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!

Our answers to all your hair questions!

Washing frequency, color care, how to prevent split ends... we explain all of the good hair habits you should be adopting!

Washing frequency, color care, how to prevent split ends... we explain all of the good hair habits you should be adopting!

1) Are 2-in-1 products as effective as two separate products?

2-in-1 products provide the advantage of saving time by combining a cleansing and care action. These products are very convenient for saving space in your suitcase, or when you live a fast-paced life and don’t have much time for yourself.
However, for the most effective results, the use of separate products with a specific purpose is recommended. Product formulas are adjusted to their use: shampoos have optimal, quick cleansing properties (they don’t need to be left on), while conditioners and masks, which are richer, require a longer amount of time in contact with the hair in order to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Our answer: Like the skin, there are several different types of hair. To keep your hair shiny and beautiful, our philosophy is simple: allow time for yourself and use the appropriate haircare products. Therefore, for an optimal result, use separate products, where each formula will have the best effect on the beauty of your hair!

 

2) What is the difference between a conditioner and a mask?

While they are both haircare products, a conditioner and a mask serve different purposes.  Conditioner is used to help detangle hair while a mask, which is richer by nature (botanical butter- and oil-based compositions), provides more concentrated, efficient care.

Our answer: a conditioner can be used after regular shampoo every day. A mask, which is richer, should be applied once or twice a week so as not to weigh down the hair fiber.

 

3) How can I take care of my color/bleaching?

Water is your hair’s best friend when it comes to ridding the fiber of impurities, but it is also one of the main factors that contributes to color fading. As you gradually wash your hair, the color becomes increasingly dull. With permanent dyes, the fiber is modified chemically, so the hair is more porous and may be weakened. You therefore need a gentle shampoo in order to not damage the fiber too much. We have specifically developed gentler, sulfate-free shampoos to meet the needs of weakened hair. To strengthen your hair and protect its color, we recommend using care products created specifically for the needs of colored hair.

Our answer: First and foremost, avoid washing too frequently, which will fade color. Use a gentle shampoo and provide the fiber with care to strengthen it. Natural protectant products are also recommended: they leave a protective film over the hair to limit color fading.

4) When should I change my shampoo? 

It is important to choose a shampoo that suits your hair type: damaged, fine, thick, straight, frizzy, oily, dry, etc. If your hair is:

- Natural (not colored): use a shampoo that maintains your hair’s health and improves its appearance.
- In an urban environment: opt for an anti-pollution range with a protective effect.
- Thin and lacking volume: avoid products that are too rich, which can weigh down your hair and produce a greasy effect.
- Dry and damaged: focus on nourishing, repairing shampoos.
- Dull but not damaged: shine/anti-pollution shampoos are for you!

We may be led to change our shampoo for several reasons: for example, the change of seasons and hormonal variations can affect sebum production in the scalp. Pollution is also an external factor that dulls the hair.
Our answer: Change your shampoo when you notice your hair is losing shine or becoming weighed down.

 

 

5) How many times a week should I wash my hair?

Your hair type plays a role in how often you should wash your hair. For example, sebum spreads more easily throughout thin hair, which tends to appear greasy more quickly. On the other hand, if your hair is thick and frizzy, sebum has a harder time traveling down the lengths; it tends to accumulate on the scalp, and therefore the lengths will be drier.
The more frequently hair is washed, the more damaged the lipidic film on the surface of the fiber will become, leaving the hair feeling dry. We therefore recommend using a gentle shampoo if you wash your hair daily.

Our answer: The first rule is to use products suited to your hair type! Then use your best judgment and choose a shampoo that will allow you to space out your washes as much as possible.

6) Can you go out with wet hair?

Healthy hair possesses a hydrophobic lipidic film on its surface and closed cuticles, which are the outermost keratin layer of the hair fiber.
When the hair gets wet, the cuticles open and the fiber swells, becoming porous and more vulnerable to external aggressors. Wet hair is therefore more exposed to external aggressors.

Our answer: It is best to make sure your hair is dry before starting off your day.

 

7) I exercise/swim in the pool several times a week; how can I protect my hair?

First and foremost, a swimming cap is the only way to limit the hair’s contact with chlorinated water, a source of aggression for the hair. In this case, the hair must be washed frequently, for which we recommend using a gentle shampoo and avoiding showers that are too hot, which can dull the hair.

Our answer: a swimming cap is a great solution for limiting the undesirable effects of chlorinated water on your hair! If you swim, consider washing your hair once out of the pool with a gentle shampoo.

 

8) Is there a difference in the way long and short hair should be cared for?

Long hair naturally suffers more damage due to its care routine, washing, drying, friction, etc. It therefore needs to be protected. Detangling products should be used to protect it against breakage; repairing treatments can be used to strengthen the ends, restore the lipidic film at the surface, and smooth the fiber’s cuticles.
But short hair deserves just as much attention. It benefits from gentle shampoos and should be protected with a conditioner or treatment once or twice per week.

