L'OCCITANE LAVENDER ORGANIC RELAXING ROLL-ON {REVIEW}

L'Occitane is one of my favourite brands, as by now I am sure you are all aware. 

You will also know that I'm very honest with my reviews and this review will be a first for me....

it's my first L'Occitane "fail" Yes you read correctly

its a "fail".

The Lavender Organic Relaxing Roll-On has been around for some time and even though I love Lavender and the concept of the relaxing roll-on, I only recently bought one from this brand, as part of My L'Occitane Haul in France.

L'Occitane use only the best, high quality essential oil extracted from lavender organically grown in Provence.  I have used a similar type of product before, one that 

I bought in Provence a couple of years ago and since then I have been "sold" on these handy roll-ons...addicted would actually be a better description.

R230

Product Claims:

Formulated with P.D.O. (Protected Designation of Origin) Haute-Provence Lavender essential oil, with relaxing properties, this certified-organic Lavender Relaxing Roll-on roll-on helps to soothe tension and relax the mind. Use one to three times a day for an instant feeling of relaxation.

My Experience:

This 10ml roll-on can be used on the wrists, temples or any other pulse points. 

Inhaling Lavender essential oil has such a relaxing and calming effect on both the mind and the body. 

I love the intensity of that initial fragrance and the concept of having a roll-on to just use whenever you feel slightly stressed or feel the need for that boost of Lavender relaxation, appeals to me. 

I can also vouch that a Lavender roll on applied to the temples helps to ease the discomfort from a headache. Whilst this type of product is not an absolute essential and would not suit everyone it certainly has a permanent place in my handbag...

You maybe wondering why it ranked for me as a fail, as I am writing a glowing review...the problem doesn't lie with the product, it lies with the packaging. 

This product is designed to be carried around and used several times a day or whenever "calm" is needed, yet oil doing what it does best, it escapes and oozes.

 My intention was to use whilst I was on my hectic overseas holiday recently, but unfortunately it didn't cope with the pace of the three weeks. I literally used it 5 or 6 times before my roll on was empty. 

Knowing that escaping oil can be a problem I was careful to ensure that the screw top was threaded evenly, but it still escaped. 

Maybe I had a faulty roll on,(Update it wasn't faulty, as I stupidly bought 2 more since and they have all leaked) but I have encountered this problem before particularly with these high oil content products : 

Rain Body Scrub

L'Occitane One Minute Hand Scrub

L'Occitane Verbena Salt Scrub

In my experience these products don't travel well, so they stay put at home, but a relaxing roll-on should be carried in a handbag and ready for use, so this unfortunately is my 1st L'Occitane fail!

Shew! Now this post is completed...I could do with Lavender Organic Relaxing Roll-On to apply over my temples...Oops looks like I will have to order that other roll-on from Provence..the one that didn't leak.

To order online:

www.loccitane.co.za

www.rainafrica.co.za

MONTHLY FAVOURITES {JUNE}

Well! what a hectic month June was...and seeing that I spent half of it on my hols overseas
June has just flown by.

My monthly "faves" this month comprise of more "foodie" items than anything else.

A dip into my Sunday Sample jar this past month exposed me to 

Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating Masque

To read my review

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This was a delicious Strawberry Tart from a Patisserie in 

Brantome in France....The French make the best! 

I can still taste this one.

13 euros (approx R190)

To read my review on Brantome

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This was a delicious French White Onion Soup that I had in Paris.

This is another yummy food I can still taste

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Another "Foodie" fave for June were these Magnum After Dinner 

and they were a perfect After Dinner size.

These I found in France, so not sure if we have them yet in SA.

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SUNDAY SAMPLE - DERMALOGICA SKIN HYDRATING MASQUE {REVIEW}

Whilst I am religious when it comes to my weekly exfoliating routine from top to toe, 

I am a little erratic when it comes to the use of a face mask. 

There are so many face masks out there for every skin type and condition, including sensitive skins and Dermalogica have six face masks across their product range.

I always gravitate towards a "non drying" cream type mask that aims to improve hydration and give my skin a boost when it's stressed or tired, 

so this sample of Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating masque was perfect, especially after my hectic recent three week trip overseas, my skin was begging me for some TLC.

As I have mentioned on a previous post Back2Basics the most beneficial time to use a face mask is after you have exfoliated your skin , so in order to give this product a fair review I used my regular exfoliator prior to applying this mask on my cleaned skin.

This non drying mask has a creamy gel consistency and is easy to apply, with a little going a long way.

Apply a smooth film to clean face and throat. 

Allow the masque to absorb for 7 to 10 minutes. 

(What I really enjoyed is that you can also use this mask around the eye area, which is where I find my skin shows stress) 

Rinse with tepid water. 

Use once or twice a week or as prescribed.

Product Claims:

A refreshing, moisturising masque to remedy dry, stressed skin. Use after cleansing to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Unique cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid traps moisture to deliver time-released hydration for lasting suppleness. Help stimulate skin’s Natural Moisturising Factor while lycopene-rich Tomato Seed lipids help restore skin’s protective barrier, enhancing moisture levels for healthier, smoother skin. 

Benefits:

Helps restore suppleness while minimizing fine lines.

Provides increased hydration and improved elasticity.

Provides in-depth moisturization.

My Experience:

I found this mask to be refreshing, comfortable on my skin and the gel consistency left no oily residue behind. It was quickly absorbed, which was maybe an indicator of how stressed my skin was after my overseas trip. The moisturisation level of my skin did feel improved and I was impressed with the minimising of fine lines especially around my eye area, thanks to the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid. After only the one use of the Skin Hydrating Masque I was impressed, so I can imagine with "on going" weekly use this mask would be a "must have" for any dry,stressed skins.

Formulated without artificial fragrances and colours.

75ml

R590.00 (29/06/14)

For more info and stockists