I tend to go through L'Occitane cycles: I'll shop there repeatedly for a year, then take some sort of unconscious break, then fall into the habit again. The motivating factor behind my latest return to L'Occitane was the release of some new honey-scented body products. I've always liked L'Occitane's chunky, pastel-tinted Bonne Mère soaps, both for myself and as little gifts for new mothers, so I was curious when I learned that a Bonne Mère bath and body collection had been introduced in two fragrances, Milk and Honey.
I've tried the three Honey products by now and I'm enjoying all of them. A pump or two of Gentle Body Wash produces generous amounts of foam when used with a mesh pouf. The Creamy Hand Wash cleans thoroughly without making my hands feel dried-out and stripped afterwards, and I end up almost looking for excuses to use it. The Gentle Cream for Face, Body, and Hands is a medium-weight lotion that smoothes quickly and easily into the skin. (I'm using it on my hands and body, but I wouldn't apply it to my face, no matter what the label says.) I wish the lotion were sold in a larger tube or bottle, but maybe I'm just being greedy.
It's easy to want more of the Bonne Mère Honey scent. If you're a longtime L'Occitane shopper, you'll probably remember some of the brand's earlier honey-inspired fragrances and products. I loved everything about Honey Gentle Water (Eau de Miel), from its light honey-blossom scent to its sweet childhood-themed packaging, and I regret not buying a bottle to keep before it was discontinued. One of my first posts here was a review of Honey Foaming Jelly for Body and Hair: also gorgeous, also gone. And I know that Honey & Lemon (Miel & Citron) had many fans, although it was a bit too fruity for my taste. Bonne Mère Honey isn't quite like any of above, but it's delightful. It's a swirl of honey and cream with just a touch of linden. It doesn't have any citrus, and it's a soft honey rather than a syrupy-ambery one. It's also far less sweet than the scent of LUSH's honey-themed products, like It's Raining Men, which may be good news for many people.
Like most L'Occitane products, the Bonne Mère Honey collection isn't cheap, but the formulas are high in quality and the fragrance is charming, so if you're going to splurge on some body products in a light gourmand scent, these might be the ones for you.
Now if L'Occitane would just release some new Honey incense sticks...
L'Occitane Bonne Mère Honey Gentle Body Wash ($34 for 600 ml), Creamy Hand Wash ($20 for 300 ml), and Gentle Cream ($20 for 75 ml) are also available in smaller sizes as part of the Everyday Softness Collection ($37). For purchasing information, see the listing for L'Occitane under Perfume Houses.
You have reminded me that I need to get serious about my Christmas shopping. I’m thinking that this would be nice for my niece (who just had a baby, BTW). I got the Delices des Fleurs gift set for myself last year, and have really enjoyed it. I had no previous experience with l’Occitane, as there is not a store very near me, but I found the products to be good quality, especially the hand cream.
I wanted the Delices de Fleurs perfume when it came out, but only ended up getting it when it went on sale, six months later! Then when I bought it I wasn’t in the mood at all and was forced to reconsider my buying strategy. Now, about 9 months later and I’m back to loving it – so there!
Unfortunately, in the period I was doubting my wait-and-see policy, I ended up splurging over-time: /
In any case, these products look/sound like wonderful comforters – do you think a matching perfume may come out?
I wish they would bring back Delices for the holidays again!
The staff at my local L’Occitane store didn’t know anything about a matching Honey fragrance, and I don’t remember the Bonne Mere line ever having an actual fragrance before… so I’m not too hopeful. Still! We can all make a wish. 🙂
Keeping my fingers crossed!
These sound lovely! Sadly I don’t think L’Occitane in Australia have this line, but perhaps it will turn up eventually. I might lash out on one of those chunky soaps though; I’ve been eyeing them long enough. I wish I had tried L’O’s other honey products before they were d/c, as I’ve heard many people speak highly of them.
Adding: you are so right about LUSH’s honey products. I’m fond of their Flying Fox shower gel, which is honey and jasmine, but it’s very strong and sweet.
I like to give the soaps as little gifts to “good mothers” of my acquaintance, on Mother’s Day or other occasions! They’re nice and traditional. I like all L’Occitane’s soaps, actually.
I love It’s Raining Men, but it’s too sweet for hot-humid morning! Flying Fox is gorgeous, but yes, strong! I know Robin agrees.
This sounds like a good excuse to visit a store and/or order online with free shipping and “free” gift with miniimum purchase. Thanks for the review.
Hajusuuri, I’ve been lured in by the “free gift” more than once! Have fun.
I do love L’Occitane but don’t get into the shops as often as I’d like. This line sounds perfect, and I’ve been finding honey scents appealing lately.