L’Occitane en Provence

THAI Airways: Royal First Class

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 6 Comments

Hey APJ,

Here’s something fun that I hope you Aussies will all get into. Sorry it’s taken so long to do this giveaway but there has been too much going on. FINALLY, here it is…..

THAI Airways: Royal First Class

Gawd! It seems like a million years since Michael & I took our European vacation in Jan/Feb 2014. It was an incredible experience, made even more so by the fact that we flew First Class to and from Europe. Though Thai was not 100% amazing in everything (we had our share of issues but as my mate Alice says, “Eeeew, my diamond shoes are too tight” moment) it was nice to have that much extra space, excellent food and service (in the air and the lounges) and to be collected at the gate by a buggy to whisk you to the First Class Lounge in each port. Really, incredible.

Would I travel First Class again? Probably not. There were things I liked but for the money I think it should be PERFECT!! There should be no complaint, trouble, drama or fiasco of any kind. Sadly Thai did not deliver this. To be completely honest I can sleep through an economy flight and still arrive in pretty good shape. That frees up thousands of dollars for enjoyment on my holiday.

I am sorry to our world readers but I can only send these within Australia. Postage has become too expensive to send these to the world. SORRY!!

Thai Royal First Cabin Set Michael Bed 2014Michael waking up in Thai Royal First Class

On every flight we were given a Thai Royal First Cabin Set. In each Thai Royal First Cabin Set there is:
1. L’Occitanne Eau de Cologne
2. L’Occitanne Body Lotion
3. L’Occitanne Lip Balm
4. Comb & Brush
5. Comfort Socks
6. Earplugs
7. Eyeshade
8. Toothbrush
9. Tooth Paste
10. Mouthwash

It all comes in a terrific wet pack that I will keep and use as my on-board cabin wet pack for years to come. Simple, stylish and really well designed. The one I opened and used is purple but the other three perfectly new in their plastic are white.

I know this is only very slightly in an olfactory vein but while we were flying I was so excited to be able to bring these back for some of you to try.
Portia xx

Thai Royal First Cabin Set #1Thai Royal First Cabin Set with some stuff missing

giveaway manoneileenPhoto Stolen manoneileen

Royal First Class Cabin Set GIVEAWAY

Thai Royal First Cabin Set #2

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

This week we will have 3 winners who will each get:
1 x Thai Royal First Class Cabin Set
P&H Anywhere in AUSTRALIA

HOW DO YOU WIN?

Open to everyone in AUSTRALIA who follows Australian Perfume Junkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

You must tell me how you follow APJ

and

Please tell me your favourite holiday destination. It could be one you have been to or one you dream of. There are no time or financial constraints, just a dream, where would you go, for how long and who with?

Extra Chance?
Tweet: @OzPerfumeJunkie Thai Royal First Class Cabin Set GIVEAWAY http://wp.me/p3PURw-2Vg #Perfume #Giveaway

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Close Sunday 29th June 2014 10pm Australian EST and winners will be announced in a separate post.
Winners will be chosen by random.org
The winners will have till Thursday 3rd July 2014 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

L’Occitane Ultra Soft Shea Butter Body Cream – GIVEAWAY WINNERS

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 2 Comments

Hey All,

We LOVE giveaways at APJ, thank you all for getting involved. This is a super special prize and I can’t wait to see who won this week. Thanks to L’Occitane Australia who are always so generous and friendly, not to mention the fabulous product. LOVE IT!

Portia xx

L’Occitane Ultra Soft Shea Butter Body Cream – GIVEAWAY

Karité Douceur de Crème - Zeste de CitronPhoto Stolen L’Occitane France

WHAT COULD YOU WIN?

This week we will have 2 winners who will each get:
1 x 100ml L’Occitane Ultra Soft Shea Butter Body Cream
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DID YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

You must tell me how you follow APJ

and

Go to L’Occitane Australia<<JUMP and find any fragrance, tell me one of its note please. NO DOUBLE UPS!

