There’s something about minis. The cuteness, the fact that they should be big, but they’re small… they just get me everytime. And when they’re luxury mini beauty products? Well, then it’s just game, set, match.
Ever since I lived in Korea, I’ve had a bit of a thing for L’Occitane. It may seem to make zero sense — what would a French provincial skincare brand have to do with the global capital of plastic surgery innovative cosmetics that changes at the speed of light?
Well, it just so happens that Korea is a huge consumer of L’Occitane products — I believe only second to Japan (natch).
In fact, when I was in Tokyo, I dined at the L’Occitane cafe right on Shibuya crossing… because why not?
But back to the task at hand. So my time in Korea brought unexpected boons in both Korean cosmetics and French beauty. Who knew? The teachers at my school used to love L’Occitane, and it was the present of choice when gift time rolled around.
Which is why it always tickles my fancy to use some of the L’Occitane babies in my stash — and especially so when a fancy hotel provides them to me instead.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Fresh Foam Cleanser
Starting with the only non-L’Occitane product in the stash… this is one I was chuffed to receive from a friend (as a freebie that came with the present), and couldn’t wait to try it. I also love this deluxe size sample bottle, as opposed to a sachet — cute and convenient in one.
So this foam cleanser is like most foam cleansers: great at cleansing, but also a little too keen at times. I don’t use too much of this, and it gets a little watered down in the shower, but it could veer into that “too clean” feeling if you’re not careful.
At the same time, though, I love using it at the end of the day to really get my makeup off — so just work out what’s right for you.
L’Occitane Angelica Hydration/Hydra Vital Cream
This sample had been lying in waiting for a lil’ while, so I thought it was only right to put it out of its misery… in the form of my face! I really liked this lightweight cream (or, should I say, creme): it was more of a gel-cream, absorbed quickly but also left my skin feeling protected.
In true French beauty style, it didn’t irritate my skin at all and was tres gentille. Would love to try more of this.
L’Occitane Verbena Body Lotion
I have just ploughed through this little lotion, and with good reason. If you enjoy lemon desserts, you’ll love this: I walked around smelling like lemon pie, and I couldn’t have been happier about it.
Using luxury lotions is always a bit of an ego boost — in my odd mind, anyway! This makes my skin super soft, and it applies easily. I also go about my day feeling super hydrated — especially important in this dry Australian air. Love this!
L’Occitane Aromachologie Shampoo
I’ve used a bunch of samples of this before, but thoroughly enjoyed these deluxe ones. I’m right back into this shampoo, and love how it cleanses without stripping my hair.
I think I am a victim of product/shampoo build up, which sometimes leaves my roots a little dull, but this shampoo restores body and some semblance of bounce to my hair, which can’t ever be a bad thing.
Most of all, there’s just something about using expensive shampoo that makes me feel like a bo$$ type o’ person.
L’Occitane Aromachologie Repairing Conditioner
I have purchased a full-size version of this before, and enjoyed using this as my daily conditioner (#bougie). Now it’s been a minute since then, but the joy hasn’t waned.
My hair seems to love this stuff: it’s creamy, rich, and hydrating. I can’t really ask much more from my conditioner… and then it goes and smells amazing. Quadruple threat, this one.
Have you used and/or loved any of these products? Let me know in the comments!
Steph x