This post will review the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil.
Every once in a while, I come across a product that I become absolutely obsessed with.
They can either be from an unknown brand, which I happily gatekeep, or from a renowned brand, which I know of but haven’t paid attention to.
L’Occitane falls in the latter category for me.
I had my phase where I was absolutely obsessed with French Pharmacy Skincare – I still am, but it’s not as bad – and I can’t believe I didn’t notice this brand.
To be fair, I tend to seek out new products during the winter months to address my skincare concerns.
So, if I’m satisfied with an existing product, I’ll most likely not look for another until I’m bored.
As someone with dry, dehydrated skin, I typically opt for shower oils rather than gels during the winter.
So far, I’ve gone through
- Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil
- Uriage Xemose Cleansing Soothing Oil
- La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil
As you can see, I have a roster.
I was about to repurchase the Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil when I came across the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil.
So I got a sample and the regular size to try out, exhausted them and committed to the 500ml right away.
Naturally, I have some thoughts.
First Impressions of the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
According to L’Occitane:
Enriched with almond oil, this shower oil gently cleanses the body while respecting its hydrolipidic film.
When the almond oil comes in contact with water, it instantly blooms into a thick, luxurious foam that leaves a satin-soft sheen all over your body.
Our award-winning Almond Shower Oil is an ideal alternative to typical shower gels and is kind to even the most delicate skin.
So fill your bathroom with the heady, sumptuous scent of Provence.
Ingredient List & Fragrance
I’m not particularly keen on the ingredient list for shower oils because, as the name suggests, they usually consist of multiple emulsified oils.
I’m only concerned about how my skin feels afterwards and if the product smells good.
I absolutely do not mind fragrance in body care, as it is essential if you want to layer scents.
As usual, for the sake of this post, I went through the key ingredients, and they include;
- Grapeseed Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Bergamont Fruit Oil
- Sunflower Seed Oil
- Rosemary Leaf Extract
- Vitamin E
- Parfum/Fragrance
There is nothing special aside from lightweight oils, which won’t feel sit but penetrate and soften your skin in the process.
The fragrance is a subtle mix of almond and vanilla, which honestly smells very cosy and aromatic.
It’s nothing too overbearing and dissipates after it has been rinsed off.
Packaging, Texture & Consistency
I’ve tried all three sizes, including the 30ml travel size, 250ml and 500ml.
By far, my favourite is the 500ml pump bottle.
There’s nothing better than jumbo-sized body care products in pump bottles.
I try to buy the biggest sizes of my staple products, so this was not any different.
The texture and consistency aren’t that much different from other shower oils.
It is lightweight and emulsifies when it comes in contact with water.
When the weather is colder, it slightly solidifies at the bottom of the bottle, which is normal for oil-based products.
Price & Availability
Compared to other shower oils I’ve purchased, this is more expensive.
The 250ml retails for £20.50, while the 500ml retails for £36.
You can get the Bioderma Shower Oil for less than £20, so yeah, the L’Occitane one is definitely on the pricier side.
You can purchase this product in-store or at any online retailer.
Review of the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
For my body care routine, I typically like to double cleanse.
I start with a bar soap or a shower gel for my first cleanse and finish up with a shower oil for my second cleanse.
This is the best way I’ve been able to retain moisture on my skin.
Performance
What can I say?
It’s my new favourite body care product.
I tested it out with a travel size before committing to the biggest size, and it is absolutely worth the investment.
When it comes in contact with water, it turns into a soft milky lather.
Apart from having a nice alluring scent, I love how hydrated and silky it leaves my skin afterwards.
Which is why I prefer to use regular body washes as my first cleanse.
You should not apply anything after the shower oil except a moisturizer because you will have an oil film on your skin.
Some people can actually get away without using any moisturizer with shower oils, but my skin unfortunately can’t.
Finally
The L’Occitane Shower Oil is definitely worth the hype.
I’m not sure I’ve used any body care product that feels as luxurious.
It’s right there in the same category as the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse and Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum.
One way I’ve been able to get the L’Occitane products slightly cheaper is by purchasing them duty-free at the airport.
I’m also currently obsessed with L’Occitane 25% Shea Butter Hand Cream.
Also, if you visit any region in France, you can buy in bulk and claim the VAT refund at the airport.
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