L'Occitane Is Doing Color Cosmetics Now

You may be familiar with France-based brand L'Occitane for its natural skin care and bath products. Well, now you can add cosmetic products from their new spring line in addition to your collection of hand creams and body oils. With the new Pivone Sublime ("Sublime Peony") collection for spring, L'Occitane is launching tinted lip balm as well as their own version of a CC cream. The Pivoine Sublime line contains five brand new skin care and cosmetic products. As a fan of beauty products that blur the line between skin care and makeup, I was thrilled to test-drive the new Pivoine Sublime CC Cream and Tinted Lip Balms.

Both products promise to hydrate and nourish while simultaneously giving a natural boost of beauty, all while providing SPF coverage and a heavenly peony scent. Formulated with peony extract and other plant-based ingredients, the products in the line promise to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and discoloration. And, as is custom for L'Occitane, they come in gorgeous packaging that deserves a special place on your vanity.

If you've ever wondered how to get the natural, effortless beauty of a French woman, L'Occitane's Pivoine Sublime is your answer. Read on for my in-depth review of the new CC cream and lip balms!

L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime CC Skin Tone Perfecting Cream SPF 20 ($34)

This CC cream comes in two shades, Light and Medium. Both worked really well on my pale skin, so I could use them interchangeably. I'm not sure how it would work for darker skin; the cream comes out white but blends pretty sheerly into the skin. I would be thrilled if they added a Dark to their existing lineup as well.

I'll share my thoughts on this CC cream's efficacy, but first, what better way to show how it works than with a few before and after pictures?

Here's my chin before, with zero makeup:

And here's my chin after adding the L'Occitane CC Cream:

Here's my cheek before:

And after:

And here's a zoomed-out shot of my face before:

And here's my face after using the CC cream all over (and no other makeup):

I wasn't convinced that the CC cream was going to do anything when I first put it on, since it seemed quite sheer, but once I took the "After" photos I quickly changed my tune. I love how it smoothed out my skin tone and even brightened my entire face. I would still need a concealer for some dark spots, but overall I was very impressed with the coverage. I could wear this CC cream on its own (although it works well as a base under makeup).

It didn't feel thick or greasy at all, either; I think it would work for all skin types, whether dry (which mine is) or oily. The matte finish is perfect for summer, although I do wish it had SPF 30 rather than 20 for better sun protection.

I'll also note that there is a strong fragrance. It's a lovely floral fragrance and it didn't irritate my skin, but those with sensitive skin should always be careful (since fragrance can sometimes be irritating).

If you're looking for natural-looking coverage that feels light and somehow looks both matte and luminous at the same time, this CC cream is what you need. And if you have red skin like mine, this works beautifully to smooth it out.

L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime Lip Balms ($16).

These come in three shades, as well as a clear, non-tinted balm (the silver tube in the photo above) which I didn't include in the below swatches for obvious reasons. They all contain shea butter and a much-appreciated SPF 25.

Here is Rose Nude, a beautiful light pink:

This is Rose Amber, a dusky rose:

And this is Rose Plum, a highly pigmented pinkish-red:

Here is a swatch of all three shades. From left to right is Rose Nude, Rose Plum, and Rose Amber:

All four lip balms feel silky and hydrating on my lips. Rose Nude and Rose Amber were my favorite shades; I alternate between the two every day for a perfect "my lips but better" hint of color. I found that Rose Plum, the most pigmented shade, was prone to catch on dry patches if my lips were at all chapped. It wasn't my favorite color anyway, but if you love this shade just make sure to exfoliate your lips first with a wet toothbrush and you'll be good to go.

The lip balms also have a delicious peony scent. I love the scent in general, although I avoid reapplying before eating since I don't like fragrances interfering with my lunch.

The L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime CC Cream and Tinted Lip Balms will be available at usa.loccitane.com on May 11, along with the rest of the new Peony Collection. Enjoy, mon ami.

Images: Kelly Dougher