L’Occitane Terre de Lumiere

The intent behind a fragrance is an interesting thing. I’ve got a booklet with all the information, but it’s kind of more about what the brand wants you to feel rather than quite how it is. And, when you’re reviewing fragrances, that’s difficult. If I had smelled this blind, I would say it’s a gourmand, skin-scent – rather sensual and heavy. I would not, in a million years guess that this represents the ‘force that breathes life into plants’, i.e. light. It’s supposed to be an olfactory capture of the moment – the Golden Hour if you like – when ‘the most magnificent sky covers Provence.’ My skin, aparently, is supposed to quiver with pleasure. Hate to disappoint, but it didn’t.

If I leave all that behind, L’Occitane Terre de Lumiere is going to very much appeal to those who love a honeyed aspect to fragrance; gourmand without the cupcake, and a sweet floral cut of Bergamot. It settles really beautifully on the skin – there’s no warm up time because it’s plenty warm already and on my skin, stays consistent in scent throughout the day. I found the last exceptional. So, while my skin isn’t aquiver with thrill, I’m not running away from this like I do usually with gourmands and I’d like to smell it when the heat gets to it so that its headiness can be more powerful. There’s nothing like a freezing, grey day in South East London to dampen your concept of summer sensuality.

I wish the fragrance ‘story’ wasn’t so fanciful – it just reads like its completely made up – like the fragrance fills an empty category for L’Occitane (no gourmands) and they just wrapped story around that category. I’d be quite tempted to go for the L’Occitane Terre de Lumiere Discovery Set first if you are doubtful (the fragrance is £58, 50ml) HERE for £25 including a 5ml Terre de Lumière Eau de Parfum, 50ml Terre de Lumière Gentle Shower Gel, 50ml Terre de Lumière Beautifying Body Lotion and 30ml Terre de Lumière Radiant Balm. If you already know that you love a gourmand, definitely take a look – good gourmands are rare beasts.

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