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Closed Sunday 15th June 2014 10pm Australian EST
Winners were chosen by random.org

WINNERS berryreviewPhoto Stolen berryreview

Christine Higgs

Kath

The winners will have till Thursday 19th June 2014 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

Brand New – L'Occitane Ultra Soft Shea Butter Body Cream

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 42 Comments

Heya Gang,

Boy oh boy, do I have something exciting for you all today. Recently I had lunch with my newest girlfriend who works at L’Occitane, she was really excited about the stuff we had done for them and wanted to show me some Brand New, not even available online yet products that have swept in from France. I think they will be available in stores but we have the Original French Product to give away. WOW!

Also, L’Occitane are having their ONE WEEK WINTER 20-50% SALE off their amazing product. YIPPEE! I just grabbed a couple of Hand Creams, Magical Leaves Exfoliating Shower Gel and a Lavender Body Duo. All gone in the

L’Occitane Ultra Soft Shea Butter Body Cream

L'Occitane Ultra Soft Shea Butter Cream #2

Both my Office helper KT and I have been using this new product. KT says: I found the cream to be what is says – “Ultra soft on my skin”. I loved the smell of  the crème when I applied it after a shower. My skin felt nourished & taut and not oily as it does with other products.

Personally I am really enjoying the feel and how it makes my skin gleam. I also find if I’m wearing a fragrance that has corresponding notes that I get a deeper and longer lasting fragrance ride. excellent stuff.

I know you all want to try it. I have a Bouquet de Vanille and a Zeste de Citron up for grabs. No you don’t get to choose.

Portia xx

L’Occitane Ultra Soft Shea Butter Body Cream – GIVEAWAY

Karité Douceur de Crème - Zeste de CitronPhoto Stolen L’Occitane France

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

This week we will have 2 winners who will each get:
1 x 100ml L’Occitane Ultra Soft Shea Butter Body Cream
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DO YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

You must tell me how you follow APJ

and

Go to L’Occitane Australia<<JUMP and find any fragrance, tell me one of its note please. NO DOUBLE UPS!

Extra Chance?
Tweet: @OzPerfumeJunkie NEW L’Occitane Body Cream GIVEAWAY http://wp.me/p3PURw-2Sb  #Beauty #Giveaway

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Close Sunday 15th June 2014 10pm Australian EST and winners will be announced in a separate post.
Winners will be chosen by random.org
The winners will have till Thursday 19th June 2014 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

 

Top 10 Spring/Autumn Fragrances 2014 Perfume Reviews

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 33 Comments

Hello Gorgeous APJ Family,

It’s Top 10 Spring/Autumn Fragrances time again, my favourite seasons are Autumn and Spring, the mid seasons. I love that in both these seasons the weather can be remarkably similar, sunny and warm on one day, freezing or blustery on another, nights are cool to cold and so the overall wearings are quite similar. Yes, we can grab a white floral to really ring in Spring or remember Spring in Autumn but then it’s also nice to spritz a heavy amber on those super cold nights and a sweet fizzy citrus will work almost anytime. These fragrances are on my desk and within easy spritz reach and they only stay on the desk while they are getting regular spritz time, if they’ve been sitting there for more than a fortnight without attention they go back in the cupboard.

Top 10 Spring:Autumn Fragrances mrhayata FlickrPhoto Stolen Flickr

Top 10 Spring:Autumn Fragrances PixabayPhoto Stolen Pixabay

Top 10 Spring/Autumn Fragrances 2014 Perfume Reviews

24 Faubourg EdT – Hermès: White flowers and fruit that melt into ambery goodness. How can you resist this lovely gem from Hermès. Every time I spritz it I wonder why I don’t do it every day. I love the bottle, that it’s Hermès and that I smell fantastic for 4-6 hours.

Anyway – Juliette Has A Gun: ADDICTIVE!! Beware Anyway. Nothing like I’d ever thought I wanted to smell. A citrus and, though it doesn’t say it anywhere, pineapple concoction that heads into woods and oudh territory throughout its life. the ultimate drag queen fragrance, so feminine and butch at the same time.

Futur – Robert Piguet: The ungreenest green ever. Sappy, sweet, green and extremely wearable all year round. Futur has been out of the cupboard and on my skin quite a bit lately and it fits any occasion.

Liberte – Cacharel: A screaming, sizzling, BarBQ’d orange that is so sugary and ends up in a vanilla/patchouli/orange finale. I’ve loved it for years and now that it seems to be discontinued I’ve had to grab a couple of back up bottles.

Mohur – Neela Vermeire Creations: The headiest, most complex and wonderful rose there is. Surrounded by interesting other notes and accords but it is the rose that shines through for the whole of Mohur’s life. I am crazy for this fragrance and can’t wait to have a Mohur Extrait bottle.

Shalimar EdP – Guerlain: My old faithful. Shalimar fits every season, every mood and every event. From it’s citrus gelato opening to the resinous, vanilla and leather dry down I love Shalimar through and through. If I had to pick a fragrance to be my one and only Shalimar would be it.

Sharp – Andrea Maack: A new entry into my life in FB. I am enjoying Sharp a lot. Weird, synthetic orange blossom packed tight with musks and an ambery vanilla, all washed over by an unearthly metal/marine accord that is both enticing and repellent. Sharp is both the freshness of Spring and the coming darkness of Autumn.

Skin on Skin – L`Artisan Parfumeur: Skin on Skin is an interesting fragrance, poo poo’d by many of the fragrance intelligentsia because of it’s similarity to Traversee du Bosphore. I have now spent time wearing both, though not simultaneously, but I like the plastic saffron edge and the cool suede. There are more similarities between Bottega Veneta and Skin on Skin to my nose and Iris Prima has some too. I spritz Skin on Skin a LOT.

Vanille & Narcisse – L’Occitane: So you want something cheap and cheerful? Something that has the narcissus of spring and the vanilla of autumn? Look no further. Vanille & Narcisse is wearable, pretty, inexpensive and a great wear. This is one I would recommend as a gift for any non perfumistas and many who are. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Wild Ginger Chai – SOIVOHLE: The sweet, spicy, ginger and milk opening. The dry, black tea smell and the memories of India. I love Liz Zorn’s work, she captures my imagination every time and her prices are so freaking reasonable for fragrances that are world class. Yum.

So there they are. My current mid-season Top 10. They will probably be changed by next week but right now these ten fragrances are getting good skin time and working extremely well in the changeable conditions that the mid-seasons hand us.

Loads of love to you all, wherever and in what ever weather,
Portia x

The roses of Heliogabalus oil on canvas 132.7 x 214.4 cmPhoto Stolen Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

 

L’Occitane Christmas GIVEAWAY PACK WINNERS

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 2 Comments

Heya APJ Friends and Family,

YAY!! It’s Christmas time and we have WINNERS GALORE!!

Thank you L’Occitane Australia for your amazing support this year. I am loving your products so much and am using the Divine Cream and Divine Eyes almost daily (one day a week I let my skin completely rest) and I have noticed significant positive changes. Your Ambre & Santal is on high rotation in my fragrance wardrobe and has seen more skin time this month than most of my other fragrances.

L’Occitane World Store Locator is a great way to find your nearest L’Occitane store but I like to go directly to L’Occitane Australia<<JUMP.

 

L’Occitane Christmas GIVEAWAY PACK WINNERS

WHAT YOU COULD WIN

This week there will be 2 winners and each will receive one of these amazingly beautiful packs. No, you don’t get to choose.
P&H Anywhere in the world

Delicate Cherry Blossom Collection

Delicate Cherry Blossom CollectionPhoto Stolen L’Occitane Australia

This collection includes:
1x Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette 100ml
1x Cherry Blossom Shower Gel 250ml
1x Cherry Blossom Body Lotion 250ml
1x Cherry Blossom Soap 50gr
1x Cherry Blossom Hand Cream 30ml

The Retail Value of all these products is $154 but in the pack you can buy it for $110, free Australian shipping over $100 too.

