With Love
From Kat

With Love
From Kat

French Beauty Secrets

Provence, FR

What is it about the French?  They just exude that effortless beauty, confidence, cool…  It’s that “je ne se quoi” that captivated me all of those years ago (and even made me want to move there!) and that still intrigues me to this day.  I had the pleasure of spending 4 days in Provence with the L’Occitane team and learned sooooo much about French beauty that I can’t wait to share with you.  As a part of our trip, we were invited to peel back the curtain and see what really goes into the brand.  We were taken to the exact lavender fields where the lavender for their products gets sourced, we went inside the lab and chatted with the scientists, we experienced essential oil and skincare tutorials from a woman who has been working for the brand for 20+ years (pictured here), and finally, got to have dinner with the founder who talked about the heart + soul behind the company.  It was a once in a lifetime experience and I’m looking forward to sharing more pictures with you from the trip, but today I want to focus on the wellness aspect of it.  The two most fascinating things I learned on our trip were how to give yourself a facial lymphatic drainage massage and the healing power of essential oils.  A facial lymphatic drainage massage services from Premier Image Cosmetic & Laser Surgery instantly de-puffs your face and relieves tension by getting the blood circulating.  I consider myself pretty educated in the beauty realm and was shocked that I had never heard of this before!  Let me tell you, it is a TOTAL game changer.  If I wake up puffy from too much wine, salt, or lack of sleep, I take 5 minutes in the morning to do this and can instantly see/feel results.  This tutorial walks you through every single step – ENJOY ;)  The next thing I loved learning about was the magic behind essential oils.  These photos were taken at a demonstration showing how they used to extract oils back in the day (essential oils have been used for over 5,000 years by cultures all over the world.)  The darling woman in the picture with me, exuded that effortless French beauty and was probably one of the happiest, sweetest ladies I’ve ever met.  She swims every single day (she was very proud of her swimming pool!) and grows all of her own fruit and vegetables in her garden.  Talk about goals!  This site talks about all of the different oils out there, but I wanted to highlight one in particular (my fave); lavender.  Lavender oil can be used to treat just about everything from anxiety, to depression, digestion problems, headaches, cuts, jet lag, rashes, insomnia…   I keep this roller of lavender oil in my purse and dab a bit on my wrists in the middle of the day to help me relax.  I also use it when I travel and spray this on my pillow before bed.  There are a ton of “fake” or poor quality lavender oils and oils in general out there, so do your research and be careful if you buy from an unknown source!  For this week’s giveaway, I’m SO excited to be offering 1 lucky reader $500 worth of my favorite L’Occitane products (including lots of lavender goodies!)  To enter, simply sign up for my newsletter and comment below “Signed Up!”  The winner will be announced on Friday. XO

Shop the Post
Carolina K dress (also love this one)  |  Joie sandals
Julie Vos necklace  |  Mansur Gavriel bag
Lavender Oil  |  Roll-on Lavender  |  Lavender Pillow Spray
Share this post

146 Comments

  • Christi Stewart says:

    Signed up! Thank you!

    July 26, 2017
  • Julie Updike says:

    Such a pretty look! (signed up!)

    July 26, 2017
  • Bridget Igo says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Rachel Schapker says:

    Signed Up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Rach says:

    I love lavender and I love its healing power! It is crazy think essential works makes such an impact! That dress of yours is gorgeous!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    July 26, 2017
  • Holly Hurley says:

    Signed up! Love this post!

    July 26, 2017
  • Tobi says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Laine Z. says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Michelle says:

    Signed up! So excited about this post. I love lavender!!!

    July 26, 2017
  • Demilade says:

    You look so pretty and your skin is glowing Kat! I’ve never heard of the massage you spoke about but I’m going to check out the link you shared. The lady’s life is pretty impressive too. Signed up! xx
    Coco Bella Blog

    July 26, 2017
  • Marita says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • katherine says:

    signed up

    July 26, 2017
  • Teresa Beltran says:

    Signed Up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Jenny says:

    This dress looks so fab on you x

    Jenny | LuxeStyle

    July 26, 2017
  • Elaine Fernandez says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Kate Hellige says:

    Signed up! PS-I LOVE your dress!

