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Immortelle, the hardy plant whose beautiful yellow flowers never fade even after picking, is a lot more than a feel-good essential oil in L’Occitane’s powerful skincare arsenal. The French prestige skincare brand is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the launch of its first cream containing Immortelle and has invested heavily in scientific research to unlock even more of its anti-ageing secrets.

Organic Cultivation Only

Immortelle, or Everlasting to use its English name, isn’t a new botanical discovery. It has been harvested in Provence, L’Occitane’s home base, since the early 19th century. A traditional home remedy used to treat skin burns, bruises and bumps, modern scientific research has discovered Immortelle’s potent ability to protect the skin against free radical damage and stimulate micro-circulation and radiance.

In 2004, L’Occitane inaugurated the first large scale organic Immortelle plantation on the French island of Corsica as a trial experiment. Not as easy a task as it sounds because scrub and wild plants have not been “tamed” by thousands of years of domestication and seed production like wheat, barley and maize. The variety of Immortelle that grows in Corsica is Helichrysum italicum, one of 500 varieties of this gorgeous bush plant. As far as skincare is concerned, though, it’s “THE” one and L’Occitane have registered several patents for the skin-repairing effectiveness of organic Immortelle essential oil.

The growers use only organic farming methods and the plantations are scattered throughout the island. Beginning with the first planting of one hectare, the programme has been such a success that by 2010 there were 40 hectares under cultivation. If this doesn’t sound like much – one hectare yields five tonnes of Immortelle plants and 10 kilos of immortelle essential oil.

Targeting The Needs of Three Age Groups

L’Occitane uses Immortelle in four of its major skincare ranges. The Precious range targets  women in their 30s, where it helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and tackle loss of firmness. Choose from: Precious Cream, $82, Precious Night Cream, $98, Precious Eye Balm, $56, Precious Fluid, $65 and Precious Essential Face Water, $42, from au.loccitane.com. 

The Very Precious range, aimed at the over-40s, teams Immortelle with Vitamin C and other repairing plant oils to increase clarity and treat pigmentation. Select from: Very Precious Cream, $109.95, Very Precious Eye Serum, $84, Very Precious Regenerating Concentrate, $92, and Very Precious Brightening Concentrate, $94.95, from au.loccitane.com. 

The Divine range is simply labelled Premium, leaving it  to women themselves to decide when they need a boost of cellular youthfulness. The lineup also contains another very important patented essential oil – myrtle – which packs a different anti-ageing punch.

L’Occitane filed its first patent for Immortelle after discovering that the plant’s signature active ingredient – neryle acetate – helps to restructure and re-densify the skin.  Cellular vitality is also improved by stimulating the skin’s micro-circulation and free radical damage is repaired by up to 82 percent. Myrtle essential oil adds to the anti-ageing mix by stimulating the expression of SIRT-I protein in the skin, which helps mature fibroblasts to recover over 90 percent of their youthful vitality.

Increasingly, women are turning away from heavy-textured face creams. A thick layer of cream tends to sit on top of the skin and many of the active ingredients are not absorbed properly. A major appeal of Divine Cream, $140,  is the texture – an ultra light blend that contains a high concentration of 34% essential oils – yet isn’t greasy. In clinical tests, regular use of Divine Cream helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation by up to 32 percent, wrinkles by 24 percent and increases the feeling of hydration by up to 90 percent.

Divine Cream has been a huge success in many countries, including Australia. But when it is used together with Divine Extract, $110, which contains the highest concentration of Immortelle and Myrtle essential oils, the results are even more impressive. Over 92 percent of women in test groups said that using the two products boosted the skin’s radiance and clarity further. While 83 percent reported that the dynamic duo produced significant improvement in their skin more rapidly. A similar thumbs-up was given to Divine Eyes ($89) – over 90 percent of women thought that it softened the wrinkles around their eyes and reduced dark circles and puffiness.

Pigmentation and uneven skin tone is the number one skin problem in Australia.  L’Occitane also offer an Immortelle Brightening range which smooths the surface of the skin, evens out skin tone and boosts radiance. Top buys: Immortelle Brightening Cleansing Foam, $44, Brightening Moisture Mask, $82, Brightening Essence, $89, Brightening Instant Exfoliator $45, from au.loccitane.com. 