Our answer: Long hair naturally needs more care than short hair, as it is more exposed to everyday aggressors. However, do not neglect your haircare routine if you have short hair! Using the appropriate products will leave it shiny and beautiful!

 

9) Is sleeping with a headscarf really helpful? 

In general, friction (clothing and scarves) weakens the hair fiber through its mechanical action. But all hair doesn’t react the same way; it depends on the type. If you have dry, brittle hair, it might be beneficial to limit friction against the already fragile fiber.
A silk scarf may help, as the soft fabric will cling less to the fiber than any other type of fabric and will thus reduce hair friction against your pillow.

Our answer: If your hair is brittle, a silk scarf may be useful to avoid damaging your hair while sleeping!

 

10) What kind of effect does limescale have on hair?

Often, tap water contains limescale which can dull the hair. Using products such as cosmetic vinegars in your rinse will help neutralize this limescale.

Our answer: A vinegar rinse will help your hair neutralize limescale deposits and restore shine.

11)  How can I protect my hair against heat sources?

The repeated application of heat (hair dryers, hair straighteners, etc.) is one of the main causes of weakened hair.
The high temperature accelerates water evaporation, which can damage the fiber and make it more porous. Heat also damages the internal structure of the fiber, which becomes less resistant. To counter this, we recommend using a strengthening serum which, when applied to the hair before using heat, will prevent potential irreversible damage.

Our answer: a source of heat with too high of a temperature is harmful to your hair, especially if it is regularly exposed to it. Do not hesitate to reinforce the hair with special strengthening serums developed to protect it.

 

Now there are no more secrets when it comes to your hair! Tell us if this FAQ has helped you out!

Have you heard of the new must-try Eaux Fraîches?

Have you heard of the new Eaux Fraîches?

What better than Eaux Fraîches for a gorgeous, natural scent? Four refreshing fragrances in total to brighten your day. Use them to your heart's content!

What is an Eau Fraîche?

Lighter than a perfume, these fragrances stand out for their sweet, fruity,tangy scents. We love to use them year round, especially with the arrival of beautiful weather and while on vacation, to enjoy a light and delicate scent. So swap out your usual, more intense perfume for the brightness of an eau fraîche. 

Like a fresh-squeezed glass of juice in the summer, they will provide a refreshing sensation of lightness with their bright, sparkling notes. And since we don't want to wear the same perfume all year long, Eaux Fraîches are an excellent alternative to shake up your fragrance habits. Out with overpowering scents and in with fresh and bright aromas!

Our nature-inspired fragrances

Yves Rocher has unveiled all-new scents: the daintiness of a sprig of Lily of the Valley, the elegance of a flowering Cherry Blossom... four fragrances in total to take a nature-filled break and reconnect with the necessary pleasures of life:

  • Green Tea
  • Honeysuckle
  • Cherry Blossom
  • Lily of the Valley

The Yves Rocher bonus

We believe in meaningful and accessible fragrance-making. The quest for natural fragrances, quality ingredients, and French expertise are at the heart of our fragrance-making craft.

In an effort to limit our impact on the environment, we adopt a responsible approach to designing our products: the caps are made of recycled plastic, while the bottles and boxes of the eaux fraîches are completely recyclable. To top it all off, the fragrances are bottled in our French factories!

PS: To prolong the pleasure, each eau fraîche has a matching shower gel to boost the wonderful scent!

 

 

 

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

Behind the scenes of our perfume creations

Behind the scenes of our perfume creations

Capucine, Head of Fragrance Marketing at Yves Rocher, talks to us about the Eaux Fraîches Collection and brings us behind the scenes of its creation!

Going behind the scenes of the collection’s creation: 

What trades and expertise come together in the design of a fragrance?

It takes a lot of people!

To create our fragrances, we use a fragrance house; for The Collection, it’s Firmenich. In the development phase, the Marketing team is in charge of all the briefs and coordinates the various development stages. They produce several briefs:

  • A fragrance brief provided to the fragrance house, and approval of the final fragrance
  • A design brief for the bottle and box, provided to the creative agency
  • A formula brief, provided to the R&I teams
  • A brief provided to the internal teams for the technical and industrial development of the fragrance

Creating this Collection truly involves a collective effort! All of the internal teams in charge of development come together: development expertise, safety, regulatory affairs, legal, retail, and communications.

What are the key steps when creating a fragrance?

There are 4 main steps:

  • The fragrance brief provided to the fragrance house

This is a fundamental step carried out by the Marketing team, which is necessary for the smooth development process! This creates the framework for the entire project: what type of fragrance, what fragrance family, for which target audience, what story we want to tell, etc.

  • Delivery of the interpretation of the brief and the first creative ideas by the perfumers

A dozen ideas are submitted for a “classic” fragrance project. For example: with The Collection, we evaluated more than fifty, and the Marketing team chose 3 or 4.

