Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Changing things up while stretching the budget...

I have been a wee bit naughty...spending money!

But I need to explain that I deliberated long and hard about this most recent splurge...it was not an impulse buy.


Autumn blooms in The Humble Bungalow Garden
White hydrangeas wearing their fall colours.


I have been a fan of L'Occitane for many years.
Soaps, lotions, scents...

Their Immortelle Divine Anti-Aging Collection is wonderful.
I've used many jars over the years...

The sales clerk gave me a few samples of the newer line 
"Cream Harmony Divine"
 to try and I was amazed at the difference in just a few weeks.

I started with the Immortelle overnight reset oil in serum...
my skin looks more evenly toned
and it has a healthy glow.


So I have just "invested" in the Divine Harmony Serum and the Cream.
(both products are refillable)


There are patents pending on both these products.
15 years of research has gone into the development of these products.
The two key ingredients are 
the Immortelle Millesimee flower and Jania Rubens, a red sea algae. 
Both are harvested from the island and seas around Corsica.

I share this information 
as I feel that a glowing healthy complexion is important.

In my opinion
it is worth working diligently 
to help keep us feeling good about ourselves as we age.

Heavy make up is not the way to achieve a "youthful look"
especially when we are over 60...
less make up 
applied with a lighter hand is much more flattering.

With a focus on what works and what doesn't work
ways that we can improve the look of our skin.

Starts with 
finding a skincare regime that delivers results 
drinking lots of water to keep us hydrated
maintaining healthy eating habits
and 
getting some fresh air and exercise daily.

I am not an expert nor have I received any remuneration for my post...
the opinions stated here are all mine!
They are simply "Hostess Approved!"

Hope that you are enjoying your week.
Have you been busy?


I took myself out for a quiet bite of lunch and a pot of Earl Grey tea
then I met a friend for a chat 
before we met up for our monthly knitting group.

My days have been particularly busy and seem to be for the forseeable future.
Life does seem to get busier the closer we get to Christmas!
Not too sure if I will be able to post regularly with my calendar so full
but I will try!

Thank you for stopping by...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~




23 comments:

Madame Là-bas said...

I've indulged a bit in skin care too! I have been influenced (in a good way) by your roses this summer. I started with 1000 Roses by Andalou Night Cream. This weekend I bought the daycream because I was using up my Avène which has been a reliable product. I don't wear a lot of makeup but skincare is essential at this age. I like the L'Occitane home products and I seem to get the hand cream in my Christmas stocking. I've taken a couple of reading/cleaning days this week. I read a chapter then clean 5 things and repeat. I'm reading a chic/lit today called Moonlight over Paris by Jennifer Robson. I got it for free from a book exchange so I'm just enjoying. Gomae for dinner with a bit of chicken breast. Life is cozy.

Lorrie said...

I'm also a fan of L'occitane products, particularly their body care with the Almond Milk. I've not tried the product you mentioned; it does sound lovely. I use Vichy products on my face and only eye makeup and lipstick - no foundation or powder. Perhaps next time I go to L'Occitane they'll give me a sample and convert me!

Taste of France said...

I must say Occitane's hand cream is the best ever. And the olive oil savon de Marseille lasts forever. I haven't tried their facial products. About two years ago, the product I was using gave me an itchy rash. My doctor told me to switch to Avène--very natural, no added scents or colors or preservatives. I love their rich Tolérance cream, and it isn't too expensive at the parapharmacie here--about €12 for a tube that lasts 2-3 months.

Anonymous said...

I love L'Occitane creams and serum-they are on the pricey side but really nice. I'm sure you'll love all of them
Their home scents are always my first choice
After some travel time,it is time to catch up,on the bussiness and domestic front as well as meeting the friends
Dottoressa

DaniBP said...

Good skin care is so worth the indulgence I agree. With the cold weather beginning I go in for the serums big time, they make such a difference.
I'm very behind on reading blogs but I'm happy to see you doing well. I hope your family is well also! xxx

Jean Shaw said...

I'm allergic to that immortelle collection (which is strange, as I have few allergies and rarely react to creams). But I agree that good skin care is essential; the better our skin looks, the less makeup we "have" to wear.

Jeannine said...