If you ask anyone in the beauty industry they will tell you that the magic bullet in achieving cut-through in today’s highly competitive skincare market is to combine advanced scientific research with natural ingredients. L’Occitane has gone even further by harnessing science and effectiveness to its hero organic essential oils – Immortelle and Myrtle. For more information and stockists, go to www.loccitane.com.au

The majority of us feel naked without some sort of beauty product on our lips, and while we tend to resort to lipstick or balm to add colour or to soothe dry, cracked lips, you’ll often find that you need to regularly re-apply throughout the day.

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Traditionally a lip stain is a water or gel formula with an alcohol base so that the colour adheres to the lip, and actually stains the lip for periods of time and is a softer, flattering variation on your standard lipstick. Although some formulations can be drying, there are now more than a few variations to provide a long-lasting colour. It can be worn on its own or as a base for your lipstick to avoid the dreaded ring of leftover colour around your lips.

As we get older not only do lips begin to decrease in size, soft lines can begin to appear around the outer edges, make it both harder to apply colour as well as getting a clean, pretty finish. Caring for your lips plays an integral part so before you can start thinking about choosing your new favourite shade, follow these quick steps for a coloured, natural lip finish.

1. Exfoliate: Considering we should exfoliate our skin at least once a week, don’t let your lips miss out on the extra TLC. For a quick, fuss-free option, pick up a soft-bristled toothbrush, wet the brush and exfoliate gently in a circular motion to work away any dead skin. Or, if you’re looking for a product to do the work for you, try ck one color Color + Treat Lip Kit, $60, from Myer, which comes in a handy compact with a gentle scrub to exfoliate any dry patches, complete with a soft balm to use as a follow up. Plus a few varying shades of colour to add to your tint collection!

2. Use a lip balm: After you’ve smoothed your pout, wait about ten minutes before you are going to apply a tint, using a soft lip balm or gloss to let it absorb into your lips without disrupting the colour. Try a soothing balm like Maybelline New York Baby Lips Lip Balm, $3.95, from pharmacies.

3: Apply your stain: Not only is a beautiful, natural lip finish, but it’s a great way to take baby steps into wearing deeper lip colours as it provides the perfect amount of pigment. The majority of tints have quite a fast-drying formula, so begin by adding the product to your ring finger and lightly dab it into the centre of your top and both lip, blending outwards as you go. For a similar colour to Christy’s, try Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Powder Pink, $42, Bobbi Brown or Becca Beach Tint in Tea Rose, $42, Becca Australia.

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It has been estimated that around 50% of our population battles with skin sensitive which can be represented in itching, burning and vasodilatation (rosacea-like symptoms). Stress, hormones, genetics, food (improper diet), and aggressive topical ingredients can trigger or stimulate sensitivity in the skin.

Nowadays, we are also seeing an increase in the condition due to intolerances to skincare, cosmetic and daily hygiene product notes Thalgo National Education Manager, Nicole Gleeson. “The more sensitive the skin is, the lower its tolerance threshold and allergic reactions may occur to even the slightest harmful element.”

“The ageing process involves many changes,” explains David Lyons, Dermatologist and co-founder of Simplicite Skincare.  “As the skin is regenerating less and its moisture reserves are lower as we get older, the skin ends up with a much lower ‘irritation threshold’ so the triggers that upset the skin will kick in earlier.  Many skins will become sensitive to compounds and conditions that previously went by completely un-noticed,” he says.

If you suffer from sensitive skin, purchasing quality anti-ageing skincare is of great importance. You want to sooth and replenish the complexion rather than cause it anymore undue stress.

Ingredients to sidestep include alcohol, silicones, sulphates, granular exfoliants, perfumes, glycolic acid, AHAs, concentrated synthetic ’vitamin C’, herbal extracts made on a propylene glycol base – which account for 90% of those used in skin care – mineral oil, lanolin, castor oil derivatives, all hydrogenated oils, PABA, TEA. Look to protect and build up the moisture and resilience of your skin if it’s sensitive, rather than stripping it back. Give it the boost to protect and correct itself over time with kinder, gentler anti-ageing skincare.

