Our tips for making back to school more pleasant!

Make a smooth transition back to reality.

Whether your vacation just ended or it’s been over for a while, September means going back to reality for many of us. It’s the perfect opportunity to get your daily life back in order!

Sooner or later, vacation comes to an end. Your pace of life will change, along with your sleep schedule and meal times, then it’s back to stress and strain! Today we’re bringing you our advice on how to make this transition a bit easier, because once you get yourself organized, you’ll actually find it’s a super beneficial time of year.

Tip #1: expect to go through an adjustment period...

...especially for your sleep schedule! During vacation, we get into the habit of going to bed later and not setting an alarm for the morning. When transitioning back into everyday life, you need to get back into your normal rhythm. So you’re not just rolling out of bed the day you go back to work or school, you can start setting your alarm a half hour earlier around 5 days before D-day. By getting up earlier, you’ll inevitably be a bit more tired at night, and that will let you get back into the swing of things smoothly. If you have trouble falling asleep, put your phone down and read a few pages of a book.

 

Tip #2: adapt your routine - Oily Skin

Meant to detoxify, purify and mattify your skin, this kit will ensure that you enter the new school year looking and feeling your best! In this kit, you will find:

  • Zero Blemish Moisturizing Gel Cream: With its fresh and light texture, this cream tightens pores, mattifies skin and refines skin texture.
  • Purifying Scrub - Pure Menthe: Formulated with Organic Peppermint, this scrub gently exfoliates, purifies, and mattifies the skin
  • Purifying Cleansing Gel - Pure Menthe: Also formulated with Organic Peppermint, this gel flawlessly cleanses, purifies, gently rids skin of impurities, traces of makeup, and excess sebum

Adapt your routine - Hydrating skincare

For those whose skin needs a little extra hydration, the Brightening Hydrating Skincare Routine is for you! In this kit you will find:

  • Brightening Cleansing Mily Foam: Immediately, cleanses and eliminates impurities without drying out skin for a fresh and beautified complexion
  • Brightening Lotion: This lotion immediately moisturizes the skin, leaving its texture refined and evened out. In addition, it also leaves your complexion looking radiant, visibly luminous and fresh.
  • Brightening Hydrating Cream: This cream immediately moisturizes the skin leaving it mattified, brightened, even and radiant.

Tip #3: take time for yourself

Vacations are the time for relaxing and disconnecting, but nothing is forcing you to get back to your normal life at full throttle. Slowly add your everyday activities back into your schedule while still taking time for yourself. Did you enjoy meditating or stretching in the morning? Why stop? Set your alarm 10 minutes earlier to allow yourself some me-time, where your phone and e-mails have no place! Afterwards, your day can finally begin.

Likewise, you should take breaks throughout the day. 

Meals are time for yourself! Try to maximize this time to digest your food without feeling rushed. Also take other breaks throughout the day to relax and refocus. 

Tip #4: stay fit even after the summer

Over the summer, we stay more or less active; but if one thing’s for sure, it’s that we’re well rested and want to stay in shape! Regular physical exercise allows your mind to be at ease, less anxious, and sharper. You’ll have more energy to burn, which will motivate you even more to stay fit, take care of yourself, and eat healthy. 

Here are just some physical activities you can perform every day: biking, running, walking, at-home exercises, or even trying out a new sport!

 

Tip #5: stay positive.

Don’t start off the year down in the dumps! Look back on all the good times from your vacation, how you felt in those moments, and just visualize that everything will go well. Getting back to reality has its benefits: it’s an opportunity to dive into your most audacious projects, start from scratch, see your friends again, and rediscover your favorite restaurant!

Tip #6: sort through your things

Have you ever just wanted to throw everything away? Have you ever felt too cluttered, with too many things you no longer have use for?

Living in a tidy environment with just the things you need is ultra beneficial. Decluttering your home to declutter your mind and start getting back to reality is the next step on our checklist in order to make a smooth transition. In fact, feeling cluttered may be a daily source of stress and anxiety, making you less productive.

Step 1: Start sorting through your things

Start with objects that have the smallest impact on you: those that make you ask yourself “are these actually useful?” Think about whether you’ve used them within the last 6 months, for example. If you have, then keep them; if not, sell or toss them! This may be difficult at the beginning, but once you get down to it, it’s very liberating!

Step 2: The closets

Our closets are a jumble of clothes for all seasons, so much so that we don’t know which way to turn! Pluck up the courage and get rid of what you no longer wear: donate it, sell it, or throw it away! Also consider recycling your clothing.

Step 3: The bathroom

Summer is behind us, so it’s time to toss the products we no longer need, those that are expired, and those that got too much sun! Likewise, make sure you recycle your bottles when possible.

Our last tip:

Summer vacation may be over, but that doesn’t mean you need to say farewell to your healthy glow. Get inspired with our article for a perfect Back to school look!

The Perfect Gift for Secret Santa

Spoiling someone you don't know? Here is our advice

Friends, colleagues or even family, everyone gets involved. If you know what your cousin will like, but you're a little lost when it comes to your colleague... We're here to help you out!

 

Do it yourself! Simple, economical and thoughtful gift

And why not make the gift yourself? Knowing that someone took the time to make a gift for us is always a pleasure! Especially since most of the time, DIYs (do it yourself) are inexpensive and uncomplicated, but look great! Our favorite DIY idea? The chocolate cake kit! It's all about providing a customized jar full of chocolate cake ingredients, along with a recipe. Here are the steps to follow:

1 - In an airtight jar, place the ingredients of your favorite chocolate cake recipe layer by layer (don't include perishables like butter or eggs).

DIY Cake in jar

2 - To personalize and enhance the kit, decorate the jar with a ribbon or jute string.

