This May, L’Occitane en Provence launches their latest in the La Collection de Grasse series of fragrance products: Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc – a beautiful union between the heady & intense blue iris from Grasse, and the more evanescent white iris from the Mediterranean. Once overflowing with fields of fragrant flowers, the region of Grasse (France), has been feeling the growing pressure of real estate; the amount of cultivated land has dropped from 1,300 hectares in the 70’s to approximately 60 hectares today, but with the support of L’Occitane en Provence founder Olivier Baussan, this region is now experiencing a floral, cultural, & economic revival.
In a nutshell, every product from L’Occitane’s Collection de Grasse series, helps to maintain this time-honoured vocation, and brings flowers back where they belong – I can’t think of a better way to honour our planet for Earth Day.
Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Shower Gel (CAN $26.00/250 ml) is a transparent silky fluid gel that transforms into an ultra-rich lather when in contact with water and rubbed onto the skin, all in a lightweight plastic bottle with an easy flip-top dispenser for quick one-handed use. A lighter version of this collection’s fragrance, this gel serves as a great layering ‘scent’ foundation before application of the Eau de Toilette. As an added bonus, skin is left feeling soft, supple and nourished.
L’Occitane | Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Shower Gel, ingredients list
L’Occitane | Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Eau de Toilette
Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Eau de Toilette (CAN $75.00/75 ml) is a warm/cool floral scent, filled with interesting – yet simple – fragrance contradictions. The bottle, created by founder Olivier Baussan, bears a mirror effect via the iris bouquet traced in hot-stamped gold on one side, an image which passes through the two thicknesses of glass tinted by the blue shade of the fragrance within and thus provides this lovely optical illusion. Part of the Iris Floral Family, some of the raw materials are a floral water extract of blue Iris Pallida from Grasse and extract of white Iris Florentina from the Mediterranean which form a singular and velvety blend of intense blue iris and evanescent white iris whose notes are:
- Top: blackcurrant & citrus
- Heart: iris, ylang-ylang & peach
- Base: iris, cedar & white musk
While the flowers are the same (both irises), there manages to be a contrasting encounter between them, beginning with the lighter white iris – the first to greet your senses, followed by hints of fruity blackcurrant and green citrus as the fragrance begins to open up. The sensuality of ylang-ylang combined with the freshness of peaches moves in at this point, only to morph into a white musky delicacy and the powdery accord of the headier blue iris, ultimately leaving a final whisp of dry cedar to remember it all by.
I’ve stated many times that I have a difficult relationship with floral scents; they don’t always want to play nice with my body’s chemistry, but every now and then a fragrance comes along that just seems to ‘fit. Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc is one such fragrance, a scent that seems to embody fields of flowers blossoming under the hot Mediterranean sun, but never one that will overpower the wearer – a bonus that makes me very happy, indeed.
L’Occitane | Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Eau de Toilette, ingredients list
Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Hand Cream (CAN $12.00/30 ml) is a hand cream in the cult-fave L’Occitane formula, made with 20% shea butter and lightly scented with the twin iris fragrance of this collection. There is a fresh crispness to this scent for a pleasant olfactory sensation, but not so strong as to overcome the senses either. As a long time fan of this brand’s hand creams, this tube has definitely taken its place in my makeup bag, all while providing such a delectable aroma – perfect for those days when I race out of the house without any fragrance on.
L’Occitane | Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Hand Cream, ingredients list
I may not be versed enough in perfume lore to discuss notes or what makes a fragrance stand out (for that, I refer to my Perfume Guru – Jane Daly), but I do happen to know what I like and more importantly, what works for me. Shunning florals has become second nature for me – although the contradiction is that I love being surrounded by flowers – but Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc is one scent in this family that not only can I wear, but truly enjoy. If you’re anything like me, then I urge you to give this collection a sniff next time you find yourself visiting a L’Occitane boutique – it will pleasantly surprise you … as also makes for a perfect Mother’s Day gift, since this is one bouquet that will last long after fresh flowers have faded away.
Available in May across all L’Occitane boutiques across canada.
Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration
