Brand rave - Pangea Organics!

Hopping onto the organic skincare bandwagon is Pangea Organics, a Boulder/Colorado-based American company. We love the company's holistic approach that uses free trade and cruelty-free methods. You will never find petroleum, sulfates or detergents, synthetic preservatives, artificial colours or fragrances in Pangea Organics products.

Pangea Organics is committed to using beneficial, organic, raw ingredients, providing open-disclosure and transparency of ingredients and operating under responsible business practices that benefit people and planet.

Here are some of our favourite products:

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Italian Red Mandarin with Rose (dry to mature skin), US$43 

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Italian Red Mandarin with Rose formulated for dry to mature skin, this facial cream provides superior hydration as well as anti-aging, antioxidant, smoothing and calming benefits.

Pangea Organics Facial Toner French Rosemary & Sweet Orange (dry to mature skin), US$37 

Pangea Organics Facial Toner French Rosemary & Sweet Orange delivers targeted herbal extracts that are ideal for dry to mature skin types.

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry, US$41

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry (All Skin Types) gently exfoliates, cleanses, detoxifies and regenerates skin cells.

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Moroccan Argan with Willow & Rosemary (oily to blemish-prone skin), US$43

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Moroccan Argan with Willow & Rosemary formulated for oily to blemish-prone skin, this facial cream provides weightless hydration plus sebum-control. It calms surface inflammation and regulates oily shine while offering a flawless foundation for makeup application.

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Nigerian Ginger with Lavender & Thyme (normal to combination skin), US$43 

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Nigerian Ginger with Lavender & Thyme formulated for normal to combination skin, this facial cream penetrates deeply offering superior hydration with environmental protection. Spicy and sweet, this cream creates a balance yet leaves a slightly matte finish to the skin.

Last but not least, Pangea Organics is also a huge believer in doing good. 5% of its profits goes to Women for Women International, a global non-profit organisation that envisions a world where no one is abused, poor, illiterate or marginalised.

And did we mention Pangea Organics' founder Joshua Scott Onysko is a devout yoga practitioner? No wonder the holistic approaches of the company and the feel-good benefits of its products! Just saying!

Tis' the season to be jolly!

Sha la la la la, la la la la!

Have you completed your Christmas shopping yet? Or worse still, are you like me, who had barely started?! I know. It's nerve wrecking when you think about how many people you ought to shop for and how much you haven't accomplish. Very, very daunting thought.

But well, we have to get started somehow and for the lovely women in your life, what better way then getting them looking and smelling good? And trust me, no woman, absolutely no woman doesn't love a good beauty product as gift. We have some for your pickings... But try not to keep them to yourself and be the good friend, daughter/son, sister/brother wife/husband that you are!

Guerlain Meteorites Poudre D'or Exceptional Pressed Powder, US$126 (Limited Edition)

Guerlain Meteorites Poudre D'or Exceptional Pressed Powder (Refillable) is a stunning mix of beige/gold illuminating powder accented with lavender, pink and white bees, all in a stunning collector compact decorated with real black Swarovski crystals. A surprising new powder design featuring imperial bees.

L'Occitane Immortelle Skincare Travel Set, US$28 

 

 L'Occitane Immortelle Skincare Travel Set includes:

• Immortelle Biologique Brightening Cleansing Foam 50ml
L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Cleansing Foam is a gentle face cleanser that's enriched with Immortelle floral water and citrus fruit peel to lighten and brighten the complexion. It lathers away impurities, make-up, and accumulation of daily or nightly residue. For all skin types.
• Immortelle Biologique Essential Water Face 30ml
L'Occitane Immortelle Essential Water Face is a toner with anti-aging benefits: Formulated with Immortelle floral water, this toner removes traces of make-up and impurities and continues the anti-aging process. Alcohol free and enriched with moisturizing agents, toning Green Tea extract and firming Centella Asiatica, the face is pleasantly refreshed, toned and the skin is firmed. Apply after Foaming Milk, or on its own for instant freshness.
• Immortelle Biologique Precious Cream 3ml
Precious Cream is a smooth, light, fondant-textured skincare treatment for daily use and is suitable for normal to dry skins. Immortelle essential oil, concentrated into micros-capsules for 24-hour release, is combined with nourishing phytoceramides, restructuring vitamin A and vitamin E with anti-free radical action.
• Tote Bag, size around 35cm x 29cm

Jill Stuart Fairy Garden Collection, US$89 (Limited Edition)

 

Christmas night, with snowflakes falling like glittering flower petals. Christmas fairies invite you to their secret garden and enjoy the happy moments! Jill Stuart Fairy Garden Collection (Limited Edition) includes:

• Jewel Crystal Eyes #104 Fragile Opal
Delicately overlapping pearls, glittering like an aurora, give you gentle, delicate eyes. Glittering with a light, cute sparkle, like fairies.
• Loose Powder N #101 Twinkle Dust
A fine purple, like the delicate dust left when a fairy takes off. The softness of fairy wings. Loose powder that brings you pure skin, glowing with translucence.
• Jelly Lip Gloss #103 Crystal Kiss
Like a delicate, fragile kiss, gone in a fleeting instant. Jelly Lip Gloss that brings delicate color and sparkle to your lips.
• Jill by Jill Stuart Fragrance Sachet x 2
A fragrance sachet from which the sweet and refreshing fragrance of Jill by Jill Stuart gently emanates.
• Fairy Garden Pouch, size around 13.5cm x 14.5cm x 13.5cm

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skincare Travel Set, US$38

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skincare Travel Set includes:

• Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant 30ml
• Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturizer for Face SPF 15 30ml
• Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 High Protection 30ml
• Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick SPF 15 0.13oz / 3.7g
• White Cosmetic Bag, size around 20cm x 14.5cm

Clinique Happy Perfume Spray, US$53 (50ml)

Clinique Happy Perfume Spray is chic, modern, multi-layered floral with sparkling, lingering fragrance of Ruby Red Grapefruit, Boysenberry Bush Flower and Hawaiian Wedding Flower. Wear it and be happy!

Masquerade!

We have a little confession to make. We hoard facial masks like Gollum hoards the ring in Lord of The Rings. Especially the deep cleansing masks made with clay or earth. Why? Because clay, with its thicker consistency, will draw out the impurities and dirt that are deeply embedded in our pores that the usual cleansing wouldn't be able to reach.

According to a recent newsletter by The World Of Organic Skincare, mud and clay masks are great for balancing out oily skin – a view that is also echoed by Howard Donsky, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and staff dermatologist at Toronto General Hospital. 

According to Dr Donsky, “Clay masks or mud masks are worthwhile.”  However, he also cautioned that masks will make skin feel good and look better only temporarily.  Additionally, the darker brown the clay (mud), the more oil it can absorb. White or rose-colored clays, though, are gentler and work best on sensitive skin.  (Source:  The Doctors Book of Home Remedies)

We've try a wide range of them and here are the ones we felt that worked:

1.  Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Clay Mask, US$35 (90g): Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Clay Mask is a holistic exfoliant and deep purifying cleanser for all skin conditions. The Herbal Extracts in a base of clay is to absorb skin secretions. The appearance of blemishes and blackheads of skin can be reduced, when dead skin cells are also sloughed away.
   
   
   
2. Origins Clear Improvement, US$33 (100ml): When environmental toxins, dirt and debris get under your skin, its waste-filtering system gets jammed, pores get clogged, skin looks cloudy. Nature's complexion clean-up crew gets to the bottom of skins overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best. Activated Charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers, White China Clay absorbs environmental toxins, Lecithin dissolves impurities. Without all that ""stuff"" down there, skin ""breathes a sigh of relief"".
   
   
   
3.  Decleor Clay and Herbal Cleansing Mask, US$40 (50ml): A cream mask enriched with a cocktail of herbal and plant extracts. A deep skin cleanser, it dissolves all impurities and helps cleanse the skin without dehydrating it, has a natural absorbent power, refines skin texture and clears the complexion. It leaves your skin clean and soft. Your complexion is clear and you feel wonderfully refreshed.
   
