The Immortelle flower, which sprouts from a plant no higher than a bush, is small and almost imperceptible. However, it has an enviable property: exceptional longevity. This yellow flower doesn’t wilt even after it’s been picked. French beauty brand L’Occitane, which discovered the flower in the Corsican countryside, took a cue from this flower’s endurance and unveiled the key to the secret of eternal youth.
The essential oil of the Immortelle, with its fragrant scent reminiscent of curry and honey, contains exceptional regenerative and healing properties. This oil stimulates blood circulation, which in turn encourages the oxgenation and nutrition of cells, eventually boosting skin cell renewal. This essential oil also boasts anti-wrinkle and anti-free radical properties.
Though it’s abundant in the isles of Europe, the Immortelle flower is not as exotic as you might think. Another name for the Immortelle flower is Everlasting. Yes, that small, papery flower collected in bunches looks as if it had its start in an arts and crafts store rather than from nature’s bounty. Hardly just a blossom used to prop up a floral arrangement, the Everlasting has inspired an entire range of skincare products that offers a chance to regain youth.
L’Occitane has created an anti-aging range containing the essential oils and flower water of this everlasting bud that manages to retain its form and brilliant color even when dried. The Immortelle range’s moisturizers, in particular, encase concentrated amounts of the oil in microcapsules, which release anti-aging and anti-free radical protection over a 24-hour period. The Immortelle Precious Fluid, the premier product in this range, is formulated with these microcapsules. A clinical test has proven that this lightweight anti-aging moisturizer improves the firmness of skin and produces a noticeable lifting effect within only three weeks.
For added protection, especially on beach trips, the Immortelle Protective Lotion, also infused with microcapsules that diffuse Immortelle essential oil for a full 24 hours of benefits, contains SPF 15 as well as vitamins A and E to combat the damaging effects of pollution and the environment.
To lighten age spots, freckles and other melanin-produced spots, get into the habit of using the Immortelle Brightening Serum on a daily basis. An active ingredient derived from vitamin C helps regulate melanin, evens out the complexion and brings instant radiance to the skin. Immortelle essential oil concentrated into microcapsules smoothes the skin and preserves its freshness.
Wash away impurities, makeup and the accumulation of daily and nightly residue with the Immortelle Brightening Cleansing Foam. This gentle foaming cleanser contains Immortelle flower water and citrus peel, which leave the complexion evenly toned and more radiant.
Summer usually spells long nights of hard partying. To camouflage the effects of too much debauchery, which usually shows around the eyes as dark circles and puffiness, use the Immortelle Everlasting Eye Balm. Also formulated with Immortelle floral water, this gentle eye cream soothes, moisturizes, and nourishes the delicate area around the eyes. Tap a small amount on the bone around the eye twice daily.
Another wonder product for the eyes is the Immortelle Eye Makeup Remover. Fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested, this gentle formula effectively removes even the toughest waterproof mascara. It contains Immortelle essential oil combined with rose water and cornflower water to soothe and refresh the peepers.
The next time you come across the tiny, unobtrusive blossoms of the everlasting flower, perhaps on a table centerpiece or in a church offering, know that it holds the secret to youth, and that L’Occitane has got this secret immortalized.