    July 26, 2017
  • La Bijoux Bella | by mia says:

    Lovely as sunshine … beautiful post. I love ❤️ it! :)

    🌸🍃LA BIJOUX BELLA 🌸🍃| By Mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog

    July 26, 2017
  • Shelby says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Anna says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Lauren says:

    So jealous you got to go to the lavender fields. I love the scent of lavender and how relaxing it is!

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Julia Nissi says:

    Signed Up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Heather Anderson says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Joules says:

    Signed up. Fingers crossed!

    Style by Joules

    July 26, 2017
  • Zumreta says:

    Signed up! Definitely trying the facial massage soon!

    July 26, 2017
  • Beth says:

    Signed up!!! I love lavender. It used to be so easy to find at the farmers market or at Trader Joe’s in LA. Other than going to the flower mart I haven’t seen it.

    July 26, 2017
  • Michelle says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Allison Ratzlaff says:

    Signed up! :)

    July 26, 2017
  • joyce miyabe says:

    Signed up

    July 26, 2017
  • Keiko says:

    Signed up the news letter! I would love to try all the natural healing products to help me get through treatment for breast cancer.

    July 26, 2017
  • Ewa Macherowska says:

    Amazing <3

    http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com

    July 26, 2017
  • Reid MacAulay says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Katherine Bruan says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Lydia Zerka says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Meghan says:

    Signed up! Thanks!!

    July 26, 2017
  • Grace Pierce says:

    Signed up! As a ballet dancer, it’s important to treat your face from all that stage makeup!!

    July 26, 2017
  • Molly Peterson says:

    Signed up

    July 26, 2017
  • Giselle says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Jules says:

    Love!

    July 26, 2017
  • Kate says:

    I’m signed up! And I love your dress, the color is gorgeous.

    xx

    bombshell-to-be.blogspot.com

    July 26, 2017
  • Anita Hidic says:

    Signed Up! Love L’Occitane products and lavender of course!! Thanks Kat xoxo

    July 26, 2017
  • Yana says:

    I love lavender! I use it to treat my kids wound cuts.

    July 26, 2017
  • Isel Peterson says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Amanda says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Christine says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Masha says:

    Signed up!

    White Silk, Black Leather
    http://www.whitesilkblackleather.com

    July 26, 2017
  • Alana says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Mae says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Tatiana says:

    Signed Up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Ngoc says:

    Signed up!!! Beautiful post!!

    July 26, 2017
  • Sarah says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Becky says:

    Signed up!!

    July 26, 2017
  • Vatana Rosa says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Melody says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Mae Snyder says:

    Signed up! Occitane’s lavender scent is heavenly and relaxing. I’ve loved it for years!! Thank you for your post.

    July 26, 2017
  • Emily Arzola says:

    Signed Up ❤️🐝👩‍🎨

    July 26, 2017
  • Kristen says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Angelique Wynder says:

    Signed up!! 💕

    July 26, 2017
  • Bethany says:

    Signed up! Can’t wait to try the facial massage!

    July 26, 2017
  • Kate McCunniff says:

    Signed up! Thanks!

    July 26, 2017
  • Beth jamieson says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Sladjana Karac says:

    Signed Up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Michelle Johnson says:

    Signed up! Such a pretty dress!

    July 26, 2017
  • Kelly says:

    Signed up! Thanks!

    July 26, 2017
  • Caroline Keig says:

    Signed up!! Gorgeous pictures, Kat!

    July 26, 2017
  • lisa says:

    signed up!!

    July 26, 2017
  • Jean Lin says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Jeannie says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Allison Eber says:

    Signed Up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Amanda says:

    Everything about this look is #goals girl! Loved following along on your trip.

    xo, Amanda
    http://www.aglamlifestyle.com

    July 26, 2017
  • Elizabeth R says:

    Signed up! I want all of that lavender, it’s my favorite!

