Oh, L’Occitane. You had me at Toning Cider. The 30-year-old Provencal label, famous for its dedication to growing and harvesting flora and fauna that go directly into their age-defying, skin-protecting potions, introduced a skincare collection this year under the almond-apple range. Created for women 25 to 35 years of age, the range combines the dual properties of almonds and apples to help consumers delay the first signs of aging. Skin is firmer and more elastic thanks to almond proteins and silicium. Complexion glows thanks to organic apple fruit extract, which stimulates skin’s natural exfoliation and leaves it smooth and soft. Skin looks fresher and finer since the product’s inherent organic apple vinegar component minimizes and cleans pores.
By age 25, according to L’Occitane’s research brief, skin starts to show signs of wear. No doubt everyday excesses — drinking, staying out late, lack of hydration — paired with the natural deceleration of our biological processes leave a mark on skin that’ll soon loom larger on our faces once we hit 30. At that point, sebaceous glands expand, creating more visible pores.
Before you expire at the thought of a less-than-attractive mug overtaking your fresh, youthful looks in no time, take a deep breath and drink a glass of water: YStyle recommends action — and prevention — before heading into full panic mode.
The best way to staunch the ever-closing gap between a pristine face and a wrinkle-prone visage is to invest in skincare products that don’t strip your skin of its natural oils — highly-chemical solutions tend to worsen the problem, instead of improving the situation.
Thanks to founder Olivier Baussan’s well-documented commitment to rooting the company in all things authentic, natural and traditional, L’Occitane takes no part in animal testing and has no use for high-chemical formulas.
The almond-apple combo makes use of the soothing properties of almond with the brightening elements of apple. According to L’Occitane, the almond “possesses unique cosmetic properties.” Its “proteins are proven to enhance collagen synthesis, which restores the skin’s support tissue. The result is firmer, more toned skin.”
The range includes a Cleansing Oil, Toning Cider, Velvet Concentrate and Sweet Peel. YStyle will take you through all four steps so you can come closer to finding the inner, younger you. You’ll thank us when you’re 40 and people don’t mistake your mother for your sister. Trust us, it’s been known to happen.
What is it: Toning Cider
How much: P995
What’s it got: Almond oil, organic apple oil extract and vitamin E
How does it work: Reduces appearance of pores and stimulates natural exfoliation.
Why you should use it: So refreshing! Feels like an ice bath for your face — in a good way.
What is it: Sweet Peel
How much: P1,750
What’s it got: Almond crushed shell, almond oil, organic apple cider vinegar, organic apple extract
How does it work: Efficiently exfoliates skin and removes impurities and dead cells and deep-cleans pores.
Why you should use it: If you have oversize pores and tend to spend lots of time in high-pollution zones (I’d say anywhere in Makati and QC), this is the ultimate cleanser.
What is it: Cleansing Oil
How much: P995
What’s it got: Almond oil, organic apple oil extract and vitamin E
How does it work: Removes makeup and impurities while retaining hydrolipidic barrier on skin’s surface.
Why you should use it: It’s a two-in-one makeup remover and skin cleanser that won’t leave an oily film, unlike other oil-based products.
What is it: Velvet Concentrate
How much: P2,275
What’s it got: Almond proteins, coriander essential oil, organic apple fruit extract, almond milk
How does it work: This nourishing and softening face cream firms and plumps up skin, smoothes fine lines, and protects against drying, stretch marks and future signs of aging.
Why you should use it: It’s an effective, high-impact cream that leaves skin luminous.
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L’Occitane is available at Rustan’s Essenses.