3 - Write the steps of the recipe on a cardboard paper that you can brighten up with decorative scissors or tape. Punch a corner of the paper to pass through the ribbon or string that you will tie around the lid of the jar.

4 - To add even more deliciousness, add a candy cane between the ribbon and the jar.

And there you have it, a fool-proof gift that's so pretty, they won't even want to eat it! (In the worst case, if it turns out that the person does not like chocolate, they can always give it to their guests!)

 

 

Yves Rocher Products: Limited Christmas Edition

Looking for a ready-to-give gift at a low price? You will find your pleasure in our limited editions, Delectable Blackberry and Melting Orange. Scented candles, shower gel, hand cream, lip balm, and more! There's no shortage of ideas.

 

You'll even find beautifully packaged kits that include a hand cream and lip balm, the winning combo for winter! Whether you're looking for gift ideas for her or for him, this one works for both!

Frames, photo collages: you can't get more personalized than this!

A photo frame or a photo collage is always appreciated, especially being in the age of digital photography, we don't often take the time to print our photos. It's always nice to look back at your photos and remember the good times you shared. This type of gift is very sentimental and shows how much you appreciate the person.

Can't see to find any photos of a past event with the person you want to spoil? No problem, we have the solution for you! Ask your loved ones to send you some photos of moments spent with friends, family or landscapes from their travels if you are afraid of intruding too much into their private life.

Secret Santa image

And you, what are your tips for giving a gift that is sure to please? Tell us in comments!

Which Monoi oil to choose?

Don’t know which oil to choose? We’re here to help!

Interested in Monoi but don’t know which oil to choose? We’re here to explain everything!

Monoi, the star of the summer

Don’t you just love it? We do too, and that’s why Monoi has been everyone’s favorite line for years! Known for its intoxicating scent, it's often associated with the sun and tanning. Sweeping you away to a dreamy beach isn’t its only benefit.

Thanks to nourishing coconut oil, it leaves your skin so much softer and supple, and nothing is stopping you from using it all year long. Great news for Monoi lovers who want to feel like they’re on vacation!

Monoi is also excellent for your hair. It suits all hair types and helps protect it when you go swimming: just apply a bit of oil to your ends and lengths beforehand.

But be careful: Monoi oil doesn’t contain a sunscreen. It can enhance your tan but doesn’t protect against UV rays. So make sure you always wear sunscreen to protect your skin.  

Traditional nourishing oil? Moisturizing dry oil? Which one to choose?

Now that you know about the many ways you can use Monoi, it’s time to choose which oil suits you best! Nourishing oil or dry oil? The choice is not that easy to make...

Do you like rather lightoils that not only moisturize your skin without leaving a greasy film behind but also enhance your tan? Then the Multi-Purpose Moisturizing Dry Oil is for you. Its spray nozzle helps leave a fine, nourishing film on your skin. You can also easily apply on your hair for soft, shiny strands.

On the other hand, if you prefer richer oils that provide your skin with much more intense moisture, go for the Traditional Nourishing Oil. With its formula composed of 97% Tahitian Monoi, it softens skin and leaves it delicately scented.  

What’s your favorite oil? Tell us in the comments!

How can you take care of sensitive skin?

The new Sensitive Chamomile range for sensitive skin

Making your skin less sensitive isn’t impossible! Discover our tips to preserve your sensitive skin, especially with our new Sensitive Chamomile range.

How can I know if my skin is sensitive?

Itching, redness or tightness... You are daily affected by a feeling of skin discomfort, the characteristic sign of sensitive skin.

Your skin may naturally be more delicate but climate change, pollution, the use of non-adapted cosmetic products or even hormonal variation can also affect the skin’s barrier and make skin more reactive.

No matter how strong you are, your sensitive skin deserves adapted skincare products to make it more resistant.

 

Sensitive skin: we’re getting stronger!

To reduce skin sensitivity, boost its defenses and repair mechanisms, Yves Rocher has you in mind! You no longer need to suffer with sensitive skin, take action with our new Sensitive Chamomile range.

A duo of 100% plant-based extract ingredients from Wild Chamomile, hydrosol and oleate, characterizes the range. This double extract is at the heart of highly natural and sensorial formulas for an innovative efficiency on sensitive skins. The hydrosol reduces the skin’s sensitivity by 28% and the oleate boosts the skin's defenses by 25% and its repair mechanisms by 30%.

This guarantees all the comfort your skin deserves and the range contains no silicone, alcohol, fragrance or mineral oils and is made from more than 97% ingredients of natural origin.

Embrace a 100% Chamomile beauty routine

 1. Gently cleanses your skin

To be used at the start of your routine, the Cleansing Cream gently cleanses the skin without drying it out while effectively cleaning it. Apply by massaging with your fingertips onto dry skin, eyes and lips, then rinse off.

To remove even the most stubborn traces of make-up (including waterproof), favour the Cleansing Oil with its non-greasy finish which soothes and nourishes the skin. For a really deep cleanse, make sure to massage the oil after it has been applied onto your dry face and add water to emulsify before rinsing.

If you prefer to use a cotton pad, use the Micellar Water to clean and remove make-up and impurities in single stroke. 

2.Normal skin is soothed and hydrated:

Choose the Soothing Light Cream to relieve tightness and redness. After a month of use in the morning and at night, you will be pleased to see your skin is reinforced and less reactive.
You will also enjoy the comforting and natural fragrance of chamomile and its light texture which absorbs quickly.

3. In case of redness, skin is unified:

The Corrective Green Cream corrects and reduces redness thanks to its green color while hydrating the skin. After a month of use, your skin is reinforced and less sensitive.
You can apply in the morning on its own on the entire face or apply locally to red spots on top of your usual day cream.
And that’s it, thanks to this routine, you are able to strengthen your skin!