Your hydrangea is lovely. I'm always interested to hear your product recommendations. I like that you took yourself out for a nice lunch - we need to indulge ourselves as we can. Hard to believe we're in mid-November already. Time certainly seems to fly. Your readers always look forward to your posts - even if they're fewer as we go into this more busy time. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Hi - thanks for the recommendation - how is the "smell factor" on the Occitane? I often find their creams too heavily scented for my delicate nose. Will check them out next time I am near a store.

And taking care of ourselves and buying well-considered purchases (preferably ethically-made) that will be used and not tossed in a landfill is not "naughty" - we work hard for our money and thank goodness we live in an age where we can "do a thing called what we want".

Dana said...

I adore the L'occitan hand creams- it is the best I have found. I received the Divine facial moisturizer last Christmas and loved it. I went back to my usual Lancome out of habit but your post reminded me of how much I enjoyed the Divine. And Hostess- caring for yourself is never "naughty" - it is a necessity!

Unknown said...

Thank you for this timely post to take care of oneself and make ourselves the best versions of ourselves we can be. I am currently struggling with the beginnings of the menopause. Feelings of insignificance and frumpiness have crept in. I was once given a delightful L'Occitane sample and, whilst it may not be in my budget right now, your post has reminded me to make a little more effort - no one else is going to do it for me!
Best wishes to you and thank you for the inspiration.
Jo

ratnamurti said...

I for sure will give these a go in the hopefully near future. In New Zealand we do have some amazing "natural" ranges, however, L'Occitane is something else!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I tried that 1000 roses product from Andalou a few years ago...loved the rich formula and the rose scent. Looks like your writing retreat is set in a pretty area of the Olympic penninsula...great weather too. Hope you have a fun time and are able to focus on the writing with such beautiful scenery it might be distracting!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

That almond milk is so wonderful...I like it too. The shea butter hand cream is heavenly and really works on gardener's hands...I keep a tube beside the kitchen sink at all times.
Do ask for a few samples next time you are in the shop and see if you like it...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I totally agree about the hand creammm...the best!
I've used Avene for years...I still use their face wash lotion for sensitive skin.
The L'occitane products that I have switched to are much more expensive than Avene...but I like the improved results of my skin...maybe I should consider it a face lift in installments?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

They are pricey...but I feel that they are worth it.
Hope that you will enjoy settling back into your routine after your trip.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I've been missing your blog posts Dani...you must be busy or perhaps you are taking a break? Serums are relativley new to me...I thought that they would be greasy and really oily but they are anything but and they pack a powerful punch of vitamins for the skin. We are all healthy here at the moment...I am planning a cruise to Alaska this summer and then a few weeks in Tuscany and Provence next fall if all goes according to plan!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh that's too bad...there must be something in the formula that your skin does not like...I used to get a rash from certain strong dish soaps and my hands would be itchy and red...I either grew out of it or the soaps that I use now for dishwashing is not as harsh.
I agree the better condition of your skin the less you need to use make up as a camouflage.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It has been quite a busy week and weekend...I am having a "home day" today as we are serving a roast beef dinner for some of our family...so I am taking a tea break as I type on my laptop! The bungalow smells wonderful as the roast cooks!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The scent of the two newest products is very light...I am not really aware of a strong fragrance. L'Occitane offers a 10% reduction in the cost of new products when you return the empty full sized jars and bottles to their stores! I wish I had known that when I went this time...as I had put my empty jar in the blue box curbside recycling box!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

If you want to see a big difference try the overnight reset oil in serum first...then you can decide if you want to add the Divine Harmony daytime serum and the moisturizer. I waited until my regular jar of Divine cream was used up...
waste not want not!!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Try to take things as they come...be gentle with yourself and look for tools to use and things to adopt that help you feel more energy, look more vibrant and feel more positive. Frumpy need not be in your vocabulary! I look on Instagram for inspiring women over 60 who radiate health, beauty and energy...Ali McGraw for example...I love walking and Yoga, both have helped me as I transitioned through menopause.
Take time to nurture yourself...and listen to your heart.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Good luck with whatever you decide to use...good skincare is an important "investment!"

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your words of encouragement. I think I should add you to that list, you look fabulous and come across as vibrant and interesting. I was brought up not to waste time and money on myself, and whilst it was well intentioned I think I need to reassess that idea. I have always worked part time in order to put my, almost, grown up children, my husband and his demanding career, the housework and the dog first! It came naturally, but now I fear I am becoming invisible and turning into something of a matyr, very unattractive!!! So, I shall look to your blog and others for inspiration and encouragement. Thank you for shining the light and best wishes to you and your family.
Jo