It is not very often that I would be excited over a make-up/skincare product. Don’t get me wrong… there is a lot of great products out there in the market, as many women would probably agree with me. Nor is it because I do not like to look pretty, but it’s just that I seldom wear make-up, preferring to go au natural whenever possible, unless I am all out to impress or need a booster of confidence. And even then I tend to veer towards products which contain natural ingredients instead of those which have high chemical content.

This is why one of my favorite make-up/skincare brands is L’Occitane. L’Occitane is a French brand that has been around for about 30 years. All its products are based on natural materials from Provence, a place in France. In fact, the philosophy of the brand states that “With its roots in Provence, L’Occitane shares the colors, scents and traditions of the south of France with the world, with its core values centered around Sensuality, Authenticity and Respect.”

My first L’Occitane product was from its Verbena skincare range, which I started using when a close friend of mine stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. L’Occitane was the default toiletry product provided by the hotel at that time and it is probably the only hotel to offer this premier brand of toiletry too!! Since then, I have tried most of the items in their Verbena Harvest range. The Verbena used is traditionally cultivated in Provence between May and July, when the scent from its leaves is at its peak, giving off a sparkling lemony fragrance, leaving you with an instant feeling of intense freshness with a light, springtime feeling. Under this range, they have the Eau De Toilette, Body and Hands cream (especially their soothing body ice gel which just glides on with no greasy feel yet softens and moisturizes the skin), Shower gel (Oh this is my all time favorite !! I am still using this till this day, as it is ideal for sensitive skin and enriched with verbena extracts, which gently cleanses) and finally the Verbena Linen water, which leaves your clothing with a great scent !

Most recently, L’Occitane has branched out from toiletry range and has now added a make-up/skincare range to its collection, known as its Immortelle range. The Immortelle flower, also known as Everlasting, is so named because the papery flower retains its form and color even when dried. It is resistant to withering even in the sandy environment of Corsica where it is found. L’Occitane has managed to extract a precious essential oil from the plant which they have included in their Immortelle range of product, giving it a radical free, anti-aging and anti-wrinkle property. One must-try item from this range, is the Very Precious Fluid, It has a generous SPF 40/PA++ factor, making it one of the best sun production lotions that I have tried. The mulberry extracts helps to even out the skin tone and makes the skin look fresher and smoother. In addition, it has anti-aging and skin-brightening benefit. Rapidly absorbed, it leaves a non-oily, slightly powdery, velvety smooth finish on skin. With its fresh and lightweight texture, this delicate lotion is perfect for normal to combination skin.

Another item from its Immortelle range that has me all excited is the new Immortelle Fresh Foundation. It is definitely a must-have for L’Occitane followers. What makes this product stand out from other foundations in the market is that it is not just touted as a make-up but as skincare product as well. Besides having a non-chemical SPF27/PA++ factor, it is also enriched with the same organic Immortelle essential oil derived from the Immortelle flower. Roman Chamomile moisturizing extract is also added into the foundation, which keeps skin's elasticity, freshness and moisture, giving you a fresh and radiant complexion all daylong. The light control powder covers skin pores effectively and leaves skin smooth and soft.  Available in 4 shades(Bright/Fresh/Natural/Warm), this 2-way foundation does not simply conceal blemishes but leaves you with a flawless mien as well.

Besides the 2 range which I have mentioned above, they have another 14 other ranges worth investigating as well, including one for Men which offers shaving products, fragrances and products for the bath and shower for men.

If you need to know where the nearest L’Occitane store in your country is, you can check out their website http://www.loccitane.com/ for store details and latest products as well.

Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts)