L’Occitane tops my list of favorite skincare brands for so many reasons. Not only do they source from quality raw material producers – shea butter from Burkina Faso – they also create sophisticated scents and products that delight my senses. Their latest offering is the Arlésienne collection, with notes of Rose from Grasse, sweet violet and saffron from Provence. The combination is an airy, floral concoction that does not over power.
L’Occitane was inspired by the women in the city of Arles, a town in France that is situated on the Rhône that has been immortalized in Van Gogh paintings. It’s was also the stage for bull fights, gladiator fights and chariot races in impressive open-air theaters in the days of Julius Caesar. To this day, a magnificent 12,000-seat theater and 20,000-seat amphitheater stages grand events like Arles’ famous férias, with their “controversial lethal bullfights, less bloody courses Camarguaises and three-day street parties.” Doesn’t that sound like a sight to behold?
The Arlésienne collection top notes of mandarin and saffron, airy roses and lily of the valley in heart notes, and sensual sandalwood, violet and tonka bean for the base notes. The unimposing bottle is romantic with engraved flowers on the perfume bottle. The other products in the line have a colorful abstract print is inspired by the lovely dance of Arlésienne and has an aerial view of the ball skirts of dancers.
Launched over the holiday season in 2014, Arlésienne is going to be the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. The collections comes in perfume, soap, candles and lotions, ranging in price from $5 to $50.
Included in the collection are the :
- Arlésienne Body Milk
- Arlésienne Body Oil
- Arlésienne Eau de Toilette
- Arlésienne Gorgeous Lips
- Arlésienne Hair Mist
- Arlésienne Candle
- Arlésienne Shower Cream
- Arlésienne Solid Perfume
- Arlésienne Velvet Hand Cream
- Arlésienne Soap Trio
I have tried everything but the soap trio, solid perfume, lip gloss and hair mist. I am almost out of the shower cream because all my guests visiting over the holidays flocked to that bottle in the shower. The body milk is light enough not to be goopy but has ample shea butter to keep my skin supple and moisturized. I usually add a few pumps of the body oil to the lotion after the shower so I get ample hydration and moisturization during the day. No ashy elbows or legs for this gal.
The eau de toilette is my go do for during the day because it’s soft and not too intrusive. It lingers around all day but it’s very light. I’ve gotten many compliments on this perfume. When I get home, I light the complimenting candle and pour myself a glass of wine. You can’t go wrong with this collection. Try it and let me know what your favorites are in the collection.
