L'Occitane Almond Foaming Shower Oil

RRP: £14.50 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"A customer favourite. Transforms into a lavish, softening foam -- original and unique in texture -- that leaves a satin-like softness all over the body. Rich in almond oil and nourishing lipids. Cleanses gently to impart a delectable perfume. Keep handy in bath or shower as an extra-pampering alternative to Shea Butter Soap and our fragrance soaps."

...
...text on a minimalist label, keeping a colour scheme designed to evoke Provence with its olive green and brown. There's also a fake metal screw-cap style lid, which in fact doesn't screw off at all: it's just there for effect, and you just push down the plastic disc at the top in order to dispense the oil. Dispensing the oil is a pretty controlled process - it doesn't spill out everywhere, allowing its use to be effective and economical. Bottle itself ... more

RRP: £14.50 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"A customer favourite. Transforms into a lavish, softening foam -- original and unique in texture -- that leaves a satin-like softness all over the body. Rich in almond oil and nourishing lipids. Cleanses gently to impart a delectable perfume. Keep handy in bath or shower as an extra-pampering alternative to Shea Butter Soap and our fragrance soaps."

--Packaging--
Looks simple and timeless. Clear plastic bottle, chunky text on a minimalist label, keeping a colour scheme designed to evoke Provence with its olive green and brown. There's also a fake metal screw-cap style lid, which in fact doesn't screw off at all: it's just there for effect, and you just push down the plastic disc at the top in order to dispense the oil. Dispensing the oil is a pretty controlled process - it doesn't spill out everywhere, allowing its use to be effective and economical. Bottle itself seems fairly robust and the label doesn't peel off in the shower either, making it constantly look as if you have only just bought it.

--Application--
Squeeze out a 50p-sized amount of the oil, and rub onto your body, avoiding genitals and face. Leave on skin during your shower and then rinse off.

--Scent--
Sweet and sort of doughy - smells exactly like when almonds are fried with sugar (delicious - I recommend doing this if you haven't tried it! Also works well with salt.).

--Texture/consistency--
Perfect: not runny, lumpy, sticky or viscous. Just the right 'thickness' and it glides well over the body.

--Appearance--
A pale yellow oil, which leaves no residue on the skin.

--Sensation--
Warms up slightly when rubbed between the hands.

--Does it do what it says it will?--
The product's two main claims are soft skin, and the fact that this can also be used as an effective lubricant before shaving. The latter is certainly true: I shave daily, and have experienced no irritation whilst using this. The former I cannot advise so confidently on, as I do not really suffer from dry skin. However, the fact that my skin has not become dried out while using this suggests that those with dry skin would experience softer, smoother skin.

--Value for money--
This is excellent - superior to 'higher' brands such as philosophy without capitalising on it in terms of price. I always respect companies who keep their prices honest, and who are more concerned about keeping their old customers than attracting new ones. It's a luxurious product to use in the shower and also has useful qualities, which is always nice. Champion.

perfect partners
Almond Milk Concentrate, £32 for 200ml
Almond Delicious Paste, £24 for 200ml  

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