  • Development of formulas for 1 year before bottling

The Marketing team, the Fragrance Laboratory team, and the Fragrance House meet once a week to adjust the notes, in order to provide the maximum amount of pleasure, character, and natural ingredients. During these meetings, we evaluate the perfumers’ submissions on test strips; we also test them on our skin and discuss the notes at length. In particular, we ask ourselves each week what natural raw materials compose each note, how we can maximize their presence, and if they come from traceable sources.

  • Consumer panel testing

When we are satisfied with the notes being developed, we test them on a consumer panel. This allows us to correct any flaws we did not pick up on and choose the note that’s most in line with the story we want to tell.

In Nature, there are no stereotypes, no ideals to achieve, no uniformity. It inspires us.

How long does it take to create a fragrance and launch a collection?

On average, it takes about 2 years to create a fragrance, from the initial idea to its launch on the market. For The Collection, it took 3 years of hard work and passion!

 What inspires you?

At Yves Rocher, Nature inspires us. In Nature, there are no stereotypes, no ideals to achieve, no uniformity. Nature is nothing more than experiences and emotions.

That’s why it is always the starting point for our fragrances.

About The Collection:

What connects the fragrances within The Collection? And why do we speak about it as a “Collection”?

We created a Collection of fragrances inspired by Nature. These fragrances are all experiences; they offer different positive emotions to wear depending on what suits you!

Behind this Collection is the desire to push our commitment to the well-being of humans and the planet even further. Each natural raw material highlighted is carefully chosen for its symbolism, quality, traceability, and of course what it adds to the scent!

In an effort to limit our impact on the environment, we’ve worked to create a more eco-friendly packaging design: the caps are made of recycled plastic, and the bottles and boxes are completely recyclable. Finally, we’ve removed anything unnecessary: ourformulas no longer contain colorants or BHT, which is suspected of being an endocrine disrupter.

With the Eaux Fraîches, why did you decide to revamp the range?

Un Matin au Jardin got a completely new look, and the Eaux Fraîches are even more natural and committed! There are more natural ingredients in their formulas, there are no more colorants or BHT, and the packaging is more eco-friendly... all while preserving the beloved scents of the original fragrances. Consumers will therefore be able to find their Eau de Toilette, but in a more committed version.

Are you afraid customers will be disappointed that they can no longer find their fragrance?

We’re confident that this new fragrance Collection will be a nice surprise for our customers: more natural ingredients, more joy, and more pleasure while maintaining a lot of character. We hope our customers will find happiness among all of our new scents!

 

 

 What is your favorite Eau de Parfum or Eau Fraîche in The Collection?

I love Matin Blanc, because I feel like I'm wrapped in a cocoon; I also really like Nouveau Genre when I go out or when I need a confidence boost! I also adore Sel d’Azur, which is great even for men!

Within the team, Cuir de Nuit is also popular: it develops a beautiful trail, and we get a lot of compliments when we wear it.

The same Eau de Toilette, now in a more committed version

Some tips for our readers:

What can I do to make my fragrance last throughout the day and prevent it from wearing off?

Don't rub your wrists or neck after putting on the perfume! This unfortunately common gesture “crushes” the scent molecules. Let your perfume dry naturally!

How should I store a perfume? How long can you keep a bottle of perfume?

Preferably away from light and heat.

 

What do you do to make your transition back to reality as smooth as possible? Tell us in the comments!

The perfect back to school makeup look

Try out this look, which will enhance your healthy glow and the benefits of summer, to get back to reality beautifully!

Try out this look, which will enhance your healthy glow and the benefits of summer, to get back to reality beautifully!

1/

Brighten your complexion

Start by applying the Illuminating Primer to add some radiance to your complexion.


Apply the Zero Defaut Corrector  to your dark circles and any blemishes that need to be camouflaged, then pat with your fingertips to blend the product into your skin.  To even out your complexion, apply the Flawless Skin Foundation using the Universal Foundation Brush.


Then powder your face with the Light and Luminous Loose Powderto set your makeup and illuminate your complexion with no added shine.


For some healthy radiance, apply some Botanical Color Blush in Pink Camellia or Coral Pink on your cheekbones moving in circular motions on the apples of your cheeks with a Blush Brush.


And to add a touch of glow, apply the Highlighter Duo lightly on the high points of the face (tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and under the brow bone).

2/

Highlight your eyes

Apply Eyeshadow 97 - Sparkling Pink Goldall over the lid, then add a slight touch of Eyeshadow 21 - Sparkling White Orchidto the inner corner of the eye.


For an intense gaze, apply the Vertige Felt-tip Liner : start by creating a thin line beginning at the inner corner and thicken towards the outer corner. Its fine tip helps create a precise, clean line for a guaranteed cat-eye effect!


Finally, add volume and length to your lashes with the Volume Vertige Lash Curler Effect Mascara.  