   
   
4.  Borghese Fango Delicato Active Mud for Delicate Dry Skin, US$58 (430ml): Soothes and comforts skin affected by stress, weather or pollutants. Gives devitalized, time-worn skin a new surge of vitality with clear, youthful radiance. Moisturizes skin so dry, fine lines become less noticeable. Helps form and tone body skin, leaving skin looking and feeling refreshed, resilient, and purified.
   
   
   
5. Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask with Red Clays, US$81 (60g): The powerful absorbent properties of Clay, combined with extracts of Licorice, Wild Daisy and Rose Hips, gently cleanse the surface of the skin in record time, eliminating surface impurities that may dull the skin and absorbing excess sebum. The botanical essential oils of Camomile and Rosemary in the formula have purifying properites, enhancing the effects of the natural plant extracts. In a matter of five minutes at most, skin is cleansed and refreshed. Complexion is brighter, even and matte, and the skin is refined. The skin appears relaxed and smoothed and the face looks rested. Suitable for all skin types.

If you find your skin too itchy and dry after a clay mask application, throw on a hydrating mask like our bestselling Neutrogena Deep Hydrating Mask, US$18 (5 sheets) because just because your skin is oily doesn't necessarily mean it's not dehydrated. So be sure to moisturise your skin properly after using clay mask!

A smoky, metallic eye

Option 1 - Do it with neutrals
A smoky eye doesn't have to be full-on vamp. If you're an earth-tone minimalist, simply dust metallic eyeshadow over what you normally put on.

Cosme-de.com recommends:

Coffret D'or Beauty C Curve Eyes in 001, US$37

Coffret D'or Beauty C Curve Eyes is the latest makeup collection from Kanebo. "Beauty Curve" series is designed to enhance the natural curves and contours of eye-makeup. This 4-color eye shadow set is featuring a glossy shine that enhances the C-curve from the eye area to the cheekbone to emphasize the eye zone and create large, dimensional eyes.

M.A.C. Eye Shadow X 4 in In The Gallery, US$60

M.A.C Eye Shadow x 4 is a limited edition palette of four eye shadows in various complementary finishes as seen by artist Richard Phillips. Reflects the artistic mood of the Make-Up Art Cosmetics colour collection.

Option 2 - Use the darkest metallic shimmer as eyelinerTo make it even bolder, paint it across your whole lid. Powder shadow naturally smudges easier; liquids will give it a super defined line.

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in 81 Beige Velours, US$61

Personalised eye makeup. The advanced texture and the multiple harmonies of LES 4 OMBRES allow you to create infinitely varied and sophisticated makeup effects: matt, powdered, satin, metallic and intense metallic.

Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 01 Pink Quartz, US$57 

 Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes is quad eye shadow compact with featherweight texture. Creates a veil of brilliance for soft, alluring eyes. Beautifully wearable colors and princessy packaging, a must have makeup item for you!

Beautify from inside out!

Our latest obsession at Cosme-De.com is beauty supplements. Almost every woman in this universe aspires for a clear, smooth skin. The firmer your skin, the younger the appearance. For gaining that radiant beauty, women get luxurious skin care treatments. Cosmetic world brings ample of treatment options which are costly as well. In the quest of less costly options, women are showing their interest on various effective beauty supplements.

Cosme-De.com offers a whole range of beauty supplements from leading Japanese beauty brands such as Shiseido, FANCL and DHC. Find our recommendations for different purposes below!

Collagen

Meiji Amino Collagen Premium, US$50 for one month's supply:

Meiji Amino Collagen Premium is a superb combination of the latest trend of most needed beauty ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid (for daily moisture) and Coenzyme Q10 (to support energy for easy absorption). It is one of the best-selling collagen products in Japan and is great for women who is seeking firmer, more elastic and radiant skin.

