L’Occitane Shea Skincare Collection

Although “spring has sprung” winter seems to be lingering on. I actually prefer cool temperatures (give me a crisp fall day over a sweltering heat-wave any day) but I don’t like the effect it has on my skin. This year many brands have embraced the nutritive power of Shea to help us deal with the frigid weather but L’Occitane does it like no other. Visit one of their lavish boutiques and be transported to The South of France – surrounded by fresh, fragrant ingredients.

For this collection L’Occitane has collaborated with women in Africa to ethically harvest high quality Shea. The butter is composed of essential fats and vitamins that have amazing healing and conditioning properties. I’ve been using the Shea Body Cream all season and it has become my favorite treatment for dry skin. The new Melting Butters ($39.00 ea) contain a higher concentration of Shea (70%) and although the formula is thick and ultra- rich, the whipped texture absorbs quickly and leaves skin incredibly supple and hydrated with no greasiness. You can see and feel the difference right away – it instantly alleviates itchiness, tightness and discomfort while rough patches and peeling are smoothed, repaired and softened. Shea also fortifies by supporting elasticity, reducing inflammation and deeply nourishing all day. After shaving or waxing, slather some on your legs for a velvety finish. It also works wonders on dry hands, cuticles, feet and elbows.

Another dynamic duo is the 20% Shea Hand Cream ($32.00) and Hand Scrub ($24.00). These products are always in my bathroom and powder room because they transform dry hands and make my mani look so much cuter! Simply use the scrub for one minute to prime your hands for moisture and exfoliate dead cells. Follow up with the luxurious cream to heal and rejuvenate with no greasiness. As a set these products make a fabulous Mother’s Day gift and the men in your family will appreciate the way it softens hard calluses.

Too tired to remove your makeup after a long day... well suck it up and do so anyway (pimples aren’t cute people). The new 3-in-1 Cleansing Water ($39.99) enriched with Shea helps make the task easier by eliminating stubborn makeup, diminishing excess sebum, hydrating, refreshing and softening. The formula is gentle and soothing with the power of a replenishing toner that clears pores, lifts out dirt and eradicates blemish causing impurities.

After Cleansing, the 5% Shea Face Cream ($34.00) provides the perfect amount of hydration to regenerate the skin as you get your beauty rest and the formula is very gentle. Use it under makeup or mix with sunscreen for a smooth, healthy complexion that feels soft and silky all day. I just gave a jar to my sister (she loves it) and I will be taking mine on vacation to keep my skin balanced.

L’Occitane is available at boutiques nationwide and online at caloccitane.com