3/

Define your brows

Naturally tint and tame your brows with the Eyebrow Mascara: its mini sculpting brush and 100% natural botanical fiber-enriched formula perfectly coats each brow hair.

 

4/

Add some color to your lips

Complete your look with the Grand Rouge Lipstickin 118 Bright Red for an intense, satiny finish!

 

Share photos of your post-summer looks!

Interview with Catherine Éthier

Columnist Catherine Éthier gives us a touching testimony about her struggles

Known and loved for her unique style, effervescent personality and biting humor, the columnist Catherine Éthier makes fans wherever she goes.

It’s with courage and modesty that the talented creator talks to us about her struggle with compulsive buying disorder.

When did you realize that your spending habits had become problematic?

I have been struggling with compulsive buying for several years. I’m able to face it, now, and I’m working on handling the consequences but the last few years have been trying. It’s important for me to talk about what I’m going through. On one hand, it’s part of my journey, on the other hand, there’s great strength in naming these things, in breaking the perfect perception the public may have of us and in using our experiences to help others.

I started losing control about two years ago. I always liked buying clothes and accessories, but online shopping had become a kind of escape. I could go shop online five times when I would be writing a text that was stressing me out. I saw it as simple procrastination, just like washing the dishes or wasting time on Instagram, but with $500 boots.

I was addicted to the euphoria that came with the act of buying online, however short-lived it was, and I was rationalizing my spending by telling myself that I needed to be fashion-forward for work. In fact, I had enough clothes for all the launches in the world for the next ten years.

 

How did you manage to get through it?

I started opening up to the people around me. I waited a long time because I’m not one to talk to people about my problems, but I had gotten to a point where I had no other choice. I had hit rock bottom. I was ashamed of this addiction that I found to be absurd, of this privileged problem, of this compulsive spending that completely went against my values. I wasn’t able to show myself the compassion and kindness I needed to get back on my feet, something my family and close friends were able to do.

I knew that I had a problem, but it’s only when I started talking about it that I realized that I needed help, that I wasn’t a bad person and that there were solutions. I had to admit my problems to others before I could start forgiving myself and, in a way, start breathing again. Talking is the last frontier of shame.

What are the tools that help you the most in your fight against this addiction?

There are a lot of different approaches, but for me, it’s very beneficial to reflect on the way I spend. Instead of letting myself get blinded by sales, I tend to opt for quality, responsible production and local purchasing. Fortunately, there are several resources to learn how to better manage our spending and also, a number of professionals able to help regain control of our finances.

Everyone overconsumes to a certain degree and the society we live in constantly pushes us to buy things without thinking about the consequences. Thinking about the very real individuals on which my purchases have an actual impact helps me very much. They aren’t only objects; there are people behind those objects.

Finally, talking about it with other people is very helpful to me. When we live in shame and judgment, we always underestimate the empathy and understanding that other people are capable of. Realizing that we are not alone, and that there are tools to help us pull through, makes all the difference.  

Protected and Commited thanks to Mineral Filters

No compromise! Good for your skin and the environment!

It is now possible to protect and beautify your skin in the sun, while still doing your part for the environment thanks to our 100% mineral filters and vegan suncare products!

Mineral Filters vs Chemical Filters

Enjoy the sun and protect your skin all while doing your part for the environment, thanks to our 100% mineral filter suncare that helps preserve ocean health and coral reefs!

Suncare products can be mineral-based or chemical-base. The first one are known to  be harmful to the environment, while mineral filters are safe for you and  to aquatic life and coral reefs.

What is a mineral filter? 

A mineral filter* formulated with zinc oxide forms a thin protective layer on the surface of skin working as a shield against sunrays. Mineral suncare provide a strong coverage and are effective immediatly.

They basically act as shields against UV rays: just like a boomerang, they deflect UV rays away from skin before they even come in contact with the skin. 

On the other hand, chemical-based suncare takes longer to become completely effecive and act more like a sponge. Once filters have completely penetrated the skin, they work by letting the UV rays penetrating the skin surface before neutralizing them and turning them into heat.

Which one to choose? 

100% Mineral Fluid Flawless Skin SPF 30

Recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association, this Mineral Fluid is suitable for every skin type!

Squeeze a dime-size amount of our 100% Mineral Fluid Flawless Skin* into the palm of  your hand, then apply on your face by blending outward. Gluten free and 100% vegan, promotes hydration of skin and provides it with protection against sunburns, dryness and discomfort due to sun exposure, and signs of aging.

It creates a thin veil on skin that blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines for a natural finish.

Silky and lightly pigmented, it is suitable for every skin tone. Can be worn under makeup or as touch-ups during the day. Protected against UVA/UVB rays, skin is moisturized, radiant and revitalized.

 

We love how it is effective immediately after application, its light and non-comedogenic formula blends quickly and provides softness and comfort to skin.

