parfum, named after the Greek island in the Ionian Sea that was the mythical home of Odysseus. How do you conjure up a Greek idyll in perfume? For Memo, it’s cedarwood, bergamot and blackcurrant with cinnamon bark and bitter orange. My son wore it on a night out, and said he had compliments late in the evening, having sprayed it at seven that morning. It’s legendary – and the bottle is pretty epic, too. From €130.
In a similar vein, Parisian brand Roos & Roos has an eau de parfum called Les Larmes de Tiresias, named after the blind prophet who appears in Homer’s The Odyssey. The perfume features earthy and evocative ingredients including pine, labdanum, juniper berries and neroli. The “milky incense accord” sounds intriguing. €195.
If you’re in a Greek state of mind, dreaming of cerulean sea and pristine white stone, consider Matiere Premiere’s spicy yet smooth Crystal Saffron scent, made with natural saffron sourced from the Kozani region of Greece in their new hair perfume (€65). Also try the eau de parfum, body lotion, and hand and body wash.
Korres is a longstanding Greek brand founded by a pharmacist from the island of Naxos some 30 years ago. From Santorini Grape Moisturiser to a cream cleanser formulated with Greek yoghurt, this is a skincare line that will transport you to the islands. Ingredients from olives to mint and honey make the shower gels and body creams treats for every day. I’m intrigued by their eaux de toilettes, too, spotted in even the tiniest Greek pharmacy. Find the skin and body range at Boots, currently with 25 per cent reduction.
To My Ships is a relatively young brand, and I love the lofty ambition of a brand declaring it’s inspired by The Iliad, Homer’s epic poem about the Trojan War (the “prequel” to The Odyssey). Especially when it’s centred on humble bodycare such as deodorant, body spray and body wash.
The founder, Australian Daniel Bense, was previously at Aesop and Sunspel, and that clean, minimal aesthetic has stuck. The packaging is minimalist and utilitarian (in “infinitely recyclable” aluminium bottles) – very appealing. The Greek gods would approve.
What also stands out is the great natural scents. The Polygonum collection smells exceptionally good, fresh and herbal, subtle and green. Polygonum, a herb that’s related to lily of the valley, helps give the range a lovely geranium/petitgrain scent. It’s a masterclass in subtlety, transportive yet earthy. I’m dying to smell the eau de parfum version (€195). They’ve launched a marjoram-infused range, too.
The spray-on deodorant is especially interesting as it’s formulated with natural deodorising actives that are gentle on the skin. It’s designed to spray all over the body, not just on armpits, without leaving a mark. Keep it in your bag for on-the-go spritzes. As with any natural deodorant, it takes a while for your body to adjust, so they advise using liberal application to start with. While Modern Botany’s spray-on natural deodorant will always be my go-to, because it’s Irish, smells great and is very reliable, To My Ships is a sophisticated range that stands out in a crowded market.
To My Ships is stocked in Liberty, London (always a sign that something is special). There are also several European stockists, including Merci in Paris, and it is also the amenity of choice at hip London restaurant The Yellow Bittern, co-founded by Belfast-born chef Hugh Corcoran. Best of all, To My Ships offer free delivery from their website.
Prices start from €35 for roll-on deodorant to €45 for hand and body wash (375ml), with giant (375 and 750ml) refills available for each.
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