Shiseido The Collagen Enriched, US$124 for two months' supply:

 

Shiseido The Collagen Enriched uses fine fish collagen, along with eucommia leaf, ginseng, lotus germ, Indian gooseberry, hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q10 and other high-quality ingredients in this patented luxurious blend to give you younger, better-looking, more resilient skin. Create beauty from within with this collagen and hyaluronic acid supplement.

Whitening

FANCL White Advanced, US$32 for one month's supply:

FANCL White Advance is a daily inner whitening care that nurtures skin fairness from within for a healthy and even skin tone. It encourages the production of fair melanin and suppresses the production of dark melanin over a sustainable period. It's formulated with Oleuropein, an Olive Leaf Extract derivative, it prolongs the whitening effects of Hydroxytyrosol to lighten dark melanin for lasting skin luminosity.

Weight Loss:

FINE Metabo Coffee (Diet Coffee), US$14 for one to two months' supply:

 

FINE Metabo™ Coffee is made from quality Brazilian coffee beans and it includes 3 weight-losing ingredients:

• Chlorogenic Acid - It is clinically proved to have a significant effect on the absorption and utilization of glucose from the diet. If used for an extended time, may result in reduced body mass and shown to have an effect on weight loss.
• L-Carnitine tartrate - an amino acid that assists the body to burn fat all day long. Accelerates metabolism
• Fructo-oligosaccharide - Reduces the level glucosein blood. Improves the level of triglyceride. Contains botanical fiber to enable better intestinal movement to prevent constipation.

 BO Fixer

DHC Bulgarin Rose, US$24 for one month's supply:

 

DHC Bulgarin Rose can effectively modify body smell.This product includes DHC Rose oil that has a mixture of Citronellol, Geraniol and Linalool. This can remove unpleasant odour.

Queen of Essential Oils

You'll notice that a Decleor Aromessence serum-oil doesn't leave any stickiness. Solange Dessimoulie, who founded the brand in 1974, tells us more about essential oils.


How did you discover essential oils?
"I had pimples when I was young. Only essential oils helped as they have antiseptic and detoxifying benefits."


Are they suitable for sensitive skin?
"It's true somehow when some doctors say essential oils are aggressive on sensitive skin. But it depends on what you're using. The bottle may read 'lavender oil' but you never know which type the brand uses. There are so many kinds of lavender oil: some for skincare, some for perfuming the home... We have customers with red, sensitive skin but they have no problem with Aromessence."


So, can I mix my own essential oils?
"The process is like baking a cake. You can follow a recipe but it won't taste the same as your mum's because she made hers from experience and with love. At Decleor, aromatherapy is a science. For example, did you know the firming benefits from lemon oil are only boosted when combined with camomile, grapefruit and chrysanthemum oils?'


Here are some of our recommendations from the Aromessence range:

Decleor Aromessence Iris Aromatic Balm, US$290 (100ml)

Aromessence Iris Aromatic Balm offers all the benefits of a made-to-measure aromatic night-care treatment. It is a deep-acting night emulsion instantly erases visible wrinkles, refines skin texture and maintains ideal moisture level. It is fast absorbing with its rich, melt-in texture.

Decleor Aromessence Ylang Ylang Night Balm, US$54 (15ml)

With its lush, melt-in texture, AROMESSENCE BAUME DE NUIT YLANG YLANG offers all the benefits of a made-to-measure Aromatic night-care product. It cleanses and purifies the complexion and also helps to re-balance the skin, diminishes imperfections and reduces inflammation.

Decleor Aromessence Neroli Comforting Concentrate, US$52 (15ml)

AROMESSENCE NEROLI is an elixir of 100% pure and natural essential oils specially formulated to comfort and treat skin exposed to daily stress. It is the quickest and most direct Beauty routine available to leave skin visibly smoother, softer and glowing with radiance.

Decleor Aromessence SPA Relax - Relaxing Body Concentrate, US$56 (100ml)

A pure concentrate of essential oils carefully formulated to bring you serenity and well-being. This light, yet luxurious oil works in perfect harmony with your skin to envelop your body with an intensely soothing sensation, soften your skin and leave it silky smooth.

