[productsample] I discovered this brand while writing for FT How To Spend It – it’s definitely a luxury brand with prices to match so absolutely perfect for that audience, but I baulk a bit at suggesting an £89 spend on body lotion on my own site. I mean, the very name, How To Spend It, gave me carte blanche price-wise, but I’d like to think that on here, I can also be mindful of How To Save It!
But, there’s a bit more of a story to this range and I’ll start by saying that when I did feature the face products on HTSI, Irene was quick off the mark to email a lovely thank you, which almost never happens! She has earned a reputation for being one of the nicest people in beauty and I think that’s always good to know. So, yes, Forte will ring a bell because she is the daughter of Rocco Forte (Sir!), owner of the famous Forte hotels. She became the group’s Wellness Director a few years ago, but after working at the Verdura Resort on the south coast of Sicily, Irene became more interested in natural beauty and creating her own range – which, obviously, she has now done.
As far as ingredients go, as much as possible comes from Sicily, so in this body lotion, for example, you’ll find sweet almond oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, olive oil, grapeseed oil, Vitamin E, Beech Bud, Sicilian White Wine and Hyaluronic acid, usually considered a bit too pricey to put in body lotions so most brands don’t bother. And anyway, who is going to complain about white wine, other than it’s not in a chilled glass in front of you! The scent isn’t winey you’ll be pleased to know – there’s nothing good about your entire body smelling of booze! It’s more of a kind of natural scent that I can’t really put my finger on. You might want to take a look at the Irene Forte website – I’ve tried (and loved) a few bits and pieces of the facial skin care – top tips are Apricot Enzyme Face Peel, £70, and Almond Face Scrub, £69, but you’d have to be in a big treat mood!
They’re extremely thoughtful formulations striking the right balance between delightful textures and the sensory elements and efficacy. Irene’s range is HERE.
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