[unpaid/sample] I’ve had products from this brand sitting on my desk for a long time but somehow it kept being pushed to the back of the queue. However, as is often the case, I’m kicking myself because it’s actually very pleasant.

Everything is very melty at the moment because it’s so hot I imagine that this balm is much firmer in normal climes. It’s quite hard to get a proper feel for Odile Lecoin (noted Parisian facialist) or why OR (as in gold) comes into it but every product starts with the word (i.e. OR j’illumine for the cleansing milk). It’s supposed to reflect the quality and purity but, call me basic, I want to see some gold in that balm! Actually, the quality is beautiful – it’s a blend of many oils including sunflower, coconut, sweet almond, shea and rapeseed. Nothing particularly pricy in there to reflect the £45 it costs but if you love that deliciously soft, almost buttery feel that makes massaging so pleasurable, you will like this, I think. The results were perfect – it took off every scrap of make up including mascara – and it does feel a little like you’ve given yourself a mini facial.

Although fragrance is listed (as is beeswax so it’s not vegan) it’s incredibly light, as is the Cleansing Milk (OR, j’illumine) and if you dream of Anne French days, the milk is exactly like that in texture although it’s more luxurious in ingredients. Odile Lecoin definitely feels like a proper French skin care range – attention to detail, luxurious packaging, simplicity done beautifully… if that sounds up your rue, you can get a sample set of 7 products for £3 HERE (free delivery) and I would suggest that you do. It allows you to get to know the range at your own pace – please do feed back if you find something you love. I’d like to see more personality from this brand – at the moment it’s lying a little flat for me but I do like that balm!