Here’s where to start:

• Thalgo Bio-Repair Serum, $103.
• Simpliciite Sage Face Oil, $41.80.
• Olay Total Effects Day Cream Sensitive, $32.49.
• MD Formulations Facial Cleanser, Sensitive Skin, $85.
• Decleor Experience De’Lage Triple Action Eye & Lip Cream (40-50 years), $90.
• Bergman Sensitivity (SOS Balm), $100.
• Carita Cotton Mask, $140

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Take prescription medications, for example. Running out of them can happen occasionally when you’re on holiday, but experts warn that travellers need to be very careful where they buy their replacements. The World Health Organisation estimates that around 10 per cent of medicines available globally are counterfeit, and many are sold at considerably cheaper prices than at home. Viagra and Cialis (for impotence), Lipitor (for high cholesterol), and Prozac (for depression) are top of the list of common counterfeits. And in some countries, such as Mexico, many prescription medicines including antibiotics and pain killers are legally sold over-the-counter.

Many everyday, nonprescription medicines including headache and anti-diarrhea remedies, can also turn out to be fakes. In India in 1998, 30 infants died after taking paracetamol cough syrup prepared with diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical used in antifreeze. The problem with counterfeit medicines are many; they are manufactured below established standards of quality, they may have no active ingredients, and they can contain the wrong, or even harmful ingredients. As a result, they won’t treat the condition they’re meant to, or they can make you sick because of what’s in them.

So how can you tell a fake from the real thing? When buying any medications of any kind, check expiration dates, look out for poor packaging, blurred printing on labels and boxes, spelling mistakes, and broken seals. And don’t take anything new without checking with a doctor first.

Another popular buy when we travel is fragrance, and it’s also big business for counterfeiters selling so-called luxury perfumes at a fraction of the price it should be. Like fake medications, however, counterfeit perfume is often produced in makeshift labs, can contain dangerous, toxic ingredients, and isn’t subject to any regulation testing. Besides being an inferior product, fake fragrance also has a dark side causing skin rashes and allergies in some people. To sniff out a fake, check for poor quality wrapping (or none at all), spelling mistakes on labels, and missing batch codes. Also let your nose be your guide; it may look real, but not smell the way the real thing should.

If you’re tempted to give the duty free shop at the airport a miss in favour of buying cigarettes and alcohol on some foreign streets, buyer beware. According to the World Customs Organisation, around 190 billion fake cigarettes are produced in underground factories in China alone. And in 2006, counterfeit vodka laced with toxic household agents killed hundreds of unassuming Russians. Although it’s fair to argue that they already contain dangerous ingredients, cigarettes made by legitimate producers adhere to strict standards. Alcohol is much the same. In contrast, fake cigarettes in some countries have been found to contain anything from plastic and soil to rodent droppings, and fake alcohol may have been made in someone’s backyard in very unhygienic conditions. You don’t know what’s in them, which makes using them highly dangerous.

When checking cigarettes for authenticity, while the packaging may be convincing, the fake ones will taste noticeably different. With alcohol, look out for peeling, crooked or wrong-coloured labels, spelling mistakes and missing print. Also check caps and seals are intact; some counterfeiters use genuine bottles.

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1. Make the morning your friend! 

Instead of crawling out of bed to put on the kettle, slowly open your eyes and welcome in the day with a few simple stretches. Start off by lifting your arms and stretching your legs in bed, and then gently rise and continue these slow movements standing up. Not only will these stretches tell your muscles it’s time to get moving, they’ll also stimulate muscle tissue and blood flow throughout the day as well. Once you’re ready to venture into the kitchen, prepare a large, healthy breakfast that incorporates a good mix of healthy fats, proteins, nutrients and those all-important phytonutrients. One of the best ways to whip-up something quickly that ticks all these boxes is a breakfast smoothie. Look for options with nuts, coconut oil, fresh fruit and green vegetables, and non-dairy milk such as unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or even rice milk to lift your energy levels and prepare you for the day ahead.