So what do you think of our new Sensitive Chamomile range? Are you ready to strengthen your skin? Tell us in the comments!

Monsieur Yves Rocher’s Story

A True Visionary and Lover of Nature

Yves Rocher : a man with lots of different sides ! His love for nature since its childhood, its visionary spirit… We tell you everything !

A pioneer

Yves Rocher. This famous name is not only that of an authentic brand, it’s also the name of a man with a personal and non-conformist vision. Before becoming the industry expert we know today, he started life as a small boy from Rue Saint-Vincent in La Gacilly, Brittany.

His vision of beauty which started 60 years ago is still incredibly relevant today. By inviting women to “stay true to themselves” and reconnect with nature, he established the foundations of the Yves Rocher brand. As he said: “Whether we’re young or old, it’s still our main reason for living. And that hasn’t changed over time.” He accredits his success to his Breton tenacity, visionary spirit and to the natural world which has greatly inspired him.
He said besides : “The more science advances, the more it gives reason to nature”.

Breton roots in La Gacilly

On April 7, 1930, Yves Rocher was born in the small village of La Gacilly in Brittany. His father was a milliner and his boutique was located on the ground floor of their home, from where Yves Rocher’s strong sales instinct was born.
Having poor health as a child, his parents decided to homeschool. He had a carefree an happy childhood with his older sister and spent his time playing on the moors of La Gacilly and in the Brocéliande forest.

At the age of 14, he was forced to overcome the terrible loss of his father, which led him to seek refuge in the woods each day where he found comfort. It was a that time that Yves Rocher became aware of the positive impact nature can have on our well-being.

The beginnings of Botanical Beauty

At the start of the 1950s, a healer from the neighboring village revealed to Yves Rocher the secrets of a product using a base of ficaria verna roots, which have healing properties to treat varicose veins. From these roots, he concocted a cream and discovered that it worked well. After that, he started to make this cream in his mother’s kitchen. Many people began to complain, particularly the pharmacists and Yves Rocher regularly found himself summoned in front of tribunals. But nothing stood in the way of his tenacity, quite the contrary in fact as he became even more motivated.
Over time, this famous cream became a must-have for the people of neighboring villages, Yves Rocher delivered great quantities to them, and that was only the beginning...

Lacking the space and means, but not the motivation, Yves Rocher took the lead in conquering the country. His idea was to sell his cream by post through publishing advertisements in the national press. His success continued to grow!

 

Beauty accessible to all

Yves Rocher no longer wanted to be limited to just one cream. An idea came to mind: make beauty accessible to every woman! Accessible in terms of price, but above all accessible throughout France, as women in the countryside wanted to take care of themselves just as much as those in the city.

A first Chamomile cream came to life – a flower with soothing and softening properties. This time, it was cosmetic, so the pharmacists would no longer pose a challenge.
Yves Rocher then worked on the “Green Paper for Beauty”, in which he expressed his beauty vision for every woman, regardless of age, origin or social status. He invited women to stay “true” to themselves.

La Gacilly, an enduring legacy

Everything began in La Gacilly, Brittany.

50 years ago, La Gacilly was starting to die as a result of urban migration. But thanks to Yves Rocher’s attachment to his village, the whole region’s economy was reboosted.

Yves Rocher promised to give La Gacilly a new lease of life to honor the memory of his father. The more the company developed, the more the village prospered. Jobs were created, while Yves Rocher also wanted to become involved elsewhere. He stood for the local elections and became mayor of his village.
This political engagement allowed him to become general and regional councilor in order to work for La Gacilly, its inhabitants, heritage and biodiversity.

The first Yves Rocher boutique was opened at 43 Boulevard Haussmann in Paris. The brand continued to grow and La Gacilly opened its site with 300 employees.

Foundations embedded within the brand

Although Yves Rocher passed away on December 26, 2009, his work and love for nature shines brighter than ever across the brand.

Despite constantly developing, there are unchanging foundations to which the brand will always stay true: values which respect the world around us as well as a unique vision of beauty.

So, what do you think of this story? Tell us in the comments!

Mini hair masks, maximum care!

(Re)discover our hair masks in their mini size!

Do you like our Hair Cream masks? You will love our mini format so they can be taken with you anywhere. Let us introduce them!

Find the treatment that’s right for you!

This collection of mini expert treatments covers 5 hair needs: repairs, nourishes, protects color, purifies and detoxifies the scalp.

No more excuses for not regularly taking care of your hair from the roots to the ends thanks to this 35ml travel format! You can also try masks for the first time without breaking the bank.

Discover different textures: ultra-melting, clay, balm and cream; there’s something for everyone!

Plant-based active ingredients selected with care

Moringa seeds for their purifying properties

Want to detoxify your scalp? Choose the Anti-Pollution Oxygenating Scrub with Moringa seeds formed from peptides than can capture pollution particulates.

Nettle extract for its ability to eliminate excess sebum

To purify a greasy scalp and rediscover silky smooth and bouncy hair, we recommend the Purity Absorbing Mask with a base of Nettle extract, known for its anti-seborrheic properties that prevent the hair from becoming greasy too quickly. As a result, your hair is permanently free from excess sebum and can breathe again.

 

Restorative Jojoba oil

Naturally rich in fatty acid, the Jojoba oil has rebuidling proprieties for the hair fiber. Hair are deeply repaired and are more resistant.

Avocado oil for its nourishing action

The 2-in-1 Nutrition Cream Mask with Avocado Oil is perfect for dry hair. Concentrated in essential lipids, avocado oil has a double-action effect on the hair: it provides the essential nutrients to rebalance the fiber and enables to fight against its dryness.

