Tips On Making A Mother's Day Gift Basket + Le Petit Marseillais - Say Bonjour To France's #1 Body Wash - Now In The U.S.

March 13, 2017

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SoFreshSoFrench #CollectiveBias

One of France’s biggest beauty secrets is out – say “Bonjour” to Le Petit Marseillais™, France’s #1 body wash brand that is finally here in America. This carefully-curated Walmart collection is available beginning in March and features 17 products, located in the specialty bath & body aisle, where loofahs are sold. I had the opportunity to test out some of these incredibly wonderful products, and I am so excited to share them with you! You will find these products at a very reasonable price point too. I am considering grabbing myself a few of the scents, and am also looking forward to being able to gift these in a Mother's Day Gift basket soon. The full collection can be found in Walmart and also online! I am also sharing some early Mother's Day Gift Ideas, all of which you can customize to your mom's favorite scents and taste preferences. Also, get a quick and easy DIY idea to add into your gift basket. Enjoy!

Shop online for the whole line of products at walmart.com.

Learn all about the brand on their website, here.

Follow the brand on Instagram here.

And, connect with them on Facebook, here.

Le Petit Marseillais™ was originally created in the sunny harbor of Marseille, a city on France's southern coast. It was an important trading center in the region, where the founder, Bernard Lengelle, fell in love with the region's fragrant artisan soap made with local olive oil. Utilizing ingredients deeply rooted in sunny Province, a French region known for its Earthly riches, simple values, and joie de vivre - joy of life, these products are well-loved among those who live in and those who travel to France. Upon reading lots of positive reviews of the brand, I learned that customers are extremely excited that this line is finally available in the US!

I was fortunate enough to receive a shipment of the following items to feature in my post. I have since seen the whole line of products at various Walmart locations, and I am excited to try the entire line - at this price point, I can definitely afford to test a few of them out! Read on to see what I thought of each product. The entire collection includes an assortment of eight body/hand moisturizers, two liquid hand soaps, six body washes and a bar soap with prices ranging from $3.99 - $7.97.

Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Shower Crème Body Wash
Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Hand Soap
Le Petit Marseillais™ Shea Butter, Sweet Almond & Argan Oil Nourishing Body Milk Lotion

If you're looking for a beautiful and easy way to add a bit of a personal touch to your gift basket, here is an idea! Simply use fabric glue, hand stitch, or use a sewing machine to attach ribbon to some wash cloths or hand towels. I used a tropical printed ribbon because I love the fresh and sunny appeal of this line of products. I originally wanted to use some ribbon in an orange hue to match the packaging, but nothing looked quite right in the orange ribbon section. This retro-tropical pineapple ribbon from a fabric store jumped right out at me, and it looked amazing on these white towels. Alternately, feel free to use towels and ribbon (or any trim will do) in whatever colors would go with the recipient's bathroom.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR GIFT BASKET

Lotions, Soaps, Body Washes - Treat Mom (or grandmas, step moms, aunts, friends, really anyone special) to something that will nourish their skin and smell delicious.

Something Tasty and Sweet - I opted to include a delicious chocolate bar that was dark chocolate infused with oranges, because I thought that would pair perfectly with the scent of these body products.

Something Hand Made Or Personalized - like I mentioned, I embellished these cute cloths and think they really added a very personal touch to this gift basket.

Fresh Flowers - I opted for local wildflowers from our property, but feel free to purchase a bouquet that coordinates in color or scent with the other gifts items.

And For The Basket - Feel free to use a basket or container that the recipient can use again and again, and will always think of you when she uses it. This wooden crate was perfect to reiterate the Earthy and adorable look of the gifts inside. I also used colorful tissue paper in the bottom of the basket to secure items inside, and also help raise the bottles up to different heights for visual interest.

As soon as I received these goodies, I tested them out. I wanted to make sure I was gifting my Mom good products, of course. First, I tried the Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Hand Soap. Gentle it was! I definitely do not use a lot of scented products, but this line contains such light, refreshing scents that I was instantly intrigued. I am also pretty particular about hand soap, because I love when my hands feel extra clean, and grease free, and this worked super well. It left just a light scent of orange blossom, and I loved it.

Next. I tried out the Le Petit Marseillais™ Shea Butter, Sweet Almond & Argan Oil Nourishing Body Milk Lotion. I have also had less than appealing results with Milk Lotions in the past, because they can sometimes feel a bit "watery", but this one is definitely different than anything I've tried in the past. I am currently in Arizona, so my skin has been extra dry from the arid climate. Well, this lotion is my new best friend! It also has that light, fresh orange blossom scent (a very realistic floral aroma), and moisturizes extremely well. I did not have to reapply until the next day! And, the pump style bottle is very easy to use. So happy with this lotion.

Lastly, I used the Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Shower Crème Body Wash during my shower the following morning, and this has the best lather and foaming qualities of any body wash I've ever used! Again, it contained that light, fresh scent that I love, and cleansed very well. It was definitely gentle, as the name implies, and I felt extremely clean and also moisturized after the shower. There appear to be no harsh ingredients in these products, making me so happy that I found out about them.

Overall, I am extremely happy with this line of products, and I know you and whoever you choose to gift them to, will also adore the whole line of simple, breezy, and uncomplicated products by Le Petit Marseillais™.

I am so fortunate to be spending some time in Arizona, and was able to source some orange blossoms in the neighborhood. Everything here in the desert is kissed by sunshine pretty much every day, so I understand the attraction to and importance of such ingredients. These orange blossoms smell better than I could even describe in words, and these Le Petit Marseillais™ products capture the essence in a very perfect way.

What are your favorite items to include in gift baskets and gift for Mother's Day?

Curél® Hydra Therapy Moisturizer

September 24, 2016

I had a blast creating a few photos and sampling this new Curél® Hydra Therapy Moisturizer. I love the trend of mixing lighter summer dresses with booties and Fall accessories. A special thanks to Curél® and Crowdtap for this fun opportunity!!

The Ceramide Difference

September 19, 2016

Have you ever used a wet-skin lotion before? If not, your'e missing out. Whether you live in a dry climate or a humid one, this Curel® Advanced Ceramide Complex will be a great addition to your skincare routine. I'm also excited to explain Ceramides a bit better to you, so keep reading to learn more.

I’m sharing #Curel® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER in my life as part of a Curél sponsored series for Socialstars™. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep my blog a beautiful place to showcase my work!

Curel® Advanced Ceramide Complex makes it easy to incorporate a bit of extra moisture to your skin, and since you use this on wet skin after a shower, it's easy to remember to do it every day. The bottle is attractive, and the pump works really well. The bottle is actually designed with ridges on the sides, so it won't slip out of your hands while your skin is wet!! So thoughtful :)

This product is unscented, which is amazing. I love the fact that a fragrance isn't an addition ingredient. I am not a fan of anything that is heavily scented (unless it's a baked good, haha!).

I am not sure if you have ever experienced this, but sometimes, I will use lotion, and minutes later, it doesn't seem to have even moisturized my skin. Curel® offers an alternative to that problem. Their Hydratherapy Lotion that you use on wet skin, so it is able to penetrate better, and since warm water opens capillaries in your skin, it makes sense that this product would be able to absorb easier. My skin feels soft and smooth, and is moisturized without feeling greasy.

I was also lucky enough to receive a FREE sample of this Curel® Hydratherapy lotion from Crowdtap, and I am so excited I've got a travel size now!!

Clinical studies have shown that dry and damaged skin is often linked to depleted ceramide levels. Ceramides are naturally found in skin’s vulnerable outer layer and help skin retain moisture. When skin’s ceramide levels are low, skin has difficulty retaining moisture. While traditional lotions only hydrate skin’s surface, Curél® moisturizers work at the source of dryness to strengthen skin's moisture retaining capacity, not just relieving symptoms, but actually, over time, preventing symptoms from recurring.

I have spent time in both dry climates (like Arizona, Colorado, and Utah), and I feel like the arid climate, intense sunshine, and even water in those places dries my skin out. Well, the idea of applying this lotion to wet skin, if you are in those sorts of locations, seems like an absolute win!

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are natural lipids and are a major component in surface skin structure. They serve as part of the "glue" that holds surface skin cells together.

Why are ceramides important?

Dry, irritated, and sensitive skin often lacks ceramides. As a result, skin's protective barrier is compromised and becomes more susceptible to environmental factors, changes of season, and other irritants.

Curél® Skincare - The Ceramide Difference

When natural ceramide levels are depleted, our formula works to improve moisture retention of the skin. Locking in moisture for all-day hydration, Curél® lotions and creams not only relieve irritated and dry skin instantly, but also replenish and repair skin by forming a protective barrier and keeping future irritants out.

Thanks so much for checking out my latest post for Curel®, and be sure to check them out on Facebook and on their website!

Ayushi Woods Organic Lotions

July 17, 2015

I recently met the owner of a new company called Ayushi Woods. Ayushi products are awesome! They are trying to provide safe, healthy, and organic lotions, anti-wrinkle lotions, and other body products to their customers, and I love their values.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ayushi is offering my readers 25% Off your entire order, use coupon code lily25 at checkout.

For the past couple of years, I have been using primarily organic foods and products, and I am so happy I have switched!! My favorite product in the Ayushi line is the Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Lotion. Read more about it below!

USDA Organic Certified
Completely Vegan
Cruelty-Free
GMO-Free
100% free from any Parabens, Petroleum, Formaldehyde, PEGS, artificial color or synthetic fragrance
No Animal Ingredients/ No Animal Testing
Completely handmade

First, the Vegan Shine Lotion contains avocado oil, among lots of other natural ingredients. Upon first use of this lotion, its very nice and light. It's pretty scented, but it is definitely pleasant and natural-smelling, unlike a lot of lotions I'v… — First, the Vegan Shine Lotion contains avocado oil, among lots of other natural ingredients. Upon first use of this lotion, its very nice and light. It's pretty scented, but it is definitely pleasant and natural-smelling, unlike a lot of lotions I've tried. This lotion isn't at all greasy, and my hands still feel very soft. It's rated USDA Organic, which is awesome!

I loved these clothing items as well! Find a White Button Up (similar here), High Waisted Shorts from Pacsun (similar here), Cute Coach Wallet (similar here), Necklace from JCPenney, and Ayushi lotions!

Ayushi is the first company in the personal care industry to be the official sponsors of the Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) and helped raise over $15,000 for organic farmers in a 5k event. Learn more here.