2. Pause, Eat, Resume!

Throughout the day, it’s crucial to take frequent breaks to hit the pause button. Somewhere between your 50th email and mid-afternoon sugar craving is a good place to start. Take a few moments to pause, breathe, and open your chest by reclining on a rolled up towel somewhere private. This common yoga move helps re-energise your body, lift your mood, and increase energy levels when they’re flailing. Even 3-4 breaths is better than nothing, but for the best results, treat yourself to 5 minutes on the floor each day.

Come lunchtime, don’t hold back on large serving sizes of healthy, nutritious food. You need it to fuel you for the rest of the afternoon. Look for wholefood options that are high in fresh vegetables, protein and good fats, and steer clear of processed foods (like ham and salami) that are high in salt or sugar, as these don’t give your body the goodness it needs for sustained energy. Grainy bread with egg or free-range chicken and lots of salad is a good option, or a salad you’ve brought from home with fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds and a coconut-oil dressing is ideal.

3. Fire Down, Not Up! 

If your home is your sanctuary, your bedroom must be your shrine. Keep it that way. Avoid any electrical items in your room (alright, an electric blanket is allowed) including phones, phone chargers, TV and DVD, and clocks, as the light emitted from these devices can stop the melatonin levels from rising – an essential ingredient in getting to sleep, and staying asleep, throughout the night.

If watching TV is a part of your nightly ritual, make an effort to switch it off at least an hour before heading to bed. Once you jump in, let your mind calm down naturally by reading or doing some gentle breathing exercises. Speaking of exercise, if you find sleeping an issue, it may be because you’re not burning enough energy throughout the day. Schedule a heart-rate rising workout into your day to burn fuel and encourage your body to shut down when it’s meant to.

Yasemin Trollope is a freelance health and beauty writer. You can find her regular work in Good Health magazine and on our sister website, PRIMPED.com.au. She also has her own blog, The Happiness Cocktail, that is all about finding goodness in the concoctions of life. Follow her on Twitter for daily doses of inspiration (and to see what she’s up to next) – @Yaz_Trollope.

In Australia, vitamin D deficiency is regarded as a problem beyond known at-risk groups, which includes the elderly, dark skinned people, and anyone who covers up for cultural reasons. It’s putting people at risk of serious health complications later in life, possibly more than just bone problems.

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Results of a study from the World Cancer Research Fund in 2010 suggested that people with high levels of vitamin D have up to a 40 per cent less chance of developing colorectal cancer. And Dr. Frank Lipman, M.D., a wellness expert, author, and founder of the Eleven Eleven Wellness Centre in New York City, says that a long list of chronic ailments, which he has dubbed “diseases of modern society”, are associated with vitamin D deficiency, including cancer, obesity, infertility and fibromyalgia.

The cause of vitamin D deficiency is largely a combination of two things. One is that the bar has been raised for target levels of vitamin D in recent years, while the other is that changes to modern lifestyles has resulted in inadequate exposure to sunlight for many people.

We can’t turn to our diet for help, as surprisingly few foods contain vitamin D naturally, and as supplements are generally recommended only for those people with severe deficiency, this leaves sunlight as the best source. In the wake of the sun-safe campaign, however, many people fear developing skin cancer as much as having inadequate levels of D.

In May 2007, however, a position statement outlining the risks and benefits of sun exposure was issued by the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Osteoporosis Australia, the Australian College of Dermatologists and the Cancer Council Australia. CEO of The Cancer Council Australia, Professor Ian Olver, says: “The reality is too many Australians get too much sun in summer and increase their risk of cancer, while some people don’t get enough sun, particularly in winter, and risk vitamin D deficiency with possible serious health consequences.”

Unfortunately there isn’t a one-size-fits all solution; the advice depends on where you live, the time of year, and the time of day, and it might mean leaving your hat and sunscreen off temporarily.

The 2007 guidelines recommend that fair skinned people can maintain adequate vitamin D levels in summer from a few minutes of exposure to sunlight on their face, arms and hands or the equivalent area of skin on either side of the peak UV Index periods on most days of the week. In winter in the southern parts of Australia, where UV radiation levels are less intense, people need about two or three hours of sunlight to the face, arms and hands or equivalent area of skin over a week.

In the very near future, with more research, experts are likely to uncover much more about vitamin D and our needs. For now, however, for most Australians moderation would appear to the key, with the assurance that the benchmarks we have at the moment are the best guess that we’ve got.