*100% mineral sunscreen, which is more respectful of the oceans.

100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Our 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 moisturizes, protects and soothes skin over the entire body and still preserve ocean health and coral reefs! This sunscreen lotion preserves even the most sensitive skin against sunburns, dryness and discomfort due to sun exposure, and signs of aging. 

We love its light and non-greasy formula that penetrates quickly the skin without leaving white traces behind.

Its 100 % mineral and vegan formula, is gluten free, paraben free, perfume free, colorant free. Don't forget to bring it during your next family outings, because it is suitable for the entire family and children aged 6 months and older!

Interview with Joannie Houle

Get to know the passionate woman behind the illustrations of this month’s beauty box!

Native to the Lanaudière region and living in Montreal, artist and illustrator Joannie Houle gets her inspiration from the beauty and colors of nature in order to create.

Joannie Houle

How would you describe yourself?

I’m a self-taught artist. I’ve always been very artistic; from a young age, I was already attracted to the visual arts, but also by the cinema, dance, music… Art has always been a part of me. I’m very sensitive, emotional and always looking for more depth and meaning in my life as well as in my work.

 

You talk about art and illustrating with palpable passion. Did you always know you wanted to become an artist?

No! I studied marketing. When I entered the work force, I was using art to escape, relieve my anxiety and get away from it all. I quickly realized that working in an office wasn’t for me.

 

HOW DID YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION TO A CAREER AS AN ILLUSTRATOR?


At first, I was painting more than anything else. My work has been exhibited in several galleries in Montreal and Quebec, then I slowly started to turn to illustration through an Etsy boutique. Unlike paintings, illustrations are more affordable and accessible. Selling online allowed me to reach a greater audience and become better known to, eventually, do freelance contracts, posters, textile illustrations, collaborations with companies and all sorts of other projects.

Not only was I able to express my creative side but I also found my bachelor’s degree in marketing to be very useful for the management of what would become my company in 2015. I’m a very anxious but very organized person. I need this structure to create in peace.

You’ve been talking about anxiety; in what way did your art influence or was influenced by your own experience with mental health issues? 

At the time I started illustrating, right in the middle of a major professional reassessment, I was also going through some intense turmoil in my personal life. I was suffering from panic attacks, generalized anxiety, insomnia… Art saved me in a way. It’s well known that it has beneficial effects on mental health. As for me, it helped me center myself, find balance and well-being; it’s through art that I learned to surpass myself and rebuilt my self-esteem.

Creating gives me joy but also the energy I need to keep moving forward. It wasn’t easy to admit that I hadn’t taken the right decisions regarding my career but by experimenting with different mediums and styles, I found my identity and learned how to follow my instincts. Ultimately, art became both my new purpose in life and the tool that would allow me to pick myself back up.

 

What are your main sources of inspiration?

Nature! Plants, flowers, colors, details, creatures. Beyond the beauty of what nature holds, there is also its strength and diversity. I love birds, for their beauty and the sense of freedom that they evoke. I also love design and beautiful things. I like keeping up with the trends and it influences the colors and styles of my illustrations.

Joannie Houle
Revivre

Why did you choose the Revivre organization?

It’s an organization that helps people living with anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. They provide invaluable help to people in need. When I, myself, was suffering from depression and anxiety, I had the immense chance of being in the care of extraordinary people who did everything they could to help me. They took care of me and allowed me to question myself, rebuild myself and move forward with the next step in my life. It means a lot to me to know that people like them dedicate their lives to helping other people.

Mental health affects everybody, directly or indirectly. Stories like mine are a part of life and something positive can come out of it, as long as we have access to the necessary support. I received it when I needed it and I believe that everyone should get that chance.

 

Follow Joannie on her creative journey! 

Check out her work and online shop  www.joanniehoule.com 

Follow her on Instagram 

 

Body Mist : the New Beauty Step

Everything you need to know about the latest beauty trend!

Learn about using this new trend and its special benefits for your hair and body! 

What is body mist and how do you use it?

Scented body mists are the latest darlings to enter our beauty routine. They are much lighter than regular perfumes and have lots of great things going for them. But what actually is body mist and how do you use it? Let’s unpack this multipurpose beauty product.  

 A new beauty trend for your routine

This craze began in the US and the UK. Its purpose? Make the wonderful fragrance of your favorite shower gel last longer with a quick “pscht!”. Body mist is handy and fits right in your purse, so you can carry it with you and spray some on any time of day. It's the new way to freshen up!

How to use it?

You can spray it on your body and hair right after a shower. Since it's only lightly scented and evaporates little by little, you can reapply it many times a day, kind of like touching up your makeup at lunchtime!

Going out tonight and want a fragrance with more staying power? Not to worry, it has a discreet scent that won't compete with your perfume.

Body mist is also a great way to freshen up your hair that might pick up unpleasant smells like from the subway, pollution or smoke.