Best of L’OCCITANE Collection

Best of L'OCCITANE CollectionPhoto Stolen L’Occitane Australia

Here’s what you get in the Best Of L’Occitane Pack with a Retail Value $115: in the pack only $90, and it comes beautifully Gift Boxed for easy wrapping!

1x Shea Butter Hand Cream 150ml
1x Almond Shower Oil 250ml
1x Shea Butter Foot Cream 30ml
1x Lavender Foaming Bath 100ml
1x Extra Gentle Soap – Verbena 100g
1x Pivoine Flora Body Lotion 75ml

HOW DID YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

To be eligible for the draw just mention how you follow the APJs and tell us any L’Occitane product that you’ve used or like the sound of and why.
Also if you’ve had a problem with a particular L’Occitane product their L’Occitane Australia Marketing Team would love to read your honest and constructive criticisms.

Extra Chances?
Tweet: @OzPerfumeJunkie 2 x L’Occitane Christmas Packs GIVEAWAY http://wp.me/p3PURw-2hY #Giveaway #Perfume #BodyLotion @LOCCITANE

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Closed Wednesday 18th December 2013 10pm Australian EDST
Winners will be chosen by random.org

Winners Are shannonmayerPhoto Stolen shannonmayer

Katie, Kath

CONGRATULATIONS!!! The winners will have till Saturday 21st December 2013 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

Go on, pop into your nearest L’Occitane Store and check their products, or go online L’Occitane Australia

Loads of love,
Portia xx

L’Occitane: Christmas Pack GIVEAWAY x 2

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 50 Comments

Hello Everyone,

If you are reading anywhere in the world other than Australia there is a special L’Occitane World Sites Page so you can see what Special Deals there are in your area.

2013 has been a terrific year for L’Occitane and APJ. Over the back end of the year we have been lucky enough to be sent a load of their wonderful product to try and for giveaways. For a special Christmas Thank You from L’Occitane for all your support and comments they have given me 2 fabulous Pre-Christmas giveaway packs and one for the New Year. WOW!! Do go and have a look at their L’Occitane Australia online store and they have free shipping within Australia on orders over $100, that’s already a $10-$30 saving as well as the amazing Special Deals for Online Customers ONLY!

Now the thing that L’Occitane loves from the APJ readers is to hear what you love and don’t love about their products so that they can continue to provide you, their lovely customer, with the best quality and a great price point and stuff that you’ll love and use. All feedback is good feedback (mean, nasty, badly thought out and unconstructive trolling aside) and L’Occitane loves to get it from you.

Here at APJ we did a L’Occitane Divine Cream Review and Challenge, you can watch the progression in L’Occitane Divine Cream Challenge Week 1 and L’Occitane Divine Cream Challenge Week 2 where we challenged you all to grab a sample and see how it left your skin in 2 weeks. Then we talked about the fabulous La Collection de Grasse twice, APJ La Collection de Grasse #1 and APJ La Collection de Grasse #2 and they are all available at L’Occitane Australia

L’Occitane Christmas GIVEAWAY PACKS

WHAT YOU CAN WIN

This week there will be 2 winners and each will receive one of these amazingly beautiful packs. No, you don’t get to choose.
P&H Anywhere in the world

Delicate Cherry Blossom Collection

Delicate Cherry Blossom CollectionPhoto Stolen L’Occitane Australia

This collection includes:
1x Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette 100ml
1x Cherry Blossom Shower Gel 250ml
1x Cherry Blossom Body Lotion 250ml
1x Cherry Blossom Soap 50gr
1x Cherry Blossom Hand Cream 30ml

The Retail Value of all these products is $154 but in the pack you can buy it for $110, free Australian shipping over $100 too.

Best of L’OCCITANE Collection

Best of L'OCCITANE CollectionPhoto Stolen L’Occitane Australia

Here’s what you get in the Best Of L’Occitane Pack with a Retail Value $115: in the pack only $90, and it comes beautifully Gift Boxed for easy wrapping!

