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The scent of a princess is helping a leading cosmetics company to expand its range of products in Bahrain.
French body-care connoisseurs L'Occitane marked the arrival of two new lines with an exclusive event held at the La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art in Manama.
The unveiling, which featured a 17th Century theme, showcased its new fragrance 'Fleur ChŽrie' (cherished flower) - and a make-up collection, both accentuating the essence of Mediterranean orange blossom.
Aurelie Corfa, marketing specialist, said: "The new fragrance consists of 'neroli' - an essential oil of orange blossom that was named after a princess - a woman ahead of her time and who was famous for her signature orange blossom-aura."
Legend says that orange blossom oil is called neroli because one Princess Anne-Marie Orsini, who lived in the Italian province of Nerola in 1500, was enchanted with orange blossoms; consequently, their essence was named for the place where she lived.
In the glimmering heat of the Italian summer, she craved neither oranges nor their juice, only the fragrance of their blossoms.
She sprinkled her skin and hair and clothes with water in which the orange blossoms had steeped.
"In Provence, since the Middle Ages, orange blossoms have been woven into crowns and worn by brides on their wedding day," added Aurelie.
The fragrance collection contains an eau de toilette, body lotion 250ml, bath and shower gel, flowers soap, hand cream, scented candle and solid perfume.
The event also unveiled its new make-up collection focussed on working women. Aurelie explained: "This is only our second international make-up launch and the first one in Bahrain.
"The range is very natural and easy-to-wear and is especially great for working women who cannot spend too much time applying make-up before rushing off for a busy day at work."
Most of the products in the make-up collection are subtly perfumed with the floral notes of Fleur ChŽrie and contain orange blossom extracts with softening properties.
The extensive collection consists of products for the lips, eyes and face including lipstick, lip balm, lip shine and eye liner pencil and comes in an array of unique colours such as apricot pink, pearl, golden beige and champagne. It also comes with brushes in various sizes.
The limited collection will only be available for three months although there are plans to introduce more face-care products such as foundation and mascara shortly.
At the launch, make-up artist Nassim Bekkoori applied the products on Bahrain model and real estate agent, Barbora Mihokova, 21."I feel great! The make up feels really light on the skin," Barbora said.
The collections will be launched next month in Bahrain City Centre and Seef Mall.
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