Acai pulp rich in antioxidants

To protect colored hair, use the 2-in-1 Color Cream with Acai pulp. The Acai berry is a super fruit whose pulp, rich in antioxidant, enables to protect the hair from external damages (pollution, UV...).

2-in-1 masks?

Is it better to use before or after shampoo? Our repair, nourishing and color masks adapt to all your needs! Before using your shampoo, apply on dry or damp hair and leave on for 10 minutes. After shampooing, apply on wet hair and leave on for 3 minutes.

For maximum effectiveness, apply the anti-pollution scrub and the purity absorbing mask 1 to 2 times a week before your shampoo.

So, you admit it’s hard to resist this stunning collection of masks!

Are you ready to try these mini-masks? Tell us in the comments!

A committed year at Yves Rocher

Learn about the commitments we hold dear at Yves Rocher

Learn about the commitments we hold dear at Yves Rocher

Botanical Beauty, a unique bond with nature

The creator of Botanical Beauty since 1959, Yves Rocher hand-picks ingredients and strives to continuously offer greener formulas. 2020 is no exception! From carefully selected botanical extracts ingredients to formulas that are cleaner for the environment and your skin, here’s what you need to know.

To create formulas that combine effectiveness, naturalness, and a sensory experience, we start by selecting good ingredients; that’s why 81% of our ingredients are of natural origin, and 100% of our active ingredients are botanical!

And we’ve even taken it a step further: we exclude 300 ingredients in addition to the 1,300 already prohibited by European regulations. For example:
- In 2010, we removed all silicones that are not easily biodegradable from our shampoos.
- In 2018, polyethylene micro-beads were removed from our scrubs and exfoliants, two years before they were banned by legislation.
- In 2019, we removed polymers that are not easily biodegradable from all of our hair products.
- 100% of our shower gels and shampoos are easily biodegradable.

 

Our botanical sources, the heart and soul of La Gacilly

When we talk about commitment, we don't do things by halves. The village of La Gacilly, in Brittany, France, continues to be a strategic location for Yves Rocher, which grows its eight emblematic plants (Calendula, Cornflower, German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Arnica, Mallow, Edulis, and Glacier Lettuce) throughout 60 hectares of certified organic fields.

The maintenance, and even the improvement, of soil health, the ecosystems, and people is guaranteed, and this balance allows the plants grown to be even stronger! These eight signature plants are used in over 30% of our formulas.

The remainder of our botanical ingredients come from all over the world. We select them from partners who share our values and pay great attention to the realities in the field in order to ensure decent working and living conditions for the local communities, as well as fair pay. 

Dominique Rolland

What about the manufacturing and packaging of our products? 

After talking about harvests and elaborate formulas, it’s time to take a look at the packaging of our products. For example, 93% of our PET bottles contain recycled plastic, which saved over 424 tons of plastic in 2018. We prefer to use it in as many products as possible for a more significant impact rather than focusing our efforts on one specific range. And we’re also thinking about the long-term, as we’ve committed to reducing the amount of plastic used in our packaging and to have 100% recyclable and recycled plastic by 2025.

Additionally, in our factories, we are reducing our water and energy consumption and are also investing in renewable energy. More importantly though, the circular economy is what is guiding our thought process. For example, we have implemented a test system to reuse cardboard from our factories to create holiday gift boxes.

Our commitment is also to society

Commitment is also a social value: the Yves Rocher Foundation, of which Yves Rocher has been the leading sponsor since 1991, has given rise to two programs that have seen great success.
After 12 years, the first program, Plant for the Planet, will reach its goal this year of planting 100 million trees throughout the world with the help of 30 NGO partners.
The second program, the Terre de Femmes Award, rewards several women from across the globe each year to thank them, honor them, and support them in their projects to protect the environment and safeguard the planet. Nearly 430 women have already been awarded over the last 18 years.

Commitment means something when words are put into actions—we're the proof. 2020 will, once again, be a year devoted to commitment, as many others were before it and many will be after.

What kind of commitments have you made?

My beauty calendar to brave the winter

The beauty and skincare must-haves for the season!

What make-up and skincare are must-haves this winter? Here are our picks for January, February, and March.

 

JANUARY

Okay, you admit you went a little overboard during the holidays... and you had every right! But now that it’s time for resolutions, you want to get back on track, and that starts by detoxing your skin.
  • First, exfoliate your face and body at least once a week to smooth the skin's texture, remove dead skin cells, and allow the skin to renew itself. To top it off, apply a mask every week. There’s a mask for every need: purifying, hydrating, soothing...
  • To cleanse your skin daily, use the Waterproof Cleansing Oil – Anti-pollution + Detox, which eliminates the tiniest pollution particles and removes stubborn make-up.
  • And don't hesitate to treat yourself to a Detox Treatment with Edulis and Aloe Vera at the spa. Your skin will be gently exfoliated under steam, blackheads will be extracted, and a detoxifying, moisturizing mask will be applied.

A make-up must-have for the month? Bronzer to warm up the complexion. Apply it to the forehead, cheekbones, chin, and neck.

Our well-being tip for January: Adopt the Hygge lifestyle philosophy to be constantly cozy and to live more peacefully.

FEBRUARY

Heating, cold wind, low temperatures, low humidity... it's the middle of winter, alright! All of these factors stress the skin and dry it out. And don’t forget, your hair is taking a beating, too...
  • Opt for a cleansing milk, which is less drying than a micellar water. Of course, moisturize your skin using a body and face lotion; and don’t forget to apply a hand cream and lip balm morning and night.
  • Your hair is also weakened by the winter cold, therefore it needs to be strengthened with a fortifying Repair Shampoo.

As for make-up, a complexion corrector is a must-have to correct imperfections. Anti-Redness, Anti-Blue Circles, Anti-Dark Circles, Yellowish Skintone: there’s a corrector in every color.
Don't be afraid to also add a touch of color to your lips and cheeks.

