A story of beauty

In the much-thumbed-down but still best-selling book (the common irony of our times) The Nanny Diaries, the Bonne Mere lavender linen mist of L’Occitane made an unforgettable cameo as the heroine’s demanding Park Avenue boss insisted that her apartment be sprayed with the pricey liquid and be given as gifts for a dinner because, well, it was so chic.

That for you is what a L’Occitane product becomes. A sort of understated luxury line that is coveted by the fashionable and discerning set. Those who prefer Cristofle over Versace home, those who cook in Bulthap kitchen fittings and dream in Frette sheets. An accessory of good taste not because of its glaring branding but because of its impeccable quality. More often than not, L’Occitane products can be found in most fashionable homes – whether in the bath, bedroom or sometimes even in the laundry (they have linen water). With lush bath products made of the finest ingredients (my personal favorites are the honey shower crème, honey incense sticks and lavender liquid soap), sun products toted by the haughtiest beachcombers, candles geared toward sophisticated seduction and the ever-so-special Bonne Mere (Good Mom) line as aforementioned adored by stylish homemakers – L’Occitane is too chic to speak.

However, to truly appreciate the brand is to know the story of how it was conceived. As sophisticated as L’Occitane products may be – being a staple at tony homes from the Upper East Side in New York to the seventh quarter in Paris – its beginnings are humble and earnest.

Olivier Baussan was a 23-year-old student who spent his free time peddling rosemary essential oil pressed from an old machine he purchased from an old garage. From there L’Occitane was born, its growth a result of many encounters with people, products and techniques. Its products bear a fusion of methods and mores from far-off places, even as they’re created with ingredients that are typically Provencal, where it was born. The name is very representative of its eclectic personality. Occitane is an ancient province that stretched across the south of France, making it a meeting point of people from different regions. More importantly, this convivial province held great respect for the roles of women and nature. This has become a predominant edict that runs the company today. It also has incorporated Braille in its labels to make it user-friendly to the visually impaired.

L’Occitane is the pioneer in using essential oils as active ingredients such as lavender and, more importantly, it is the first company to use shea butter in soaps. A much replicated practice these days by many soap manufacturers.

Here in Manila, L’Occitane has its own legion of devotees that prize the line’s unbeatable quality and superior standards. Carmen Delgado, brand manager of L’Occitane, sums up why it leaves such a spell to whomever chances upon it, "L’Occitane is a unique brand focusing on the well-being of women and men alike. It seeks to create harmony, which links the pleasure of the senses with inner balance. The products range from personal care lines to home fragrances. All are manufactured in the time-honored traditional way using fine natural ingredients, primarily from Provence. The L’Occitane users love to indulge the senses. Like to feel the grass between their toes. Anticipate the smell of the rain. They enjoy taking care of themselves from head to toe, washing their hair in honey jelly or pampering their skin with rich shea butter. L’Occitane users have a joie de vivre and love to bring nature into their homes." She adds that to know the products is to experience them. "The best way to get to know the products is through the senses. We need to smell, to feel, to see. This is the way."

The L’Occitane life

The idyllic L’Occitane life is filled with the very best the world has to offer. Experience it with unique and homegrown scents, that complete your lifestyle from bath to bedroom to kitchen.

1. Lavender

Known for its relaxing qualities, lavender purifies and tones. It has purifying and antiseptic qualities and at the same time repairs skin. Lavender is for oily to combination skin. Used after a stressful day, it immediately brings in a sense of calm with its delicious and distinct aroma. A perfect scent for bath and home, lavender is one of the most popular aromatherapy ingredients available. L’Occitane uses a highly controlled variety of lavender harvest that ensures a potent scent, leaving the dinky weak wannabes in the dust.

2. Honey

Commonly used to sweeten things up in almost everything from tea to barbeque chops. But did you know that it does wonders for your skin as well? Honey is an authentic, healthy ingredient, synonymous with comfort, pleasure and good health. Its soft richness soothes, protects, nourishes and strengthens. The L’Occitane Honey personal care products contain a special blend of 50 percent propolis, 45 percent honey and five percent royal jelly.

A personal favorite of mine, in fact, it leaves your skin soothed from rashes and just thoroughly nourished. Not to mention the yummy scent that you can indulge in ... guilt-free!

3. Shea Butter

The founder of L’Occitane, Olivier Baussan, first heard about the magical shea tree of Burkina Faso on a visit to Cape Vert. He was told that the tree was reserved solely for women and that they knew both its secrets and its most common uses. The nut contains an oil that has a highly moisturizing property and leaves a velvety but never greasy finish! Perfect for the hot tropical weather we live in.

The Shea balm is one of L’Occitane’s signature products; a use-anywhere moisturizer, it leaves chapped skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom!

4. Sun Line

Known among the smart sun set as the ultimate must-have for any Pucci beach bag, the sun line of L’Occitane is preferred by such for its rich texture, unscented formula and lasting moisturizing benefits. I have to say that the packaging is pretty elegant as well.

By combining natural Sunflower extract with Shea Butter, L’Occitane has created a sun care line that offers optimal protection. It comes in gel form for those who prefer a lighter feel or cream for those who are simply scared to come home looking like alligators. And for Oscar statuette wannabes like me, there’s the SPF 8 dry oil spray that absorbs as quickly as a summer fling!

5. Verbena Harvest

Verbena is a paradox of nature: Not only is it refreshing, the plant is also gentle and relaxing. Its lemony fragrance energizes and freshens the senses, helping to banish tiredness and worry. A sort of Zoloft in a bottle. Also known as the "enchantment herb," Verbena is the magic plant par excellence. The Romans dedicated it to Venus, believing it had the power to rekindle the passion of dying love. It was also used as an aphrodisiac in drinks and love potions. Most people mistake it to be lemony or zesty at first. However, the scent matures on the skin in a soothing and stimulating aroma that makes people ask what you’re wearing. No kidding! Tried and tested!

6. Olive Harvest

We all know olives are good for us! From low-saturated fat in our meals to being the perfect garnish for martinis. Its moisturizing properties are also no secret as it leaves skin with all the nutrients it needs to be supple and silky. It regulates the natural moisture of skin, unlike mineral oil that just leaves a greasy mess and zaps moisture away as it rubs off. It is regenerating, softening and antioxidant. Used in many of the company’s olive bath line, it leaves a soft sensation that’s never intrusive (has a mild, almost imperceptible scent) and is perfect for normal skin.