    July 26, 2017
  • Janet says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Kirsten says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Natalie says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Emmalyn says:

    Great post! Signed up, thanks!

    July 26, 2017
  • Kayla says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Allison says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Stephanie says:

    Signed up! Looking forward to trying the lymphatic facial.

    July 26, 2017
  • Nisha says:

    Signed up!
    I love lavender. I added some to the front landscaping of our home this spring. It’s so beautiful and the smell is wonderful.

    July 26, 2017
  • Nina says:

    Signed up and so excited to start getting all access posts!!

    July 26, 2017
  • Emily says:

    Signed up

    July 26, 2017
  • Thao says:

    Signed up! I love lavender!

    July 26, 2017
  • Charlotte says:

    Signed up! :)

    July 26, 2017
  • Jacqueline Torti says:

    Signed Up! Love this post! Lavender was my bouquet for my wedding, just love the scent and look.

    July 26, 2017
  • Karyna says:

    Signed up!

    July 26, 2017
  • Rosely Mastrapa says:

    Signed up! Thank you for sharing these tips. Loved this post! Beautiful pictures as well.

    July 27, 2017
  • Lee says:

    Signed up! Great post!

    July 27, 2017
  • Zisan Erus says:

    Signed up! Love reading your post, I love Loccitane and it’s my dream to visit the lavender fields in Provence.

    July 27, 2017
  • Alisa T says:

    Signed up!

    July 27, 2017
  • Jackie says:

    Lovely pictures! Signed up :)

    July 27, 2017
  • Amy says:

    Signed up!

    July 27, 2017
  • Melissa says:

    Signed up

    July 27, 2017
  • Jo says:

    signed up!

    July 27, 2017
  • Eleanor Barbee says:

    Signed up!

    July 27, 2017
  • sara says:

    Signed up! what an amazing experience xx

    July 27, 2017
  • Laura Brothers says:

    signed up!

    July 27, 2017
  • Amy says:

    signed up! :)

    July 27, 2017
  • katie cunningham says:

    Singed up!!

    July 27, 2017
  • Leanna Heng says:

    Signed up! Thank you for sharing. I seriously love the scent of lavender because I have serious anxiety and it helps me so much when I’m stressed in the office or if I find it hard to sleep at night. I didn’t even know Loccitaine made essential oils!

    July 27, 2017
  • Kritsida says:

    Sounds like such a great experience! These pictures look lovely!
    x. kritsida
    http://aperfectcanvas.net/

    July 27, 2017
  • Catlin says:

    Signed up!

    July 27, 2017
  • Brooke says:

    Signed up! ♡

    July 27, 2017
  • Kimberly C says:

    I’m signed up!! I absolutely love the scent of Lavender, it’s one of my favorites!! And I love your dress, it’s very pretty!!

    July 27, 2017
  • Elizabeth Kelly says:

    Signed up!

    July 27, 2017
  • Christa Sagmoe says:

    Signed up!

    July 27, 2017
  • Catherine says:

    Thanks for sharing Kat! It looks like it was an amazing trip. I’ve always been curious about what essential oils can do for you so this was super helpful!

    *Signed up

    July 27, 2017
  • Amy says:

    Signed up!!Love the dress and location ❤️💙

    July 27, 2017
  • Selina says:

    Signed up! (And have been 😉) Love the photography and your effortless beauty, it is stunning!

    July 27, 2017
  • Linda says:

    Signed up! Beautiful post

    July 27, 2017
  • Shanna says:

    I’ve been a long time fan of L’Occitane products. I also use Lavender Relaxing Roll-Onoll oil. And can’t live without Almond Supple Skin Oil and shower oil. I can’t wait to hear more info on the products from you. I love your posts! I’m signed up!

    July 27, 2017
  • April Villacorta says:

    Signed Up!

    July 27, 2017
  • Ren says:

    Signed up!

    July 27, 2017
  • Kayleigh Spence says:

    Singed up!

