my favourite l’occitane products

When I first started working with L’Occitane some eight years ago it seemed extremely fitting. My love for the brand started long before I had any appreciation for skincare, it’s been peppered in the background of my life for as long as I can remember. Pretty much every close family members’ bathroom would have something from them in it; it was the “grown up” bubble bath we were sometimes allowed to use at my grandparents, the “good soap” at my aunts and the fancy hand cream my Mum kept just out of reach from grubby, small fingers by her kitchen sink.

In the last aforementioned eight years I’ve got to know the brand very well. From being lucky enough to be a guinea pig with new products, right through to visiting their beautiful home in Provence. Talking about L’Occitane (pronounced lox-ee-tan for anyone wondering) has been once of the nicest bits of my job, both with my “job hat” on running an agency, and my “play hat” on as an influencer.

One of the kindest and conscientious businesses I know, I will forever remember discovering the depths of their charitable endeavours only to ask why they didn’t talk about it more. The response was simple; “because everyone should do this, as standard.” They don’t though, do they? L’Occitane’s commitment to good is very impressive. Find full details here but in essence, trust you are shopping with a safe and conscientious organisation should you decide to spend your money with them.

But what about the products? Well, let me take you through my top 10. There is nothing I love more than showing the breadth of products they offer, which stretch far beyond their sweet smelling reputation. Performance-driven skin care lines and unique innovations really does make L’Occitane a humble leader in its field.

1 - youth hand cream

Most people know L’Occitane do hand creams, they’ve sold hundreds of thousands of them. But are you aware of this particular one? The Youth Hand Cream has the brand’s unique immortelle flower formula; an age defying plant-based ingredient proven to reduce wrinkles, dark spots and skin elasticity wherever you put it. In that instance, it’s the hands and my does it work! As someone who didn’t really use hand cream (or see a need for it) I have really noticed a difference in the appearance of the skin - and it’s got rid of a pigmentation mark I had across my knuckles on one of my hands. A brilliant gift for someone, or even for yourself - especially when combined with their Magic Key to make sure you get every last drop out.

2 - shea butter foot cream

As we’ve got our upper digits covered, lets talk about our lower ones. Foot cream is one of the most luxurious yet overlooked items on a Christmas list. Know anyone who rushes about like a headless chicken? I bet their hooves need some love. L'Occitane’s shea butter cream is just the right mix of rich and creamy, without being a hazard and causing slippery feet.

I use it all year around, in summer it allows me to stretch out the gaps between pedicures and keeps my feet decent for sandals. And in winter it stops me going into a cold sweat when I realise my bare feet are on show - plus, it saves me from the downsides of “boot weather” and stops my heels going dry and unpleasant when wearing heavier footwear.

3 - the petit remedy

For me this product summarises L’Occitane; effective, unassuming and really, really useful. The perfect little gift, packed full of all of the brand’s trademark ingredients: shea butter, almond oil, immortelle flower and lavender. A multipurpose balm, have one in your handbag, car, side drawer at all times. Great for lips, scratches, knicks, sore noses, cuticles… The list goes on. Finally, unlike the majority of other products marketed as doing the same it’s entirely vegan.

4 - overnight reset serum

I don’t say this lightly, the Overnight Reset Serum would be on my Death Row skincare routine list. I’ve been using it for nearly 5 years now and there’s a reason they sell one every few minutes. Just read the reviews on the product page (here, if you’re interested).

Again formulated with their unique immortelle flower ingredient, the idea of this product is that you see some results after a week, and massive changes after 28 days. I - much like others in the reviews - saw a difference after a couple of uses and have never looked back.

The water based gel formula is light on the skin so doesn’t cause clogging or irritation and it seamlessly improves skin texture, pigmentation and signs of ageing. They say to use it at night but I use it in the day time too, it mixes well with make up so if you’re someone who gets ready in a hurry it can still work for you.

5 - reset eye serum

I’m very particular with my eye creams but only because my eyes force me to be. One nights bad sleep affects my skin for days, so I need skincare that works really hard. It can’t be a “cream” as that causes milia and puffiness for me - I’ll only use water based serums and gels. The Reset Eye Serum is a really effective contender. It’s got all the good stuff in it; caffeine, liquorice (always look for these two if you have dark circles) plus the hallmark immortelle extract that works its magic to reduce the signs of inflammation and ageing.

6 - immortelle precious essential water

The addition of a toner has been a game changer for me. I ignored it for so long as I didn’t really understand the purpose of the skincare step, but now I understand it I’ll never go without one. It sounds obvious but as it’s water, it helps to add back in any moisture you’ve taken out when cleansing and also rebalances the skin barrier so that it can absorb the moisturisers or serums you put on later in your routine.

The precious essential water in particular does all those things and more; the lentil extract will help anyone who wants to reduce the size of pores and the way the hyaluronic acid has been worked into the product means it will go into the skin really effectively (ie: it won’t strip it or dry it out).

7 - eyes and lips make up remover

Another step I ignored for a while was make up remover. Don’t ask me why, but somehow I just got by with cleansers. It meant I woke up with a perpetual grey blur under each eye every morning, but still I just didn’t bother. All the products I’d tried felt coarse on my skin, which is where this one comes into its own.

Although it is incredibly effective on even the most stubborn/waterproof products, it glides across your skin with ease. You never get those awful red marks from scrubbing away and leaves your skin primed for your longer skin care routine without stripping it of moisture. 100% recommend.

8 - almond shower oil

Now we go into the bath and shower stuff. A category I believe L’Occitane reigns supreme. I have 3 favourites so lets go through them all! First up, an oldie but a goodie - the Almond Shower Oil. Depending on how hard your water is you might get this to bubble in the bath too (mine does). If you are looking for a hug in a bottle, this is it. It feels so incredibly luxurious and its unique formula will keep even the driest of skins supple and nourished. If you have a suitable container you can also buy it as a refill, or just top up your original bottle.

9 - lavande bubble bath

A personal favourite, this stuff is the nuts. I love everything about it; it’s unassuming bottle, the smell, the way it creates a bath experience akin to a luxury spa. If you’ve had a stressful day (or know someone who has) run a bath with a little of this in. Trust me.

10 - shea golden latte shower foam

I have considered launching a petition to have L’Occitane make this all year around as it’s currently a Christmas special, but there have been more pressing world affairs going on of late. I just love this stuff, the scent sticks around for hours after a shower and my skin stays really soft all day thanks to the shea butter. If you’re on the hunt for a little gift for someone, buy one of these. I stock up every year, and usually fall into an enormous sulk in early Spring when I run out.

So thats my round up, I hope it proves to be useful. At the time of writing the brand are offering two free Christmas crackers (both with great hand and lip care products inside) worth £13 with every purchase over £30 (online only). Use the code ANNAXMAS to redeem.