Decleor Aromessence Circularome Balm (Leg Relief), US$52 (15ml)

Discover the original sensation of a marvellously creamy with 100% natural essential oils, Decleor Aromessence Circularome Balm (Leg Relief) is a unique aromatic treatment that helps promote body's micro-circulation and stimulates energy exchanges within the skin. With every application, your body discovers a delicious feeling of lightness.

Brand rave... Benefit

Ahhh, as a typical girl, we just can't get enough of Benefit! What's not to like about the cute brand? It's fun, its packaging rocks, its products awesome and their names always amuse us to no end!

Benefit was founded in 1976 by a pair of twin sisters - Jean and Jane. It was a beauty boutique in San Francisco with a whimsical candy store atmosphere. "Who says makeup has to be serious to be good?" they said. The twins then successfully built Benefit Cosmetics into a global beauty brand, with over 2,000 counters in more than 30 countries.

These are our all-time and new favourite Benefit items:

Benetint (Rose-tinted Lip and Cheek Stain), US$38

We love this product so much! And we're naturally a fickle bunch, especially when it comes to cosmetics. But this stain, which we DO use on both our cheeks and lips for the most natural yet alluring blush and pout, has us hooked for five years now! We just keep going back to it. And despite using it every day, it lasts us for a good year and half per bottle - talk about value for money!

Psst, do you also know the legend behind Benetint? Jean and Jane created this in 1977 for an exotic dancer who requested something to make her nipples look pretty and pink. "The sexiest flush you can get from a bottle" soared to cult fave status... today it endures as a favourite of celebrities, makeup artists and girls all over the world. Well, we hear ya!

High Beam, US$34

Benefit High Beam is a pink pearl liquid highlighter leaves a young, radiant, fresh complexion on all skin tones. Apply on top of makeup to your T-Zone area and cheekbones. For a sheer overall radiance, you can also blend it with your liquid foundation or moisturiser.

We've came to be acquainted with this product only recently but we're blown away by the natural subtle glow it provides when applied very sparingly above your cheekbones and at the inner corners of your eyes. There was a day where we had very little sleep the night before and just a dot of High Beam on our cheekbones and our eyes' inner corners, viola! Instant radiance!

It's Potent! Eye Cream, US$41

Have you smelt this product and the rest of its range before? So fresh, so light - we feel a little smile curling up on our lips every time we apply it to our face. This eye cream fades dark circles and helps smooth fine lines for brighter, younger looking eyes. It contains a peptide complex known to help restore elasticity and firmness, a blend of hydrating botanical extracts including apple extract, known to help boost collagen, and loquat extract, known to help protect the skin from free radical damage.

BADgal Waterproof Mascara, US$30 

 

With a big, bad brush and a rich, black formula, Benefit BADgal lash mascara is like wearing a set of false eyelashes without the glue. With perfect waterproof! After applying it on, we have gorgeous and seductive lashes - so dope!

Smokin' Eyes Makeover Kit, US$48

If you want sexy, smoky, cover-model eyes and perfectly groomed brows... here you go! Benefit Smokin' Eyes Makeover Kit contains:

• Pink Highlight Shadow 1.10g / 0.04oz
• Pewter Base Shadow 1.10g / 0.04oz
• Deep Charcoal Shadow 0.90g / 0.03oz
• Smokin' Liner 0.39g / 0.01oz
• Brow Zings (Light) 1g / 0.04 oz
• Eye Bright 0.90g / 0.03 oz
• A Fluff Shadow Brush + Hard Angle Brush
• A Tweezies
• Complete Beauty Lesson

And did we mention how much we love the cute little kit?

Five-Step Plan to Healthy Hair

Have split ends become an everyday thing where you just cut it off when you see one? That's just a temporary measure and it's time to get to the root (pun intended) of the problem! When hair is so damaged that it snaps or splits, you need to take steps to savage it:

1. Lay off the chemicals.
   Even the strongest hair can't withstand a full-on assault of peroxide and straightening solution. Talk to your stylist or colorist about how to give it a rest for at least three months (it may require a different cut or daily routine to camouflage roots or unwanted waves).
   
