L'Occitane cosmetics: product overview, recommendations for selection and use

Natural cosmetics are at their peak of popularity today. Especially the one that gives a visible effect after the first procedures and has a dizzying aroma. This fully applies to the products of the L'Occitane brand.

The French cosmetics L'Occitane appeared quite recently, but quickly gained popularity around the world. A feature of the product is natural plant composition, and the raw materials are grown on special plantations in Provence. The manufacturer guarantees careful quality control and naturalness of the composition. And the concept of the brand can be considered "care + aromatherapy", which proves the effectiveness of caring products and their dizzying aroma.

The history of the company dates back to the 80s of the XIX century. During this period, a steam distiller accidentally fell into the hands of beautician Olivier Bossant. The equipment went into action, with its help rosemary essential oil was obtained. The oil was successfully sold, and Olivier decided to start making natural soaps based on essential oils. Olivier bought the soap factory from his friend, and instead of animal fats he used rosehip oils and vitamin E. It was soap with such a composition that became the first products of the brand.

In 1977, the first harvest of lavender, which is the symbol of Provence, was harvested, immediately processed into oil and then into soap. Several years later, Olivier learned about the miraculous properties of shea butter, after which he placed an order for a large supply of this oil from African countries. In 1981, thanks to perseverance, hard work and inexhaustible passion for experimentation, Olivier manages to open a factory and a L'Occitane store in Provence.The name translates as "Occitanian", and Occitania is the territory of Provence.

After almost 10 years of active development, the supply of brand products to neighboring territories (Paris, then - New York, Hong Kong) begins. At the beginning of the 2000s, the products were replenished with a line of fragrances.

L'Occitane - it is natural cosmetics. Its peculiarity is that most of the herbal ingredients are grown exclusively in Provence. These are juniper, lavender, wild rose, rose, angelica, peony, from which extracts and essential oils are then created. Outside Provence, they buy shea butter (shea butter, which is brought from Burkina Faso), immortelle and verbena (brought from the plantations of Corsica). For the men's line, the spring water of Provence is used. They call her verdon.

The range of the brand includes many care products, there are lines for men and women. If we talk about the purpose of the funds, then these are products for the face and body, hair care, for hands and feet, as well as perfumes.

To cleanse and remove dead skin cells, the manufacturer offers almond scrub paste. Its structure is a thick cream in which peeling particles are felt. These are crushed nut shells and sugar. The product provides gentle exfoliation and cleansing, does not injure or dry the skin. The aroma of almonds will not leave anyone indifferent. After use, the skin is more receptive to further care.

A regular shower can be turned into a real spa treatment by using almond based shower oil... The product contains almond and sunflower oils, grape and rosemary extract, glycerin. Thanks to this, the product at the cellular level moisturizes the skin, making it smooth and velvety. When interacting with water, the oil forms a rich foam, effectively and gently cleanses the skin. Even dry and sensitive skin does not feel tight after a shower.

Instead of almond oil, you can use shimmering body milk. It also demonstrates intense hydration, tightens the skin, leaving it silky smooth. Thanks to the pearlescent particles in the composition, the milk gives the skin a pleasant shimmer, which looks especially advantageous on tanned skin. After such procedures, it will be very useful to apply a cream from the Verbena series to the body.

From the name it is clear that this product will give the skin a light and attractive verbena scent. In addition, the cream exhibits intense hydration and a slight lifting effect. The product will be especially successful in hot weather, as the cream has a slight cooling effect. To save the latter, it is recommended store the product in the refrigerator. The consistency of the body cream resembles a soufflé, it is easily and quickly absorbed without leaving a sticky feeling on the skin.

L'Occitane offers a series of hair products. Shampoo for damaged and colored hair that needs deep hydration deserves attention. It contains oils of ylang-ylang, lavender, sweet orange, geranium, as well as wheat proteins. They restore the structure of the hair from the inside, making it elastic and smooth. According to reviews, shampoo can restore even severely damaged hair in a few months. It is also suitable for owners of fluffy and curly hair. The product is suitable for daily use, lathers well, has a pleasant aroma and economical consumption.

