The Blackrock shopping centre is still being renovated, but one little corner is entirely finished, and it’s well worth a visit. The L’Occitane boutique reopened this week and it’s bigger and better than ever, with all your favourite beauty essentials, natural luxuries and gift ideas. So what’s new? We all have our favourites. You’ve probably tried L’Occitane’s shea butter hand creams or the much-feted Divine skincare. But there’s much more to discover. 

Terre de Lumière gift set, only €90 at L’Occitane Blackrock,
until Sunday February 9

And there are also great deals on the fragrance collections. The bright and beautiful Terre de Lumière eau de parfum is one of L’Occitane’s insider secrets. Imagine warm sunlight on Provencal fields, with hits of bright bergamot, lavender honey and a base of bitter almond, acacia flower and tonka bean. The eau de parfum is €89, but for €90 you can get a full-sized shower gel, soap and hand/body balm to match.

While you’re in the store, check out the new Herbae par L’Occitane L’Eau range, in spring-like botanical print packaging: there are ideal Mother’s Day gifts starting from €6.50 for perfumed soap. We also love the Make Your Own Gift option: choose your favourite shower gel, body lotion, hand cream and soap, and have it all presented in a gift box for €49 (worth €62.50). For men, the new Cade beard oil (€22.50), with sweet almond and rosemary leaf oils, is a non-greasy conditioning treatment, and there’s everything from moisturiser to (packaging-free) shaving soap in the range.

My own L’Occitane favourites include the new Petit Remedy balm, a blend of natural shea butter, almond, olive and lavender oils. The mini tin (€12) is a brilliant handbag multitasker, for lips, hands and nails; you can even use it as an overnight hair mask. I also rate the Delicious Tinted Balms for lips: with a luscious buttery texture, and in a variety of shades, these are great value at €22. 

If you’re spoilt for choice, ask any of the expert staff for help – they are passionate about L’Occitane and are armed with a wealth of information and advice. 

L’Occitane, units 12 & 13, Blackrock Shopping Centre, Frascati Rd, Blackrock, Co Dublin, ie.loccitane.com