1x Shea Butter Hand Cream 150ml
1x Almond Shower Oil 250ml
1x Shea Butter Foot Cream 30ml
1x Lavender Foaming Bath 100ml
1x Extra Gentle Soap – Verbena 100g
1x Pivoine Flora Body Lotion 75ml

HOW DO YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

To be eligible for the draw just mention how you follow the APJs and tell us any L’Occitane product that you’ve used or like the sound of and why.
Also if you’ve had a problem with a particular L’Occitane product their L’Occitane Australia Marketing Team would love to read your honest and constructive criticisms.

Extra Chances?
Tweet: @OzPerfumeJunkie 2 x L’Occitane Christmas Packs GIVEAWAY http://wp.me/p3PURw-2hY #Giveaway #Perfume #BodyLotion @LOCCITANE

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Close Wednesday 18th December 2013 10pm Australian EDST and winners will be announced in a separate post.
Winners will be chosen by random.org
The winners will have till Saturday 21st December 2013 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse #2 GIVEAWAY WINNERS

/ australianperfumejunkiescom

Thanks APJ for getting so on board and involved. The people at L’Occitane are so happy that we are talking about doing some more wonderful giveaways. THANK YOU L’OCCITANE!!! You are such a great company and APJ is proud to associate with you, totally generous.

 

Cèdre & Oranger Collection L'Occitane

This set includes: Currently on special at L’Occitane Australia reduced to $118
• 75ml Cèdre & Oranger Eau de Toilette
• 175ml Cèdre & Oranger Shower Gel
• 75ml Cèdre & Oranger After Shave Balm

L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse GIVEAWAY WINNERS

WHAT COULD YOU WIN?

This week there will be 2 winners who will receive one used for review purposes only bottle of L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse (NO you don’t get to chose)

1 winner will receive:
Cèdre & Oranger EdT 75ml
P&H Anywhere in the world

1 winner will receive:
Fleur d’Or Acacia EdT 75ml
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DID YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

To be eligible for the draw just mention how you follow the APJs and tell us any L’Occitane product that you’ve used or like the sound of

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Closed Sunday 24th November 2013 10pm Australian EDST
Winners will be chosen by random.org

WINNERS markmontanoblogsPhoto Stolen markmontanoblogs

Camilla, Elise Johnson

WOO HOO CONGRATULATIONS!!! The winners will have till Thursday 28th November 2013 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse #2

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 23 Comments

Woo Hoo! Hey Y’All.

Here at APJ we did a L’Occitane Divine Cream Review and Challenge, you can watch the progression in L’Occitane Divine Cream Challenge Week 1 and L’Occitane Divine Cream Challenge Week 2 where we challenged you all to grab a sample and see how it left your skin in 2 weeks. At the time L’Occitane also sent me a set of the first four four of their La Collection de Grasse fragrances to try and if I wanted to APJ could review them. Well, I WANTED TO! These fragrances are beautiful, wearable, spritz and go winners. Last week we did a L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse Review and Giveaway that L’Occitane were so happy with they sent me the THREE LATEST IN THE SERIES!!! We have the BRAND NEWEST available, so exciting.

L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse

La Collection de Grasse Miniatures SetPhoto Stolen L’Occitane

Pictured above is the L’Occitane 7.5ml La Collection de Grasse Miniatures Christmas pack, an excellent choice and currently only $35 on the L’Occitane Australia Site

36210_A1.psdPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Ambre & Santal by Karine Dubreuil 2013

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Bergamot, rosemary
Heart: Fig leaf, rose
Base: Sandalwood, cedar, labdanum, vanilla

I can’t believe that Ambre & Santal is made for this price. It is as warm, rich and complex as some of the VERY expensive niche offerings. This is so good I’m keeping it. Sorry folks.