February’s added bonus? Take advantage of your time spent warm indoors to test recipes with anti-aging foods. (Re)discover our article on foods rich in anti-oxidants that will help fight against sagging skin.

 

MARCH

The end of winter is almost here... Hang in there! Opt for energy boosting products to hold out until spring.
  • Choose shower gels loaded with energizing benefits. Raspberry Peppermint, Pomegranate Pink Peppercorn, or Mango Cilantro: there are plenty of options for a revitalizing shower.
  • Also consider applying a toning lotion morning and night to restore radiance and tone to the skin and prep it for any treatments.
  • As for make-up, don’t forget your eyebrows! They are crucial to defining your eyes and structuring your face. Ask a professional for tips to find the brow shape that suits you best. Tweeze your brows, brush them, and use the Eyebrow Pencil. Apply the Eyebrow Mascara to set them in place.

Our last recommendation for the month? The temperatures are rising, which is even more of an excuse to put on your sneakers and go for a run, ride your bike, or just simply walk.

Come back in the spring for another beauty calendar!

 

Did you enjoy our beauty calendar? Tell us in the comments!

Start the year in peace!

Our tips to start the year peacefully

Hello, 2020! A new decade and a new state of mind. Say goodbye to stress and hello to serenity. Here are our tips to live in harmony with yourself.

Some practices to improve your mental well-being

Meditation

Meditating involves focusing your body and your mind. Developing attention to your breath allows you to concentrate more on your body and to create a bubble sheltering you from all external disturbances. Sorting your thoughts therefore also becomes easier. The idea is to shine a light on those that are positive. But contrary to popular belief, we should not escape our problems and push away the negative vibes that assail us daily. Rather, we should look to identify them, understand why they worry you, and try to find a way to better live with them. 

There is no magic formula for meditation! Every practice reconnects us with our inner self and is therefore specific to each individual. It’s up to you to discover whether you prefer meditating in the morning or evening, seated on the ground or on your bed. Some people even meditate on public transportation! 

Starting isn't necessarily easy, but there are plenty of workshops, podcasts, and apps such as Petit Bambou that can help you get started. The key to success: practice as regularly as possible!

Yoga

If you're an avid reader of Act Beautiful, you know that we love to talk about the benefits of yoga. At the beginning of this new year, we can’t help but repeat ourselves: yoga is super beneficial! 

Anti-stress coloring

Coloring isn’t just for kids! Quite the opposite, actually: it has been proven that artistic expression is an excellent way to take your mind off things and relax when you’re worried. Anti-stress coloring books helps adults emotionally let go, as it allows them to focus on a particular activity and disconnect from the outside world. Whether mandalas, landscapes or more complex and detailed patterns, choose the coloring book that inspires you and unleash your creativity!

Get organized with a bullet journal and achieve better peace of mind

A bullet journal, or “bujo,” is an infinitely customizable notebook that helps you organize your everyday life. Invented by Ryder Caroll, an American designer, a bujo is a great solution to better plan your meetings, set goals, improve your productivity, and just not forget anything in general. Unlike traditional agendas, the bullet journal method consists of starting with a blank notebook and filling it according to your needs so that it best suits you. Whether monthly, weekly, or daily, you can plan according to your preferences!

Bujos also help with personal development. In fact, you can incorporate different tracking systems, such as a mood tracker or habit tracker. Associate a color with a mood (happy, stressed, productive) or a habit (sleep 8 hours, exercise, read) and mark down your colors each night. Did you work out once a week like you wanted? Were you able to stay less stressed this month? Trackers provide easy answers to these questions and help you meet the goals you’ve set.

Feel free to decorate and draw in your bujo to make it your own! Take a look on social media: bullet journal aficionados explain how to maximize your bujo and provide plenty of tips to liven it up!

 

Share your tips on starting the year in a positive way with us in the comments!

Thank you Mother Nature!

We're enjoying Nature's benefits and beauty on a daily basis.

Here at Yves Rocher, we've decided the theme of this year's holiday season is Nature, as we're convinced that it is the most precious gift of all.

Nature allows us to connect both with ourselves and with others, to appreciate the simpler things in life, like delicate snowflakes or the scent of pine needles.

For Christmas 2019, Yves Rocher is paying tribute to Mother Nature, our daily gift to all of you!

Nature is the source of several benefits

A stroll in the forest

Fancy an escape from the everyday stress and polluted air of the city? Need a break from technology? There's nothing better than a long walk in the woods to unwind and take the time to appreciate Nature's true beauty. "Forest bathing" or "Shinrin-yoku" as it's known in Japan, is a popular pass time in this Land of the Rising Sun, and is recognized in local medicine for its calming effects.

To get the most out of this experience, it's recommended that you walk slowly in order to awaken all of the senses. Slowly connect with Nature and focus on nothing but the natural sounds surrounding you. Take some time to observe the colors around you, especially if you're there in fall. Pay particular attention to shades of green, brown and yellow. Listen out carefully for birdsong and breath in the smells of the forest, like damp leaves or tree sap. Be guided by Nature and slowly return to a state of total tranquility. 

Become a tree hugger

If you're too busy to take a walk in a forest or don't live near enough to one, "tree hugging" is just as effective in relieving stress! Choose a tree that you find inspiring, ideally in a quiet place so that you won't be disturbed. Close your eyes and wrap your arms around the tree's trunk. Run your fingers over the bark and feel its warmth with your palms. Take a moment to appreciate the tree's silent presence and its comforting and invigorating energy.

