L’Occitane is a Parisian based company famed for their loyal cult following and L’Occitane Best of Luxury Collection. But due to various factors even despite the naturally based ingredients, I tend to write about their products most often during the holiday season, and can attribute this only to their range of gift collections and sets that offer some of the strongest value in comparison to cost amongst any other brand or competitor product on the market.
The company typically launches several gift sets within more specific ranges (i.e. lavender, verbena, skincare specific), and they also like to mix it up for those seeking a range of bestsellers in a single collection for value. There are several cases for these sets and there value over the holiday season.
First, in comparison to retail even as a single splurge skincare gift, the recipient will receive so much increased product longevity and use in comparison to a purchase any other time of year.
Secondly, for those seeking several gifts at once at “stocking stuffer” items or for gift exchange parties, it can be a wonderful way to break down the collections and pinpoint which friend or family member would enjoy each item the most (and perhaps even save one for ourselves).
As an aside, this time of year, there still remains nothing wrong with self-gifting while you’re out filling out your other list and remaining in the giving spirit. As these items can often be excellent introductory pieces for those new to the brands looking to try out some bestsellers at a discount, or current fans simply seeking to look for pieces at discount.
This review will cover some main features and an overview on the entire collection, the included items in the set and more concise reviews on each, some pain positives and negatives to bear in mind prior to purchase, as well as a final verdict, to help you make a more informed purchasing choice prior to any point of sale.
Review: L’Occitane Best Of Collection
The L’Occitane Holiday Best of Collection features 1x L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate (net wt. 3.5 oz.), 1x L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil (8.4 fl. oz.), 1x L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (net wt. 2.6 oz.), 1x L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream (net wt. 2.5 oz.), 1x L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Cleansing Foam (5.1 fl. oz.), and 1x L’Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath (3.3 fl. oz.).
It is an excellent way for both new and existing fans and consumers to test out some popular face and body products, and makes a lovely gifting option, with a great value in comparison to retail cost.
All of the products are formulated with naturally based ingredients and are free of any harsh parabens, sulfates or additives, hence suitable for even the most sensitive skin (barring any allergies to specific ingredients found in the formulations of the products).
If you are looking for stocking stuffer gifts, this is also a great option to break down a gift into several smaller options and makes an excellent gifting option as a standalone item as well, especially if the recipient in your life is a fan of skincare and beauty type products (and the gentle formulations make the products great for all skin types). Below you will find briefer reviews on all of the included products as well as corresponding benefits with daily topical use.
All of the included products worked in tandem to deliver wonderful benefits to the skin and with continual daily use, daily visible improvements were definitely noticeable.
L’Occitane Best Of Collection: Products
Almond Milk Concentrate ( 3.5 oz)
This body lotion is rich and creamy and smell of fresh almonds, devoid of any harsh perfume odor or chemical type smell. Out of every product in the category I have tried, this body lotion remains on the very top of my list and I would highly recommend it if you have dry skin or are seeking a luxurious post-shower treatment. It never feels greasy, sticky, or tacky on the skin and leaves behind no residue.
While I would describe it as rich rather than lightweight, it is absolutely not heavy and does not weigh down the skin at all. The smell is fresh, light, natural, and devoid of any chemical or perfume odors.
It’s excellent to use on skin that is still slightly moist (or dry) after the shower, and it smooths out any dry or rough patches instantly. Application feels silky and it’s akin to an at home spa, admittedly a simpler luxury with a further longevity per dollar value. If you enjoy a fresh almond scent and a rich moisturizer for the body that lacks grease while thoroughly hydrating, I would highly recommend this product.
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil (8.4 fl. oz.)
The Shower Oil included in the set is another personal favorite and pairs perfectly with the cream included in the set as well. It is an oil texture, but when used with any washcloth or loofah, the product foams up into a rich lather that hydrates the entire body with a lovely fresh scent.
I would highly recommend this product if you’re seeking to treat dry skin, or looking for a shower cleanser with an oil base, as this product helps hydrate the skin without the need for any additional moisturizers at all. While it can certainly be used as a standalone treatment product or used to shave with (it actually helps prevent ingrown hairs), it pairs extremely well if followed with the almond cream in the set also, for added hydration, and the smells mixed together are simply enchanting.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (2.6 oz.)
The cult-classic Shea Butter hand cream is the most nourishing product in the category I have tried to date. Fans of the top selling brand SKU adore the product for its ability to lock in moisture with a strong hold and infrequent need for re-application. It’s perfect for those with professions with a frequent need for washing the hands, or those who simply suffer from very dry hands, particularly during the Winter or colder months.
This is a staple product that never feels greasy or sticky on the skin with conservative use, and I would highly recommend it if you’re seeking a suitable daily go-to for dull or dry hands in need of an instant pick-me-up.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream (2.5 oz.)
