Last month I spent 7 hours waiting for a connection in Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris. Entertainment in the waiting area included a cafe, newsagent or pharmacy. You can guess which one I spent approximately 5 of the 7 hours in….
Why are French pharmacies so much better than those in the UK? And why can’t their amazing product ranges be readily available closer to home?! I saw some brands that I was familiar with, but had no idea of the extent of their product ranges. L’Occitane was one of them… I’ve always associated L’Occitane with amazing hand and body creams, but had no idea how many skincare products they have for the face (perhaps I just haven’t been concentrating).
I’ve been using two of them for the past month and can no longer keep them to myself. In the words of the delectable Dean Martin, ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside.’ You may have noticed. Colder than it’s been in a long time (in the UK at least) and frankly our skin needs a little extra tlc at times like these.
Ladies & Gentlemen, I give you…
L’Occitane Ultra Rich Face Cream
Shea Butter? It contains this much >>>> 
“Ultra Rich Face Cream intensely nourishes dry and very dry skin and effectively protects it against dryness and climatic damage. The sensation of tightness soon becomes a thing of the past; the skin feels absolute, unprecedented comfort. This cream stimulates the natural defences of the skin leaving it feeling stronger and softer. The skin barrier is better protected. Its rich, creamy texture makes it an ideal face balm for cold climates. Non-comedogenic. Tolerance dermatologically tested.”
This is it untouched in the pot - quite beautiful, no?…
Just look at that smooth buttery creaminess, perfectly peaked in the centre. (It comes foil sealed, even better.)
My skin is quite dry in Winter and if yours isn’t then this probably isn’t for you (I have an alternative suggestion in a moment). I only use this in day time if it’s extremely cold outside, like biting cold. Otherwise I use it at night. You need the teensiest amount - if you’re familiar with the texture of body butter, then that’s exactly what this is like. It’s quite firm and works best when softened in your hands before massaging into your face.
Despite its richness, surprisingly, it doesn’t leave a greasy film on my skin, just a lovely sheen. I can apply makeup a minute or two later. The most noticeable result of using this has been how soft my face feels after using it.
If it’s not uber cold, then this little number is my daytime skincare friend…
Ultra Gentle Moisturiser
Suitable for normal to dry skin, this moisturising fluid contains 8% Shea Butter, so still a substantial percentage but lighter and less rich (obvs) than the Ultra Rich Face Cream.
“The Shea Ultra Gentle Moisturiser is specially formulated to strengthen and protect sensitive and normal to dry skin… ultra-gentle, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free. The skin is soothed and less reactive. Its natural defences are stimulated, for visibly stronger, more resilient skin. With its light, fluid texture, it’s a year-round skincare essential!”
I love the pump bottle and one pump is enough for my whole face. It quickly sinks straight into my skin and provides the perfect base for makeup.
These pics (straight from the pot and lightly blended - Ultra Rich is the bigger ‘blob’) show the contrast in consistency between the two products.
Sheen on my skin after using the Rich Cream.
Ultra Rich Face Cream cost £29.50 for 50ml and Ultra Gentle Moisturiser is £24 for 50ml.
I think this little Skin Starter Kit with small-but-significant sizes of Cleanser, Fresh Face water (toner) and Ultra Rich Face Cream is a great way to try some of this range for just £15! There is also a Nourishing Face Care Duo, with 100ml of Ultra Rich Face Scrub and 50ml of Ultra Rich Face Cream, which I’m seriously tempted by after reading an amazing review of the scrub on Mercedez’ blog, Reigning Beauties.
How do you nourish your skin when it’s bitterly cold? Thanks for reading and please leave a comment below - I love to hear your thoughts & feedback. xx