The shampoo is recommended to be used in combination with a regenerating mask. It is intended for dry, colored, brittle and lifeless hair. Contains 5 essential oils and amino acids that deeply moisturize, nourish and smooth hair. For the best effect, it is recommended first use the mask, then shampoo, and complete the treatment with a regenerating conditioner from the same series.

Many satisfied users recommend shampoo for frequent use based on verbena with lemon essential oil. Suitable for all hair types, cleanses, energizes, makes combing easier. The hair after it is light, slightly voluminous in the root zone. All users note a pleasant aroma that is felt even on dry hair.

Despite the fact that L'Occitane products - these are natural ingredients, you should carefully study the composition before buying. If there is an individual intolerance to the composition, you should refuse to use the product. All products must be selected based on the type of skin (hair) and their needs. It is also important to remember that different means are required at different times of the year.

For the cold season, it is better to purchase more fatty creams that will provide intense nutrition and recovery. In summer, it is better to leave fatty products overnight, and during the day to give preference to water-based products. Besides, during the period of solar activity it is better to use means with protection against UV rays.

The natural composition and effectiveness of some products amaze even beauticians. For example, an instant cleansing mask "Loksitan" based on peony extract. With regular use of the product, the pores are cleansed and narrowed, the skin becomes dull, and the need to visit a beautician decreases.

The naturalness of cosmetics and the safety of its production for nature are the key ideas of the brand. They are reflected in the company's charitable movement, which operates in three areas: support for visually impaired people (there is always text in Braille on the product label), the emancipation of women in Burkina Faso (this is where the shea butter is brought from), as well as the preservation and delivery of information about the nature of France. Since 2009, L'Occitane cosmetics are packaged in an environmentally friendly container.

Almost all ingredients for cosmetics are grown in Provence. An exception is shea butter. By the way, it is this that is the basis of the famous moisturizing hand cream. It is so popular that it is sold around the world every 3 seconds. In addition to perfumes for men and women, the brand produces fragrances for the home. These are special scented candles, sachets and scented water (the latter is suitable for spraying indoors, applying to linen, home textiles).

A lot of positive reviews from buyers and professionals receive a cleansing mask from the "Peony" series. It helps not only get rid of blackheads, but even closed comedones, and also tightens pores, eliminates oily sheen. Despite the small volume of the package (6 ml), the product is enough for 5-6 sessions. It has a dense texture, but when it comes into contact with wet hands, it becomes pliable, easily and economically applied to the skin.

The Peony series as a whole has a lot of positive reviews due to its effectiveness and incredible floral aromas. In the lineup, you can highlight a moisturizing hand cream, which is a real salvation after summer cottages or a harsh winter wind. The product deeply moisturizes the skin of the hands, softens, eliminates flaking and relieves irritation and redness.

Receives a positive assessment (especially from the owners of sensitive skin) hydrophilic oil L'Occitane. It gently removes make-up, dust particles and sebum from the skin. Even the most stubborn makeup is removed quickly without the need to stretch the skin. Conveniently, the product is equipped with a dispenser. The oil has a light consistency and forms a foam on contact with water. After washing, there is no feeling of tightness, and in some cases (with normal and oily skin) after the oil, you don't even need to apply a serum or emulsion with a moisturizing effect.

In general, cosmetics have positive reviews, which is due to the natural composition and effectiveness. Shea cream sometimes gets a negative assessment, which does not give the promised moisture. In addition, some users indicate the presence of chemical ingredients in the composition. However, this is due to the fact that it is completely impossible to exclude such components - they are necessary for the storage and transportation of natural components of cosmetics.

In the next video, you will find a detailed review of L'Occitane cosmetics.