L’Occitane started 2020 by launching three new product collections and we have been busy trying them here at The F Words.
First up is the fantastic multi-balm ‘The Petit Remedy’. It comes as no surprise that in today’s modern world where often we find there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done, many people are turning to multi-benefit products when it comes to taking care of themselves. This little miracle balm is just that. It’s the perfect multi-purpose product. In fact it has quickly become a go-to product to quickly hydrate anything from cuticles to hair, lips and even hands!
It contains some of L’Occitane’s favourite ingredients from Provence; Immortelle, Almond, Shea Buter and Lavender. The balm was actually inspired by the home-made balms concocted deep in the countryside in Provence, using plants known to have healing properties and used to soften and soothe workers’ hands after spending long days in the fields.
It is also made with 100% naturally derived ingredients, is free of mineral oils and petroleum as well as artificial colours & fragrances - so no need to worry about any nasties lurking in the ingredients list, something I am always cautious of.
The balm transforms from a semi-solid balm into a silky oil on contact with the skin’s temperature and is absorbed super quickly. Oh and I have to mention the scent – think relaxation & comfort rolled together and boxed up in a pretty little tin! In other words, it smells divine! It comes in a 100g option or a smaller 15g tin which is simply a handbag or travel must-have!
Next up are the shea liquid soaps which now come in new recycled plastic packages with an eco-refill counterpart. They also contain zero palm oil which automatically gives it a big thumbs up from us.
Fun fact: L’Occitane has been making solid & liquid soaps since 1980 when the founder Olivier Baussan purchased a soap making factory. He then started working alongside a retired master soap-maker to learn the traditional soap-making methods and so L’Occitane soaps were created (and we remain thankful to this day!).
The soaps are kind to the skin and don’t dry them out which I know is a bit of a pet hate with many dry-skin sufferers when using liquid soap.
Finally, the iconic shea butter products have had an illustrated makeover by French designers OMY and we are totally down for it.
OMY was founded in 2012 by two Parisian graphic designers, Elvire Laurent & Marie-Cerise Lichtle, who create an array of colouring products that you can colour in and customise (and so began the idea of adult version of colouring books etc). They have designed limited-edition packaging for lots of L’Occitane products which are partially coloured and just waiting to be finished. So if you fancy taking some time out for a little bit of mindfulness, then voilà!, you have the perfect canvas to colour
SUSTAINABILITY NOTE: Do you know that 80% of UK landfill waste can be recycled? Or, that it takes 500 (yup 500) years for plastic to fully decompose? L’Occitane is committed to limiting its impact on the environment and have actually launched a new initiative with TerraCycle to enable the recycling of beauty products from any brand (especially difficult-to-recycle packaging). So if you have any empties, simply take them along to your local L’Occitane store which will recycle them for you. It is so good to see lots of well-known brands become more eco-friendly and try to make a difference.