While I don’t traditionally use foot creams or products like these, this product is formulated with Arnica which can reduce odor and help heal and repair cracked and chapped feet. If you are a fan of foot creams, this one definitely has a a loyal cult-following any I would expect most to be fans of the rich texture that glides on easily and feels luxurious and creamy.
It was perhaps a bit too greasy in texture for my particular preference, however those with very dry or chapped feet, or those who enjoy overnight treatments would probably adore this product, and it comes very highly reviewed.
L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Cleansing Foam (5.1 fl. oz.)
This cleansing foam was certainly decent, and did not make my skin break out or create any redness or irritation or reaction, I certainly did not personally feel it was any sort of standout product. It did not remove all of my makeup, did not prevent all dirt and debris, and certainly did not remove the need for a toner.
I enjoyed that it foamed up a lot, did not create any product reaction or irritation, and did not create any breakouts, but in comparison to so many cleansers on the market I am unsure of why this would be the one anyone would opt for. Additionally, it does not seem to have any anti-aging benefits as suggested or claimed.
L’Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath (3.3 fl. oz.)
While I do not typically take baths in favor of AM showers, this product was an absolute treat and indulgence, and definitely comparable to an at-home spa. If you’re looking to truly pamper yourself, and if you’re a fan of lavender, this is a product you’ll love. Pair with a candle and a good book for the ultimate indulgence and perfect following night sleep.
The product is gel texture that is not greasy or sticky at all and leaves no residue behind in the bath, but also foams up quite a bit, a very very small amount of product creates a very large amount of bubbles, giving the product great shelf-life and longevity. I would highly recommend this as it’s my favorite product by far I have tried in the category to date, and the aroma is fresh and natural, free of any chemical or perfume type odors. This is the perfect treat and a great way to unwind.
L’Occitane Best Of Collection: Pros & Cons
Here is a look at some main pros and cons to bear in mind prior to purchase:
Pros
- With a total retail value of almost $150, the set offers a great way to try out some products at a lower rate than usual
- Excellent gifting option for a recipient in your life who enjoys skincare
- Excellent introductory set to the brand, especially if you are seeking to try out a mixture of skincare and body products from the line
- Excellent way for fans to save on value, if you already enjoy items in the set and are seeking variety
- All of the included products are naturally based in formulation ingredients and safe and suitable for all skin types
- Crruelty-free company: products are not tested on any animals and no animal product is used in any formulations or during any company manufacturing processes
- All of the included products are free of any harsh chemical additives, parabens, and sulfates
- Excellent way to test out a staple facial product as well as several bestselling body products at once
- Very clean line that is gentle, nourishing, and hydrating, making it ideal for even the most sensitive skin, barring any specific ingredient to an allergy in the formulation
- All of the products work in tandem with one another together to provide benefits (i.e. scents compliment one another when used one after another)
Cons
- While some may still consider the price point steep for the category, it’s important to realize the value and longevity the products will offer, along with continual topical benefits with everyday use
- Company is not extremely eco-friendly and contributes to quite a bit of cardboard and paper waste due to extreme visual merchandising practices via Brick and Mortar locations
- Those with sensitivities to lavender and almond products should take caution with this set, as obviously the ingredients contained in the formulations may be highly triggering, and these can be very common allergies
L’Occitane: Money-Back Guarantee
The manufacturer, L’Occitane, has a strong return and exchange policy that honors full refunds upon dissatisfaction or allergy, and this policy favors the consumer, both new and returning. If you are dissatisfied with the use of the products, or if it does not work for your skin to provide suitable hydrating or anti-aging benefits, or you experience any product allergy or reaction to the formulations, you may elect to return it at any time. In this case, you will receive a full refund equal to the entire purchase price of the item.
L’Occitane Best Of Collection: The Final Verdict
L’Occitane’s Best Of Collection offers value and variety, as well as both popular skin and body products to try out, at a great value in comparison to retail cost. If you are seeking a holiday gift this year for someone on your list who enjoys the latter, or looking for a value set to deconstruct into several gifts, I would highly recommend looking into this collection.
As a non-gifting item, this makes a perfect starter set as an introductory product for those new to the brand looking for bestselling products at a discount, and those who are already fans who are seeking value during the holiday season (why not take advantage?) All of the products included were excellent for the skin, even my very sensitive skin, and felt extremely soothing and nourishing following application.
So if you’re looking for variety and popular items that are naturally based but prove efficacy and real results, I would definitely invest in this collection that offers a great way to try out some of the leading products of this clean Parisian based skin and body care line. The offering is certainly a solid one.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our other reviews on Sun Basket (for health and beauty from within to without) and Stitch Fix (for beauty looks from head to toe)!