Listen to the sound of water

We don't tend to think about it, but this natural method of relaxation can be very effective. We're often confronted with stressful and unnatural noises in our everyday lives, from car horns in traffic to phones ringing at the office. So, listening to the sound of running water allows us to reconnect with Nature. Our bodies remind us that we have always had a deep connection to these natural elements and this improves our wellbeing. Nature's sounds are in fact used often in relaxation and meditation sessions.

 

5 places across the globe where Nature is the most precious gift of all:

We're taking you to 5 incredible natural spots that highlight Nature's true beauty.

Taiga (Northern Canada and Russia, Scandinavia and Eastern Siberia)

Taiga or boreal forest is a natural wonder due to its size and rich biodiversity. Conifers (firs, pines, spruces) and deciduous trees (birch and alder) stretch across nearly 4000 miles from Scandinavia to Eastern Siberia and Northern Russia. This forest also takes up over 2000 miles of the Canadian Arctic, and requires constant protection and vigilance as it represents a third of the Earth's forest surface.

 

 

Shibazakura Fields (Japan)

Between mid-April and the beginning of May, Mount Fuji is covered by 800,000 shibazakura or moss phlox. Pink, purple and white flowers are scattered across Japan's highest point. These flowers are an important part of Japanese culture. Each year, this spectacular site hosts one of the biggest flower festivals in Japan.

Tianzi Mountains in Zhangjiajie (China)

The Zhangjiajie National Park in central-southern China is home to some towering limestone peaks. Some reach heights of over 4000 feet! Over time, this site has been left with a landscape that cannot be seen anywhere else on Earth. Plants have blossomed on these mountainous towers alongside a large variety of trees, shrubs, flowers and birds.

The 7 Colored Earths of Chamarel (Mauritius)

This extraordinary geological formation can be found in southern Mauritius, near the village of Chamarel. 7 nuances of colors run through these sand dunes that are rich in volcanic ash and minerals, including brown, ocher, pink, purple and orange. The phenomenon is both impressive and confusing as the colors are only separated for a few hours a day!

 

 

The Amazon Rainforest (South America) 

This tropical forest, situated in the Amazonian region of South America is spread across eight countries, including Brazil, Bolivia and Colombia. Rich and diverse flora characterize this forest, which holds over 50,000 species of trees (ancient trees, fruit trees) and 40,000 species of plants (vines, brightly colored heliconia and several medicinal plants).

What is your relationship like with Nature? Let us know in the comments!

TOP 10 festive feel good movies

Cult films for those snug moments in the run up to Christmas!

As the days are getting shorter and colder, there's nothing better than having a cozy night in and watching one of your favorite movies.

Christmas movies are a sure fire way to make you smile during this festive season! Here is a non-exhaustive list of what we'll be watching to get cozy!

Love Actually  (2003)

Love actually is, all around this Christmas Eve, but it's often unpredictable... For the new British Prime Minister, it comes in the form of a young colleague. For a broken-hearted writer, it will emerge from a lake. For the best man at his best friend's wedding, for a widow and his step-son, for a young woman infatuated with her colleague; love is the dream, but also the source of a whole host of complications.

With Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Andrew Lincoln!

 

Silver Linings Playbook  (2012)

Pat, suffering from bipolar disorder, has lost everything: his wife, his job and his home. Tiffany is a young, depressed widow living a very turbulent life. This meeting of two strong personalities has explosive yet moving consequences, which are often comical. How will their relationship evolve? Life has some surprises in store for them... This feature film also sheds some light on a still unknown mental illness: bipolar disorder.

Jennifer Lawrence received the Best Actress Oscar for her performance and stars alongside Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro.

 

Eat, Pray, Love (2010) 

At 31 years old, Elizabeth Gilbert seemingly has everything she needs to be happy: an attentive husband, a comfortable home life and a promising career. Despite all of this, there's something missing, Liz constantly doubts herself and just can't seem to enjoy life. The divorce and depression that follows push her to drop everything for a solo voyage to Italy, India and Bali. Will she find happiness in the various encounters and adventures that shape her journey?

This film is based on an autobiographical novel by Elizabeth Gilbert. This woman, played by Julia Roberts, inspires us with her courage, by daring to turn her life upside down in search of fulfillment. It's worth mentioning that Javier Bardem also stars in this film!

 

 

Once Upon a Forest (2013)

 A documentary in a list of feel good movies? This may seem an unusual choice! But, we're convinced this film will put a smile on your face. Immerse yourself into the very heart of forest life, discover how these tropical forests are born and follow their journey as they flourish over 7 centuries. You'll also find out more about the connection between plants and animals, all in a soothing setting.

After his initial success with March of the Penguins, director Luc Jacquet shows us wonderful landscapes that allow us to reconnect with Nature, something that is all too often forgotten and neglected.

 

 

 Merry Christmas (2005)

 It's summer in 1914, and World War I has just broken out. As time goes by, snow settles on the front line. Christmas festivities begin and in a surprising twist, if only for a few moments, weapons are laid down and soldiers from both sides join together to shake hands, exchange cigarettes and chocolate and wish one another "Joyeux Noël", "Frohe Weihnachten" and "Merry Christmas". A moving and heartwarming French film inspired by a true story.

With Diane Kruger, Benno Fürmann, Guillaume Canet and Gary Lewis!

 

 

 Home Alone (1990)

The entire McCallister family is heading to Paris for the Christmas holidays. The vacation starts off well until Kate and Peter realize that their youngest son Kevin isn't with them on the plane! Despite the initial panic, the youngest member of the family gets by as best he can, although the arrival of two burglars doesn't help! Thanks to his smart tricks and hilarious booby traps, Kevin successfully screws up the burglars' plans. A fun family comedy!

Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesco and Daniel Stern will have you laughing your head off!

