Beauty Shout Box: L'OCCITANE NEW LAUNCH - ALMOND YOUTHFUL BODY VELVET BALM & SERUM

It's no secret that I love the French brand L'Occitane and I am really fortunate to have visited, on several occasions, the birth place of these wonderful products, Provence in the South of France.

When a new product or range is launched I can't stop my mind and thoughts wandering back to that beautiful part of France, particularly so this month, as they have added (just in time summer) 2 new Youthful Body products to their already successful Almond Body range.

L'Occitane Almond Velvet Balm and Serum

If you haven't heard about or used their top selling almond body product - Almond Shower Oil, then you really must read my review, as it's a great product to acquaint yourself with the wonders of the humble "Almond".

*In celebration of the launch of these two new Almond body products I will be giving away 5 gifts, so be sure and read down to the bottom of this post where the Rafflecopter awaits your entry*

Here's a little history to this tree and its fruit.

The almond tree is actually native to the Middle East and over the centuries it became a prominent feature on the Provencal landscape. Unfortunately around the 1930's the fields of Almond trees almost disappeared as they made way for more lucrative crops, but thanks to L'Occitanes commitment to purchase the almonds from the producers, the pretty pinkish white flowers that herald the arrival of Spring will once again become a feature of the region.

The Valensole plateau in the "Haute Provence" region is where you will find the orchards of almond trees.
I have seen these beautiful Almond trees in all their glory and a pretty pink sight it truly is......

The beauty benefits of the amazing almond nut dates back to Ancient times, so it's not a new discovery, but L'Occitane have, in my opinion, created the most comprehensive and effective body range utilizing the stimulating bud, the fruit and its shell. The nut releases a creamy oil rich in vitamins A and E, renowned for deeply penetrating the skin to intensively moisturise, soften and firm. The shells can be finely ground for inclusion in gentle body or face exfoliators. The Almond nut not only packs a powerful source of nutrients when eaten, but has great antioxidant benefits for the skin and body.

All of this "goodness" has been captured in the latest 2 additions to the Almond range. However all is not what it seems as L'Occitane have discovered a new exclusive regenerating complex.

At the end of winter the native cells of the almond tree trigger the bud renewal process and drawing upon the regenerating power of these Native Cells the L'Occitane laboratory have created a new youth complex to help renew and revitalize epidermal cells. Good news as there are 3 Patents pending in France, which gives you an indication of what a discovery this is.

These new additions in conjunction with the smoothing proteins will act on the 5 signs of body ageing :

Skin Slackening
Dryness
Loss of firmness
Fine lines
Skin irregularities

I am very familiar with all the products in the Almond range, so I am really excited to bring you my feedback on these "newbies" after a month or so of use
(you know me - I have to test all products thoroughly)

What I will reveal now, is that I have only been using these Youth Therapy products for 2 weeks and already I can feel a softness and an increase in hydration of my skin that has impressed me thus far.

Until I post my full reviews , here is a brief overview of the Velvet Balm and the Velvet Serum.
However I would suggest that you pop into your nearest L'Occitane Boutique to feel the texture of these two products, as they are amazing!

The Velvet Balm offers an immediate rich comfort to the skin. Apply twice a day on the entire body, massaging into the skin with circular upward motions.

Youthful Body Velvet Balm

Key Ingredients:

Almond native cells extract
Sweet almond oil
Almond proteins
Almond bud and rose extract

Shea Butter

R710

200 mls

The Velvet Serum differs from the Balm as it includes a Vitamin C derivative, which will even out the skin and targets any sun induced sun spots.

Apply twice a day to the whole body, especially areas exposed to external aggressions i.e. neckline and the arms. Use alone or before the Velvet Balm for greater effectiveness.