It’s official: you should definitely make body mist a new part of your routine! We love how easy it is to use and all the scents to choose from! Pick one to match your mood!

How about you? What's your favorite body mist scent? Let us know in the comments!

Feeling good about yourself starts now!

Forget the intense diets! Here's our tips to get in shape without rushing things

Of course, what’s on your plate is the key to your mental and physical well-being, so today we're giving you tips on getting in shape without rushing things.

GOOD FOOD = GOOD MOOD

We don’t always realize it, but there’s a direct connection between our mental health and what we eat. For our bodies to feel great, we need to eat a balanced diet and three or four meals per day.

Tips for resisting the fast food urge:

  • Prepare your meals for the week on the weekend: cook lots of starches and vegetables on Sunday to eat all week long.
  • Keep bags of precut vegetables in the freezer and keep them raw instead of cooked, so you’ll always have some when you need it, like when returning from a vacation.
  • Plan the week's meals while you are shopping – and never shop on an empty stomach!

Friendly reminder! Make sure you keep a healthy relationship with food by eating things you like and allowing yourself to have “feel-good” meals during the week or on weekends.  

What does a balanced meal look like?

Nutritionists recommend eating a hearty nutritious breakfast like hot cereal or oatmeal.

Here are some tips for creating balanced meals:    

  • One portion of protein: meat, fish, eggs, milk or plant-based protein
  • One portion of vegetables or fruits:  raw or cooked (2/3 of the plate)
  • One portion of starchy foods like pasta, rice, bread, potatoes, legumes or grains (1/3 of the plate)

Try your best to vary your diet so you don’t get bored or discouraged.

The perfect combo: food and exercise

Our bodies need energy to function, so it naturally burns calories. You can boost your metabolism with exercise, weight training or just staying active as you go about your day.

If your goal is to loose weight, you need to reach a calorie deficit, meaning expending more energy than you eat. If your goal is to maintain your current weight, make sure you stay active and practise a regular physical activity.

While you can lose weight without exercising, regular physical activity is recommended for boosting weight loss, and especially for toning the body and increasing energy.                 

Here's a few tips for those days when you don't feel like doing physical activities: 

  • Stand up while on public transportation
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
  • Drink lots of water
  • Don't eat processed foods (they contain hidden sugars and salt that causes water retention)    

 

Tips for soft plump skin:

All women have cellulite. Although it's tough to banish forever, we can still reduce that dimpled skin by applying serums and creams: Cellulite Appearance Reducing Moisturizer or Refining & Firming Serum moisturizes and beautifies your skin while smoothing out that orange peel effect.  

Your cellulite  may not disappeajust in one day, but with regular application, you'll see real results! 

What are your tips to feel good about yourself?

Spring is here! Time to update your beauty routine!

A few simple steps to upgrade your beauty routine for spring time!

Temperatures are getting warmer and days longer. It also means that your skin needs a change too. We're here to help you adapt your routine for the sunny days to come!

Morning 

1/ Wash your face  

Always start by washing your face with a cleansing gel or micellar water, depending on your type of skin. For example, Hydra Végétal Ultra-Fresh Cleansing Gel or Sensitive Végétal Soothing Micellar Water 2 in 1. The goal is to eliminate impurities and leave your skin feeling soft, clean and comfortable. 

2/ Wake up your skin!

Now that your skin is nice and clean, give it a burst of radiance and tone it with a lotion like Sérum Végétal Perfecting Toning Lotion to make it firm and bright.

3/ Always remember to moisturize 

Time to apply your day cream. With the arrival of warmer days, forget your heavier creams and go for a lighter skincare designed for the season. You have many options to choose from:

Protect yourself from external stressors while keeping your skin in great condition with Elixir Jeunesse City Detox Liquid Daytime Care. We love the anti-pollution action and lightweight almost invisible texture for that barely-there effect and moisturized skin! 

We haven't forget about our sensitive skin friends out there: the Intense Soothing Moisturizing Care soothes your skin, while keeping it hydrated and protected against external stressors.

 

4/ What about makeup?

 

You might have notice that your skin have a tendency to shine more when warmer spring temperatures arrives. The Super Mat Zero Shine Foundation is your best defense as it acts like a shield when shine strikes. With its non-oily texture and powder-soft feel it leaves your skin feeling soft and matte without that cakey effect! Bonus: It has a vegan formula

We're not telling you anything new here, but you should also change your foundation shade to match your complexion because sunny days mean a darker skin tone.

Have fun with spring colors on your eyelids, lips and cheeks: coral, pastels, pinks, and coppers to bring out that new glow and the beauty of your skin! 

Night 

Your night routine is just as important as your morning ritual because during the day your skin is exposed to external factors that stress it out and accelerate the aging process. But where to start? 

 1/ Wash, wash, wash

Like in the morning, washing is always the first step for starting off your skincare routine. Use Elixir Jeunesse Anti-Pollution Cleansing Micellar Water to remove makeup and cleanse your skin. Its detoxifying action purifies and cleans off all the day's impurities as it wipes away every last trace of makeup. You can also use the same toning lotion as in the morning! 

