L'Occitane summer releases

What signals the start of summer for you? Is it the summer solstice, or the first sign of sun? For me, it's the release of the L'Occitane Verbena with a twist! I can't tell you how much I look forward to it each year! I love the original Verbena line, which was the first product from the brand that I tried years and years ago (introduced to it by my mother(, but when they add mint or citrus, it just takes it to another level. Also this year, there is a new white lavender range, and if you're a regular reader of this blog, you'll know that I'm a sucker for anything lavender fragranced, because it brings back memories of my Granda's garden when I was a child, and when he died, I planted some lavender on his grave. 

I adore the scent combinations that L'Occitane offers, but what I really have grown to love about the brand is that it cares and it gives back. It really is a fair trade company, but also one that is ecologically aware. It has been this way since its inception in 1976, and has grown with education since then. They can actually tell you the names of the couple who cultivate the verbena in the South of France, and the lavender is sourced from local cooperatives in the South of France, who also help to protect the bees that the lavender attracts. All of this makes me love and support the brand even more.

I was kindly sent a selection of the new releases and want to share my thoughts with you today.

Verbena Sorbet Body Gel: This is the perfect body moisturiser for the current warm weather that we are having (and even better if you keep it in the fridge), because the gel texture is light and absorbs quickly and easily, plus it feels cooling and refreshing on the skin. The scent is so invigorating because it combines citrus and mint - perfect for hot and sticky summer mornings, plus the fact that it's a gel rather than a cream, means that it absorbs quickly, so there's no hanging around to get dressed. There is also a shower gel, hand gel, and perfume in gel in this line.

Citrus Verbena Shower Scrub: Verbena is a lemon scent, which alone is invigorating and the perfect scent to use to start your day, but this line has other citrus notes too, which add to that scent and feeling. This scrub contains sugar crystals and walnut kernels, which exfoliate the skin, but do so in a gentle way. There's no chance of the skin being torn or left feeling raw with this. It has a gel texture, and I think it's ideal for gentle exfoliation daily, however I would use a stronger scrub pre self-tanning. I know that some people are afraid to exfoliate if they have a (real) tan, as they think that will make it fade more quickly, but the opposite is actually true, and using a scrub like this will actually help your skin to glow.

Citrus Verbena Hair & Body Refreshing Mist: I use this liberally during the summer months and love that it's small enough to fit in my handbag for when I'm out and about and need a refresh. Again, the verbena/lemon/grapefruit scent is really uplifting, which is ideal for hot days when you need a boost and want to smell fresh. If you spray it in your hair, you can get a waft as your hair moves when you walk - gorgeous!

Citrus Verbena Roll-on Deodorant: When I first started to use deodorant years ago, I always found sprays to be better than roll-ons, or in my mind, I just felt cleaner when I used a spray, but over the years, I've tried balms, creams, sprays and roll-ons to see which suited my skin best, but more importantly, which worked best. I don't think I'm an overly sweaty person, however around my period, I find that my temperature rises (could be a figment of my imagination), plus I regularly have temperatures, due to having a long-term illness and compromised immune system. Therefore, I am very fussy about my deodorant, but I can honestly say that this has really impressed me. I love the light citrus scent, it doesn't irritate my skin and I don't find that I need to re-apply during the day. Most importantly - it works!

White Lavender Shower Gel: L'Occitane decided to introduce white lavender to help preserve the survival of traditional lavender, which is at risk of fade out. This line combines essential oils of both blue and white lavender, along with cedrat and petitgrain, for a hint of citrus. The result is a fresh, yet subtle scent. It will appeal to those who find regular lavender scented products to be too strong. This shower gel lathers well, doesn't strip the skin and leaves a light fragrance on the skin.

White Lavender Body Milk: What I love about all body milks from this brand, is that they absorb quickly, are lightweight, yet nourishing. You don't have to get a workout to massage the product into the skin, like you do with some other body moisturisers!  The scent really lingers on the skin, but it's subtle and I find it comforting. When layered with the shower gel, it lasts longer, and there is also an Eau De Toilette available, for the ultimate experience.

White Lavender Hand Cream: I'm never without a hand cream from this brand because, apart from the beautiful scents, they actually nourish and moisturise the skin on the hands. Plus, they do so without leaving a greasy feeling. My only complaint is that this is only available in travel size and I would love a full size because I adore the scent!

Are you a Verbena fan? Do you look forward to this collection every summer? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Available from L'Occitane Ireland and UK.

Thanks for reading!

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.