Right from the beginning you can already smell the vanilla and resins coated in a very light hint of herbaceous green and a tiny glitter of citrus. Fig leaf and rose? Maybe through the heart there is a leafiness but it is a bit less specific than fig, or maybe I’ve been spoilt by so many other fig releases at a much higher price point and the rose is such a bit player I can barely detect it. What does shine so bright about Ambre & Santal is its base, which is basically the whole life of the fragrance, it is the loveliest, creamy woods and resinous vanilla. Ambre & Santal sings on my skin as if they were made for each other. I repeat, I can’t believe this excellent price point. I smell so good and have been asked what I’m wearing a couple of times while I have sported it. Totally unisex and an excellent fragrance.

Cèdre & Oranger by Karine Dubreuil 2013

Cèdre & Oranger Collection L'Occitane

This set includes: Currently on special at L’Occitane Australia reduced to $118
• 75ml Cèdre & Oranger Eau de Toilette
• 175ml Cèdre & Oranger Shower Gel
• 75ml Cèdre & Oranger After Shave Balm

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Orange, bergamot, pine needles
Heart: Cardamom, red berries, Virginian cedar
Base: Vetiver, musk

I don’t like to create gender boundaries but of the people I’ve tried it on only one woman said she would wear it but EVERY man was very impressed. Jin who usually wears Bottega Veneta original and Mona di Orio Oud asked if he could keep it. I had to do divert and grab to get it back or it would have been lost forever in his frag stash.

The opening is bright and fresh and very clean, this is what all those sport and blue fragrances wish they were. It is the richest and prettiest of that genre that I’ve yet smelled and I can definitely see it being a good gift for the guys. Cèdre & Oranger warms up very slightly through the heart but essentially stays green and woodsy to its still clean musk dry down. After about an hour Cèdre & Oranger is very close to the body, maintaining a just showered freshness without pushing itself far beyond your skin. Ideal for even the closest office work and later for drinks an extra spritz will freshen it, and you, up considerably and last till next morning, quietly clean.

Fleur d’Or & Acacia by Karine Dubreuil 2013

37207_A1.psdFleur d’Or & Acacia Luminous Body Oil only $45 at L’Occitane Australia

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Lemon, bergamot
Heart: Mimose, genet
Base: White woods, musk

Fleur d’Or & Acacia is the latest offering from the L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse and I predict it being the biggest seller of them all. It is a very pretty Acacia/Mimosa fragrance that opens refreshingly citrus/green, invigorating and happy enough to make a grey sky blue and then the Acacia/Mimosa steps in and they all become that lovely waxy sweet crushed wattle flower green. Fleur d’Or & Acacia is sweet but not sugar sweet or vanilla sweet just sweet and pretty flowers over a sappy green-ness. Simple and wearable, a perfect mid season go to that will become a staple of your wardrobe and make an excellent gift. Surprisingly good longevity and though not a big fragrance has a lovely sheer penetration into your surrounds. The dry down is very easy wear, no surprises, but good solid fragrance that you’ll be happy to spritz and go in. BTW the Body oil above is also TO DIE FOR!!!

One of the jokes around this house is that seven out of ten things I spray on Jin he says, “Acacia” so today when I spritzed him I was hoping he would not say it but, damnit, he did.

L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse GIVEAWAY

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

This week there will be 2 winners who will receive one used for review purposes only bottle of L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse (NO you don’t get to chose)

1 winner will receive:
Cèdre & Oranger EdT 75ml
P&H Anywhere in the world

1 winner will receive:
Fleur d’Or Acacia EdT 75ml
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DO YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

To be eligible for the draw just mention how you follow the APJs and tell us any L’Occitane product that you’ve used or like the sound of

Extra Chances?
Tweet: @OzPerfumeJunkie L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse GIVEAWAY #2 http://wp.me/p3PURw-2ec #Giveaway #Perfume @LOCCITANE

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Close Sunday 24th November 2013 10pm Australian EDST and winners will be announced in a separate post.
Winners will be chosen by random.org
The winners will have till Thursday 28th November 2013 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

How Do You Pronounce L’OCCITANE?

L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse 2013

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 34 Comments

Hey Hey APJ Crew!!