 

  The Holiday (2006)

This dramatic comedy tells the story of American Amanda and English Iris, both fed up of men, who decide to exchange homes for the holiday period despite never having met one another. Initially organized as an escape from the male population, the arrival of Iris' brother in Amanda's life and a composer named Miles quickly disrupt their plans.

Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black all star.

 

 

 

 Untouchable (2011)

Philippe, who was left quadriplegic after a paragliding accident, hires Driss as his home caregiver. They have absolutely nothing in common. Philippe is a rich aristocrat; Driss lives a far less comfortable life after recently getting out of prison. Their working relationship is pretty complicated at first... Their interests, their habits and their lifestyles are constantly clashing! Who knew that this meeting would be the start of a beautiful friendship?

François Cluzet and Omar Sy's on-screen relationship is sheer perfection, and brings lots of laughs with it. This French film is full of humanity and raises awareness of disability.

 

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

THE romantic comedy that you can't miss to feel good this festive season. After Harry and Sally's brief and confrontational first meeting, it's highly unlikely they'll ever see each other again. But, 5 years later, they bump into one another at the airport, both engaged and no wiser than the last time they met. 5 years after that, Harry and Sally meet once again. This time, in a bookshop. Now both single, their loneliness brings them naturally closer as they develop a close and lasting friendship, but could they ever be more than friends?

Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal embody this iconic and cult couple whose popularity spans across entire generations. 

 

 

The King's Speech (2010)

Why not include a period film to finish off this list? In this feature film, we watch the incredibly touching and little-known true story of Queen Elizabeth II's father, who was obliged to become the King of England following his older brother's abdication. George VI struggled with a stammer and had difficulties making speeches in public. His wife, along with the unorthodox methods of his speech therapist, help him to assume his responsibilities as King during the Second World War.

Colin Firth majestically plays the part of George VI and acts alongside Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter. A film about an extraordinary man who inspires us to overcome our difficulties! 

What's your favorite feel good movie? Let us know in the comments!

Body Scrub Tutorial: Objective – Soft Skin!

Our tips for soft, smooth skin.

Adopt a body scrub routine for soft, smooth skin, free of dead skin cells.Exfoliate, renew, hydrate, refresh your skin!

1/

Exfoliation

Say goodbye to imperfections and dead skin cells with exfoliation!


Take a dollop of Botanical Scrub with apricot stone powder, a 100% natural exfoliant. Then scrub your entire body using circular motions from top to bottom, towards the heart, to stimulate your circulation and promote drainage. Sweet tooth? Choose fruity scrubs such as Vanilla Bourbon, Mandarin, Lemon and Cedar, Coconut... There’s something for every taste! Need nourishing? Exfoliant Oriental, velvety skin in the Turkish bath tradition, allows your skin to be exfoliated and nourished at the same time thanks to argan oil and Moroccan clay. Need more softness? The Konjac body sponge, a 100% natural fiber, leaves you with baby-soft skin thanks to its gentle exfoliant action.
Intrigued?

 

More intensity? For deeper exfoliation, an Exfoliating Glove may be used prior to a scrub.

2/

Remove rough patches

Certain areas such as the elbows, knees and feet need more attention. For deeper exfoliation, make small circles then rinse thoroughly with water. For the feet, our Polishing Foot Scrub enriched with essential lavender and peppermint oils can be used once or twice a week. Your feet will be soft and smooth!

 

Your hands also need to be pampered from time to time. Twice a week apply our Exfoliating Nail Treatment with apricot stone powder and argan oil, to gently scrub your nails and hands to smooth and soften them.

 

Focus on the legs: The scrub will be your best ally for the legs of a goddess, soft and smooth, without unsightly hair. You can also add Hair Regrowth Inhibitor Moisturizing Foam to your skincare regime: it hydrates your skin while slowing hair regrowth, which will be less dense thanks to skullcap root.

 

3/

Soothe your skin

After all these intense steps, your skin needs softness and soothing!


Nothing works better than Moisturizing Lotion for normal to dry skin, rich in aloe vera. Apply to your entire body moving toward your heart to calm and protect your skin.

How often should I exfoliate?

 It all depends on your scrub. Exfoliating Shower Gel or Exfoliating Soap, considered to be gentler, may be used every day, same for the Konjac body sponge! For more intense exfoliation, such as with our apricot powder Botanical Scrub, once or twice a week should suffice! Your skin will be prepped and magnificent!

Share with us your new routine!

Sensitive skin? This range is made for you

Have you already considered organic Witch Hazel for your sensitive skin?

When we talk about sensitive skin, we naturally think about the face, but what about the body?

It shouldn't be neglected, as it also needs targeted care to stay comfortable and beautiful. Once again, we’ve got you covered... (re)discover the Hamamelis line and its Witch Hazel-infused formulas specially designed to meet the needs of sensitive skin!

What is sensitive skin?

 Sensitive skin manifests itself through different clinical signs and a general sensation of skin discomfort. Tightness, itching, and redness are the results of unbalanced biological mechanisms in the skin and a change in the skin barrier.
Skin sensitivity can be explained by its very nature (it may naturally be more fragile), but may also be the result of exposure to certain factors: changes in temperature, pollution, stress... In an increasingly urban environment, our skin is exposed to external aggressors every day. Our way of life is also a factor: excessive hygiene can, for example, alter the skin microbiota, which helps maintain our skin's natural balance.
It is therefore recommended you adjust your beauty routine to prevent your skin from dealing with these issues on the daily.

A new sensitive skin range

The Yves Rocher body care line contains organic Witch Hazel extract. This botanical active ingredient was selected by our Botanical Beauty scientists for its soothing, softening properties on the skin. It improves its barrier function by stimulating the synthesis of lipids, essential components of the hydrolipidic film. Its added bonus? It respects the skin’s microbiota, providing additional comfort for sensitive skin. We have therefore chosen to incorporate it into the three key products from our new range: a shower gel, a cleansing shower cream, and a hydrating milk.