   
2. Shampoo gently.
   Hair that's weak or damaged needs a moisturising shampoo. Wash as infrequently as possible, and unless hair filthy, there's no need to scrub hard - just rub shampoo into the scalp and let the runoff clean the ends.
   
   
3. Don't stint on conditioner.
   Those weekly deep treatments some consider a luxury are now a necessity for you. Consider slathering them on every other day before shampooing then following the wash with a regular rinse-out formula.
   
4. Protect yourself.If you can't lay off the blow-dryer completely, at least minimise further damage. Coat strands with a protective styling product, wait until hair is mostly dry (so you spend less time under the nozzle), use the warm setting instead of hot, keep the dry six inches from the head and don't point it on one area for too long. If you insist on flat-ironing, coat hair with a leave-in conditioner first.
   
   
5. Stay out of the sun.
   UV rays dry out hair and ruin its colour. Before going outside, douse your hair with a leave-in sunscreen treatment - or better yet, wear a hat!

Here are our newest haircare products that promise to show your hair some tender loving care:

John Masters Organics Lavender Lavender Rosemary Shampoo (for Normal Hair), US$23 for 236ml

This shampoo contains lavender and rosemary extracts combined with 13 other certified-organic ingredients plus soy protein and wheat amino acids to leave hair healthy, shiny and manageable. It doesn't contain sodium lauryl sulfate and is safe for colour-treated hair.

John Masters Organics Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler, US$23 for 236ml

This shampoo detangles and conditions with a highly-effective combination of 18 certified-organic ingredients. Natural soy proteins and borage oil replenish lipid content, wheat and soy proteins restore strength and shine, and essential oils of rosemary and peppermint provide an exhilarating scent. Safe for colour-treated hair.

John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler, US$23 for 236ml

 This shampoo detangles and conditions with a highly-effective combination of 18 certified-organic ingredients. Natural soy proteins and borage oil replenish lipid content. Wheat amino acids and soy proteins restore strength and shine, while essential oils of grapefruit, lemon and neroli provide an uplifting aroma. Safe for colour-treated hair.

L'Occitane Aromachologie Repairing Serum (Dry and Damaged Hair), US$35 for 100ml

This leave-on serum smooths and nourishes hair. It repairs split ends and prevents frizz. The non-greasy formula protects against the damaging effects of environmental stresses and preserves the shine of hair and the brightness of color.

Summer of Love

Take a sunny disposition, add tinted lip balm, plus an easy chignon and you're on your way to having the summer of your life! And hold it, not forgetting the all-important sunscreen!

Dermatologists rave about retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids and hydroquinone, but they all agree that everyone of these ingredients is a big old waste of time without protection from UV rays - and for that reason, sunscreen might just be the biggest innovation of all. Sun exposure is responsible for 95 percent of wrinkles. It is the single most preventable cause of ageing.

This summer, Cosme-de.com resolves to helping you prevent that very cause of ageing with our range of sunscreens!

Shiseido Anessa Suncare Travel Pack, US$46

 Shiseido Anessa Suncare Travel Pack includes:

• Anessa Whitening UV Protector SPF 32 PA+++ 60ml
This is a lightweight sunscreen lotion with SPF 32 protection and super mico UV cut powders. It contains m-Tranexamic Acid for the prevention of the problem of hyper-pigmentation and with whitening performance. It can be used under makeup.
• Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ 12ml
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ is ideal for beach, water sports and the great outdoors It is a smooth, transparent veil that blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays to protect skin from sun damage while resisting water, perspiration and sebum for a long lasting effect.

Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisture SPF 15, US$52

This lightweight, oil-free cream provides the ideal combination of moisture to combat dehydration, antioxidants to protect against free radical damage, UV protection and long-lasting color. Natural Zinc Oxide minerals protect against sunlight, provide a sheer wash of color and make skin radiant, while extracts from Olives and Walnut Seeds provide antioxidant protection and improve skin texture. A full spectrum sunscreen provides daily solar defense. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

 

Kiehl's Nymphaea Alba UV Shield SPF 35 PA+++, US$44

Specially formulated for Asian skin, Kiehl's Nymphaea Alba UV Shield SPF 35 PA+++ is sunblock cream with a cool, refreshing texture, and oil-free herbal extracts which prevents the growth of free radicals and spots on your skin created by the sun. The unique nympaea alba and jasmine extracts have a soothing, calming effect on the skin. It also contains a blend of vitamins C and E to fight free radicals.

 

Avene Very High Protection Tinted Cream SPF 50+, US$26

Avène Very High Protection Tinted Cream SPF 50+ (Sensitive Skin) is a 100% mineral sunscreen cream provides non-irritating, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It is safe for even the most sensitive skin, including infants, babies, and post-procedure skin.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Very High Protection Cream SPF 50+ (Dry Skin), US$24

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Very High Protection Cream SPF 50+ (Dry Skin) is for those who are allergic to sunlight. Extreme UV Protection UVA/UVB protects the skin even the cellular damage by Providing Cellulaire protection. non-comedogenic and tested under dermatologic controls. Fragrance Free.

Brand rave... L'Occitane!

We at Cosme-De.com really, really adore the French brand, L'Occitane! It's not exorbitantly expensive, value-for-money and ahhh, don't you agree all L'Occitane products just smell absolutely yummy?! From the look at how popular L'Occitane products are on Cosme-De.com, we're pretty sure you agree with us. ;)

Founded in 1976, L'Occitane is sold in over 85 countries around the world and creates only high quality, efficient and sensory products formulated with traceable, natural and active ingredients that are inspired by Provençal traditions. We love how the brand aims to offer the experience of well-being and its beautiful packaging doesn't hurt our eyes too!

Also, have you ever wondered how to pronounce this brand?

We've got lots of new products from L'Occitane recently and here are some of them:

L'Occitane Purifying Deodorant, US$34, enhanced with essential oils of lemon, cardamom and eucalyptus, is a blend that helps eliminate toxins and impurities. It controls odor, purifies the body and helps to keep skin dry all day.

L'Occitane Fleur Cherie Body Lotion, US$37 for 250ml, is like a cloud of creamy, satiny softness that envelops the skin. This indulgent body lotion leaves skin supple and perfumed with a beautiful, sparkling, floral scent. Yum!

L'Occitane Organic Olive Shower Cream, US$30 for 200ml. Indulge in a moment of sheer pleasure when you cleanse your skin with this rich and gentle shower cream, which leaves behind a light, fresh scent. An incredible creamy organic formula enriched with Organic Olive Tree Extracts, this shower cream leaves skin feeling wonderfully supple and as soft as silk.

 L'Occitane Rose des Neiges Body Cream (US$68 for 200ml) is a creamy luxurious formula that softens your skin and envelops your body with a captivating scent of Snow Rose.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Mom & Baby Balm, US$34 for 50ml, with organic formula contains 40% Shea Butter, makes the perfect nourishing and protective massage balm for babies! It also helps mom to prevent stretch marks and improve elasticity.

L'Occitane Verbena Body Salts Scrub's, US$63 for 400g, salts from the Mediterranean Sea combine the refreshing fragrance of pure extracts of verbena, orange, geranium and lemon tree. Essential oils of grapeseed, apricot and sweet almond in this luxurious exfoliating body scrub nourish and moisturise. Anti-oxidizing vitamin A helps to tone and maintain healthy appearance. Skin turns silky-smooth as dead skin cells are massaged away. Body and mood will feel revived.

Do you know L'Occitane conduct free guided factory tours in France? You can witness how their products are manufactured with natural ingredients using traditional Mediterranean methods. We'll be sure to register if we ever find ourselves in the country. Check out the details here.

PS: Remember to check out our Mother's Day promotion!