You may remember recently we did a L’Occitane Divine Cream Review and Challenge, you can watch the progression in L’Occitane Divine Cream Challenge Week 1 and L’Occitane Divine Cream Challenge Week 2 where we challenged you all to grab a sample and see how it left your skin in 2 weeks. At the time L’Occitane also sent me a set of four of their La Collection de Grasse fragrances to try and if I wanted to APJ could review them. Well, I WANT TO! These fragrances are beautiful, wearable, spritz and go winners. Let’s meet them:

L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse

La Collection de Grasse Miniatures SetPhoto Stolen L’Occitane

Pictured above is the L’Occitane 7.5ml La Collection de Grasse Miniatures Christmas pack, an excellent choice and currently only $35 on the L’Occitane Australia Site

Jasmine & Bergamote by Karine Dubreuil 2013

Fragrantica gives these featuired accords:
Top: Bergamot, pettigrain, mandarin
Heart: Egyptian Jasmine, jasmine
Base: Sandalwood, cedar

This opens with sheer, watery citrus and the jasmine already floating below, like fresh water from the tap and cut sappy flower stems. Pretty, fresh, light and wearable Jasmine & Bergamote was grabbed by my assistant Katie and getting it back, nearly one third used already, was quite a chore. Jasmine & Bergamote is way too simple for my tastes but Katie can’t stop raving about how much she loves it. It smells wonderful on her and I can see why she likes it, the clean brightness that washes over everything is like a spring sunlit early evening warm but turning cool. Katie has bagsed the bottle, could I give a better recommendation?

Magnolia & Mure by Karine Dubreuil 2013

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Bergamot, blackberry
Heart: Magnolia, rose
Base: Patchouli

Here we have a very interesting blackberry opening that is full on and in your face, a tart reminder of Enchanted Forest but a gentler, less intimidating version that is extremely modern and sheer but with a great sillage a scent bubble. Noticeable without being intrusive Magnolia & Mure is a true perfume of the teen years of the 21st century and if you want to smell in tune with the times I think it an excellent choice, a fruit-chouli that I enjoy!! Very hard to believe. The heart and dry down are surprisingly still filled with the sizzle of blackberry till the uber clean patchouli quietly fades to nothing. I can imagine Magnolia & Mure being a good gateway fragrance too for the young ready to step away from celebuscents and into the world of fine fragrance.

The Vert & Bigarade by Karine Dubreuil 2013

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Bitter orange, green tea
Heart: Mate, thyme
Base: Musk, cedar, hay

The citrus and tea opening is tart, fresh, sparkling and very Eau de Cologne-ish. So delightful and very wearable, I can imagine this becoming a simple, no nonsense go-to fragrance for anyone who wants to smell fresh, vibrant and relaxed. The green continues into the heart and only warms through slightly in the dry down into a soft, clean, woodsy musk. The Vert & Bigarade is not a hugely groundbreaking fragrance but it is a good bet for someone taking their first steps outside the regular department store fare that wants to smell good and not have to worry. Excellent work choice and I think a LOT of gym bags will be sporting The Vert & Bigarade after the gift giving season.

Vanille & Narcisse by Karine Dubreuil 2013

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Black current, bergamot
Heart: Gardenia, narcissus
Base: Tonka bean, vanilla

This is the fragrance that sent me looking for the L’Occitane people in the first place. I can’t believe it’s not 10 x the price in a very chi chi niche perfume line. This has all the interest and elegance of a much more expensive fragrance with a very soft black current and citrus open that is sweet but not that modern hyper-sweet, diabetic with one spritz and the black current showing none of its urinous tendencies. I think the open is tamed by the flowers in the heart and cake sweet rather than lolly sweet vanilla base, Vanille & Narcisse could easily be a Guerlain Aqua Allegoria, CHANEL Exclusive or a DIOR Couturier, it could even be a Patricia de Nicolai.