 

 

2/ Going a step further

Unlike in the winter, you can start exfoliating your skin more often. Once or twice a week, treat yourself to a scrub to give your skin a deep clean.

The Scrub to Mix is 100% natural with its unique combination of  7 all natural ingredients (that combines sensoriality and effectiveness of minerals and plants). This made-to-measure scrub adapts to your skin's changing needs! Simply mix it with your face cleansing product.

 

3/ Intense moisture Hydratation intense

Finish your skincare routine with maximum overnight hydration. We advise using a serum before applying your night cream. It contains more active ingredients than cream, so it goes first. Hydra Végétal Ultra-Moisturizing Liquid Serum gives your skin the deepest amount of moisture it needs

Your nighttime moisturizer complements the action of the serum. We recommend Elixir Jeunesse Recovery Treatment Sleeping Care + Anti-Pollution to relax and soothe your skin. The result? In the morning, your skin will have a natural glow. No longer asphyxiated, it appears repaired**.

Those are the secrets for skin that’s healthier, hydrated and looking radiant to kick the season off right. Hello spring!

**In terms of moisturizing

What is your favorite product in your routine? 

Innovation Alert : Gemmotherapy

A genius of plant of life still unequaled !

To create the NEW Anti-Age Global line, Yves Rocher Botanical Beauty researchers drew inspiration from ancestral knowledge: Gemmotherapy, the science of buds!

Gemmotherapy is the science of buds.

This name comes from the Latin «gemmae» which etymologically means «precious stone». Buds are remarkable because they can give birth to any part of the plant.

In their core, they concentrate all the elements that are essential for life and for plant growth: vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Buds’ capacity for development and transformation is also linked to the significant presence of precious plant cells in their tissues, cells with an exceptional renewal capacity.

 

Scientists from the Yves Rocher Brand have succeeded in bringing together this ancestral inspiration and Botanical Beauty innovation in our new Anti-Age Global skincare line.

They have selected a patented plant biotechnology process that allows them, using a single extract from a selected and preserved plant, to create an innovative active: BOTANICAL BUD NECTAR.

It is at the heart of buds that our Botanical Beauty researchers have selected a precious Botanical Nectar for its unique regenerative ability. It works at the core of skin for an exceptional regeneration of its appearance after 72h and improves its cohesion to recreate perfect harmony* thereby contribuing to a global anti-aging action.

*In vitro tests.
Botanical Bud Nectar: 3 patents filed in France

Product focus : The Supra Essence

With over 94% ingredients of natural origin,  the new Anti-Age Global formulas are vegan, and respects both the skin and the planet! Let's take a closer look at one of the products from this new line: The Supra Essence

How to use it? 
Take a few drops, using the pipette, designed to give you the right dose. Then, apply light pressure on your face and gently massage it from the inside to the outside.

The fluid and moisturizing texture of the Essence should be applied mornings and evenings all over the face and on a well-cleansed skin.

What are its benefits? 
Skin appear intensely renewed, with all the signs of age corrected**.

Day after day, the skin texture feels smoother and more radiant. Day after day,  wrinkles appear reduced, skin becomes firmer and  complexion is more even. In 1 month, the skin is replumped and revitalized.

After 28 days, the radiance of the skin's complexion is boosted by 111%*!

*Semi-structured sensorial scale.
**In vitro and metrological tests on volunteers.

Have you tried the Anti-Age Global routine? Tell us what you think!

timeline

A journey through 60 years of beauty and commitment

Our Ingredient Glossary

Find out all about the ingredients that go into our products

Want to know absolutely everything there is to know about our products? It’s possible! Check out the Ingredient Glossary!

During your daily skincare routine, you ask yourself what makes your moisturizer so effective yet feel so good on your skin. It’s the formula, of course! You turn over your product and read the ingredient list, but you likely don’t know them all: some seem familiar to you, while others have super complicated names!

Let’s figure it all out with the ingredient glossary!

In order to be transparent, Yves Rocher has striven to be as clear as possible on the composition of its products over the past few years. Each ingredient in each product is selected with the utmost care. The goal of the glossary is to catalogue all the ingredients that compose our formulas and explain their purpose.

In the composition list of each product, natural ingredients are written in green and the safe synthetic ingredients, which guarantee the safe preservation of your products, are listed in brown.

When no natural alternative is possible, the use of synthetic ingredients is necessary to ensure the effectiveness, safety and pleasant texture of our products.

The synthetic ingredients that we use are all compliant with and authorized by European Regulations and evaluated by the Raw Material Department. A rigorous selection process is carried out based on essential criteria: origin, traceability, impact on the environment (biodegradability/ecotoxicity), and safety for skin.