    July 28, 2017
  • Rachel says:

    Signed up! Loved this post 💕

    July 28, 2017
  • MandyLo says:

    Signed up! Thank you Kat!

    July 28, 2017
  • Lesley G. says:

    Signed up!

    July 28, 2017
  • Laurence Mialot says:

    Being French living in the US, I was really excited when L’Occitane opened stores here. The almond shower bath oil is insanely luxurious.
    PS: love your blog and new addition, Charlie. Il est trop mignon!

    July 28, 2017
  • Paula B says:

    Signed up!! Your trip looked lovely. And lavender can make anyone’s heart happy!!

    July 28, 2017
  • Esther says:

    I love everything French… enjoyed your post.

    July 28, 2017
  • Kelly Smith says:

    Signed up!

    July 28, 2017
  • DebK says:

    Signed up! Thank you 😊

    July 28, 2017
  • Noelani says:

    Signed Up!!! Merci!

    July 28, 2017
  • Elizabeth says:

    Signed up!

    July 28, 2017
  • Kay | Style Unsettled says:

    This post is so amazing!! I’ve been obsessed with lavender my entire life and I love to smell it all year long, but especially during summer. It’s such a dreamy smell!

    Much love <3
    Kay
    http://styleunsettled.com

    July 28, 2017
  • isabella meyer says:

    Signed up! Thanks for the wonderful article

    July 28, 2017
  • Lizzy z says:

    Signed up!

    July 28, 2017
  • Katie Guzinski says:

    signed up!

    July 28, 2017
  • Delina says:

    I just started learning more about essential oils and the benefits. I signed up.

    July 28, 2017
  • CM says:

    Signed up!

    July 28, 2017
  • Sarah Garner says:

    signed up!

    July 28, 2017
  • Lorraine says:

    Signed up! Thanks

    July 28, 2017
  • Melinda Cahill says:

    Signed Up! Gorgeous pics in this post!

    July 28, 2017
  • Lauren says:

    Signed up!

    July 28, 2017
  • Danielle says:

    Signed up! LOVE THIS! xxx

    July 28, 2017
  • Demia says:

    Signed up

    July 28, 2017
  • Zhanna says:

    You look like a French beauty queen :)

    July 29, 2017
  • judy says:

    Signed up!

    July 29, 2017
  • Anne says:

    Thank you! Signed up:)

    July 29, 2017
  • Alissa Smith says:

    Signed Up! I really enjoy reading your posts!

    July 30, 2017
  • With Love From Kat // How To Make GOOP's Chocolate Chia Truffles says:

    […] winner on Friday.  PS congrats to last week’s Wellness Series subscriber Nisha for winning the $500 of L’Occitane goodies and subscriber Jenilee for winning the $500 Lululemon gift […]

    August 2, 2017
  • Maggie says:

    Good to know!! Thanks for all the amazing beauty advice!😘😘👍👍

    August 3, 2017
  • Alix says:

    I just want you to know that you inspire me every day and I want to thank you !
    And you know in France we say “un je ne sais quoi” ;-)
    💕😘

    August 5, 2017
  • Emily Piskulick says:

    i wish i could smell all of this lavendar—looks dreamy! xo

    http://www.dearserendipity.com/

    August 6, 2017
  • Any Given Wednesday – theavidpen says:

    […] Learn some French Beauty Secrets that With Love From Kat learned while in […]

    August 9, 2017
  • Minau says:

    Great photos! Such a lovely dress!

    August 14, 2017
  • My Favorite Spring Beauty Essentials | With Love From Kat says:

    […] talking about the benefits of lymphatic drainage facials (remember when I talked  about them in this post after going to Provence?) The Clarisonic uplift allows you to give yourself a lymph massage every single day!  I use it […]

    January 19, 2018
  • Summer Skincare Routine - With Love From Kat says:

    […] sweet summertime!  My favorite season is almost here :)  I try to be outside as much as possible and schedule in […]

    June 2, 2018