L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse GIVEAWAY

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

This week there will be 2 winners who will receive one used for review purposes only bottle of L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse (NO you don’t get to chose)

1 winner will receive:
Magnolia & Mure EdT 75ml
P&H Anywhere in the world

1 winner will receive:
The Vert & Bigarade EdT 75ml
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DO YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

To be eligible for the draw just mention how you follow the APJs and tell us any L’Occitane product that you’ve used or like the sound of

Extra Chances?
Tweet: @OzPerfumeJunkie L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse GIVEAWAY http://wp.me/p3PURw-2cr #Giveaway #Perfume @LOCCITANE

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Close Sunday 17th November 2013 10pm Australian EDST and winners will be announced in a separate post.
Winners will be chosen by random.org
The winners will have till Thursday 21st November 2013 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

Interview with Karine Dubreuil, Perfumer for L’Occitane En Provence.

Presenting La Collection De Grasse

L’Occitane Divine Cream: Week Two of Challenge

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 16 Comments

Hello Gorgeous Australian Perfume Junkies,

So it’s the end of my second week of testing out the DIVINE CREAM by L’Occitane (See original post<<JUMP and the One Week Mark<<JUMP). I have been such a facial care Philistine for so many years that I had very low expectations of any results at all. I wonder how many of you have done our 2 week challenge?

L’Occitane Divine Cream: Week Two

Immortelle Divine Cream - L'OCCITANE en ProvencePhoto Stolen L’Occitane

 

From L’Occitane site :
Divine anti-aging care fights the signs of aging, so you can face up the passing of time with absolute serenity. The divine combination of organic Immortelle and Myrtle Essential Oils offers:
A complete regenerating care: Combined action to stimulate the production of collagens and improve skin microcirculation helps to reduce damage caused by time and restore substance and vitality.
A second youth: Myrtle essential oil stimulates within the skin, the action of the longevity protein- to help increase cellular vitality preserve the skin’s appearance.

The new, advanced formula combines the unique anti-aging properties of everlasting Immortelle flowers with the boosted effectiveness of 7 plant-derived active ingredients, that help fight signs of aging better than ever before.

Awarded the highest rated Anti-Aging Miracle Cream in the 2011 Anti-Aging Beauty Bible. Independently tested by a panel of women across the UK

Divine Cream L'Occitane WikipediaPhoto Stolen WikiMedia

My L’Occitane Divine Cream Experience

At the end of week one this is how I felt: How is the rest of my face skin? Already it is glowing. Softer, more supple and satiny. Divine Cream hasn’t given me a facelift but my skin does look and feel a lot more elastic, youthful and plumped. If you’d told me this would be the payoff of taking care of my skin for a week I’d have NEVER believed you.

Week Two has continued more of the same, my skin is glowing, pores seem to have tightened up, I’m not so oily as normal and my skin seems less sensitive. Something else I noticed, Divine Cream is an amazing base to put make up onto, it is easier to apply, goes on much lighter and smoother and stays better. The make up doesn’t clog up my skin so much and has been slightly easier to remove afterwards. That is a HUGE plus in Divine Cream’s favour.

My eyes are where I see real difference though, still not a facelift but the whole areas skin seems fresher and more youthful, plumper and the small lines I have are less deep. I’ve had no more sleep lately, in fact considerably less, am eating and exercising as poorly as ever and have done nothing else to spark this change so I must put it down to Divine Cream.

Others L’Occitane Divine Cream Experience

There were going to be three other testers for the two week challenge, sadly we had an early pull out because life got in the way. How did the other two enjoy the L’Occitane Divine Cream experience?

“I have enjoyed using L’Occitane Divibe Cream. Its immediate silky velvet application absorbed quickly and left my skin soft and well moisturised. A little goes a long way. Thanks for asking me to help out in sampling”

“Loving it! …better than what I’ve been using, and cheaper… I am seriously buying it when mine runs out.”

divine cream l'occitane BeautyStatPhoto Stolen BeautyStat

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 2 week trial of L’Occitane Divine Cream, did you join in and try it yourself? How did it go for you? Was your experience as good as ours, problems, perfection? Please tell us in the comments section below.

Portia xx