To best meet the needs of your skin, it’s not just about following the proper routine; using cleansing products that respect your skin is just as important. Designed for the whole family, choose the sulfate-free* Super-Soft Shower Gel, which gently cleanses and instantly soothes sensitive skin.
Do you have extra sensitive skin? We have just what you need: the non-foaming Low Shower Shower Cream is the best cleansing product for sensitive skin. Thanks to its melting sulfate-free* formula composed of botanical oils, it nourishes the skin while in the shower.
Finally, you should moisturize your skin immediately after the shower with a milk. The Soothing Milk for face and body instantly soothes and hydrates. The bonus? It respects sensitive skin types and can be applied daily to the face and body. It’s even suitable for children aged 3 years and up!

*No sulfonated surfactants

 Witch Hazel: the star ingredient of this range 

Native to the United States, our Witch Hazel has been grown organically by our partner for over 20 years. They have an innovative growing process for Europe, with the utmost respect for the plant.

Already eager to try out the range? Tell us your favorite product in the comments!

How to choose the right foundation shade

Feeling lost with so many choices? We’re here to help!

Feeling lost with so many foundation choices? Don't know which shade to choose for your skin tone?

We’re here to help you select the best shade and avoid a white mask or orange complexion!

Before getting started, here are some general rules of thumb: 

Don’t bother choosing a darker shade to achieve a bronzed look: there will be an ugly line of demarcation between your face and neck. If you want to create a healthy glow, apply a bit of bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, on the temples, and under the jaw for a sun-kissed look, guaranteed! You can also add a touch of blush.

Don’t select a shade that's too light thinking that it will give you a more radiant complexion; on the contrary, you’ll create a mask-like effect. If you want to add a luminous touch to your skin, apply the Highlighter Duo to the tops of the cheekbones, the brow bone, the tip of the nose, and the Cupid's bow for a gorgeous glow!

Now let’s get down to business: determining your skin tone. To do so, you really need to get to know it.

 

 Don't know it? No worries, we’re here to help. Don't know it? No worries, we’re here to help.

 

Voici les 4 familles de teint :

  • Pink : Your skin is fair... like, REALLY FAIR. The sun is not your friend: you get burned. No fun. Yes, your undertone is pink! You also fall into this category if your skin isn’t fair, but you deal with redness every day.
  • Beige : Your skin is in the medium range. What? Me? Medium? If a few days in the sun is all you need for a beautiful summer tan, then there’s no doubt about it: you’re on team beige!
  • Golden : Your skin has a naturally olive tone. One day in the sun and you already have a gorgeous bronzed glow. JEALOUS. If this is the case, you fall into the golden category.
  • Brown : Are you mixed or black with dark hair? Then you’re lucky, as you’re more likely to be spared from signs of sun-related skin aging. Flawless skin is almost yours!

Once you’ve figured out your complexion family, all you need to do is find the correct shade within that family.

They are ordered by intensity: the higher the number, the darker the shade will be. Golden 100 is the lightest of the golden tones and Golden 400 is the darkest

 

And to be sure, we strongly recommend you test it in store by applying the product along your jaw to ensure the shade matches your skin perfectly; don't test it on your hand, as it is usually darker than your face.  In fact, there’s nothing better than actually testing it out in real life. Our beauty advisors are also available to guide you!

 

Do you have any other tips to find the perfect foundation shade?

Agave: the new star plant of our haircare products!

Straight from Mexico, Agave is great for your hair: here’s why.

Straight from Mexico, Agave is great for your hair: here’s why.

Native to Mexico and capable of spanning 6.5 feet, Blue Agave owes its name to the color of its leaves. This plant is used in both food and cosmetics. At Yves Rocher, we use Agave as an active ingredient, particularly in our haircare line. Want to learn more about this plant? Here we explain how we harvest it and more.

Blue Agave identity sheet  

We source our Blue Agave fructans from Mexico, their native land. Suited to arid and semi-arid climates, Agave possesses the ability to build up energy reserves in its pulpy heart in the form of sugars, called fructans. The time between planting and harvesting can span anywhere between 8 to 12 years, a period farmers take care of the crop to promote its growth. During this stage, the “heart of the plant” slowly loads up with fructans, which facilitate its development, growth, and tolerance to extreme weather conditions.
When the concentration of fructans is at its maximum, the leaves are removed and the center, called the “piña” (which means “pineapple” in Spanish, due to its resemblance to the fruit), is harvested in order to extract the fructans.

What benefits does it have in cosmetics?

Our Botanical Beauty researchers have unlocked the secret of Agave Tequilana's vast store of fructans, which are a powerful source of energy for the plant. Agave fructans have never been used before as an active cosmetic ingredient. They work where the hair gets all its strength: right in the scalp itself. The roots are better nourished and the hair grows in stronger and more beautiful.  Luckily for you, this active ingredient is present in all of our haircare products!

 Did you know? 

The most widespread and iconic use of this plant is in the production of tequila. After growing for about 12 years, the succulent leaves are removed from the Agave Tequilana (for tequila) or Agave Angustifolia (for mescal) plants, and the heart (the piña) is retrieved. After oven drying for a few days, the heart is crushed to extract the juice, which is then fermented. This alcoholic beverage, called “pulque” or “maguey,” produces the tequila typical of Mexico once distilled.
Agave Tequilana is also used to produce a syrup called Agave nectar. Derived from a long reduction process involving the aguamiel (the sap of the plant), this nectar is rich in fructose and used as a food substitute for refined sugar.

Now that you know all about Agave, which shampoo are you going to choose? Tell us in the comments!