We have banned the use of 300 ingredients, in addition to the 1300 that have already been prohibited by European Regulations. This requirement is based on our brand commitments and a safety evaluation of the ingredients, regularly updated by our scientists.

Just as with ingredients from natural origin, which make up 81% of the Raw Material made available to our formulators, we validate the safety of our synthetic ingredients to the very end of product development. This ensures that our formulas can be properly tolerated through a series of tests before putting our finished products on the market.

It’s only when they successfully pass all these tests that we consider these synthetic ingredients safe.

Let’s use the 48H Non-Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream from the Hydra Vegetal product line as an example!

When you visit a product page, you will see a tab for the product description and another for the ingredient list. Below that, you’ll discover a space reserved for a focus on the main botanical ingredient, and in this case, it’s the Edulis cellular water, which is renowned for its ability to capture water and retain it in its leaves.

We developed a formulation that guarantees the Gel Cream is effective, pleasant to apply thanks to its texture, and safely preservable.  

With the exception of face care, formulation information can be found in the ingredient glossary.

After reading the ingredient list, you’ll be able to find details about each ingredient in the glossary.

By clicking on the glossary, you’ll be taken to the ingredient catalogue for all of our products. There are thousands. Find out more about our plants, preservatives, and other stabilizing agents. Search two ways: by sorting alphabetically or using the search bar at the top of the glossary!

 

You’ll then be able to learn everything there is to know about the purpose of both our natural and synthetic ingredients.

Nothing is left to chance!

What are your thoughts on the ingredient glossary? Tell us in comments!

My skin is oily! What should I do?

Our best tips for oily skin!

We can honestly say that oily skin is not the end of the world. There are solutions that make your life easier.

Oily skin is caused by excess sebum collecting on the skin’s surface. Some skin types naturally produce more sebum than others, but there are also external factors like stress, diet and pollution that can make skin feel greasy. This leads to shiny areas, especially on the T-zone of the face. How to control oily skin!

1. Deeply cleanse your skin
We cannot say it enough: washing your skin is the bare minimum, particularly if you have oily skin.

In fact, you need to cleanse it every morning and night – but be careful not to strip your skin of what it needs.

We recommend gentle products because your skin produces more sebum if it's treated roughly. We reach for some purifying gel like the Pure Menthe Purifying Cleansing Gel. This refreshing gel frees the skin from excess sebum and gently removes impurities and traces of makeup.

2. Exfoliate
The sebum on oily skin makes it attract more impurities. What's the workaround? Depending on your needs, use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to purify your skin.

Melting Sébo Végétal Purifying Scrub with apricot pit microbeads gets rid of excess sebum and tightens the pores by removing the impurities and dead skin cells that collect on the surface of the skin.

To increase your comfort, take a moment to apply a mask like the Sébo Végétal Purifying Clay Mask. It supplements your beauty routine and gives your face a break so it can recharge and purify.

3. Always moisturize
Oily skin does not mean hydrated skin. So never forget about moisturizing it. When your skin gets dried out it stops working correctly. In addition to that oily sensation, it feels uncomfortable and tight.

Our solution is to use a lightweight moisturizer or a gel. Sébo Végétal Zero Blemish Moisturizing Gel Cream has a refreshing lightweight texture and a dual-action formula that tightens pores on oily skin to mattify and polish and provides your skin all the moisture it needs.

It's also really important to drink water throughout the day.

4. Choose the right makeup

You also have to match your makeup to your skin type. For oily skin, avoid pore-clogging products and look for ones that absorb excess sebum and let your skin breathe.

So don't choose just any foundation. We recommend going for a mattifying product that stops shiny skin all day long.

Super Mat Foundation is your ally when it comes to completing this task.

 

5. Beautiful skin starts with a healthy lifestyle

Finally, a healthy lifestyle is your ticket to beautiful skin.

One of the causes of excess sebum is an unbalanced diet. So avoid sugary and fatty foods that can lead to new pimples! Take it a step further by choosing foods that are rich in omega 3 fats and antioxidants like citrus fruits, carrots, berries and fish. They properly oxygenate our cells, which works on our epidermis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids can actually help with hydration and make the skin smooth and supple.

Another culprit of oily skin is stress and there's a very simple solution: exercise! Physical activity promotes blood circulation and is the best outlet there is for living a zen and laid back life.

Lastly, sleep can also alter your skin’s condition because it regenerates itself at night.

6. What's changed at Yves Rocher?

The Sébo Végétal skincare line is your chance to control shine and get a matte even-toned complexion. How does this happen? With Labrador tea powder.

It has balancing powers that work to control shine, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and smooth skin.

This exclusive ingredient was solely developed by Yves Rocher Laboratories – from sourcing the plant to producing the extract – and is patented* in France for its action on oily skin.

This exclusive ingredient is in all the products of the Sébo Végétal line!

Take care of your skin and start using the right routine now!

*Patent pending

Tell us what you think of the routine in the comments section!