Bubble baths are at the top of my list of favorite pampering rituals. After all, few things are as relaxing and calming, forcing one to slow down and enjoy a few moments of rest. Even when my busy routine forces me to cut corners everywhere, I still try to make time for a bath. Of course, soaps and candles are an important part of this activity. Although I tend to be partial to L’Occitane’s mildly scented soaps, lately I have found myself craving richer fragrances. Florence, Stella and Cleopatra are the threee scents for which Tocca soaps are available, along with matching candles….
Florence captures the fragrance of iris and rose, a classical and delicate balance which is presented quite simply without much embellishment. It unfolds with a sharp rose, but the remnants on the skin hint of soft, sweet iris. Stella, on the other hand, is less of a blood orange than a handful of orange blossoms tossed with some green leaves. As much as I did not care for the candle (it left my room smelling of wilted lettuce), the fragrance of the soap is very gentle and appealing. I find it to be a great soap to use in the morning, as its soft scent does not clash with whatever perfume I might decide to wear. In the case of Cleopatra, I found the situation reversed. As much as I love the candle, the cucumber notes in the soap turned out to be rather overwhelming. Yet, those who love the fragrance might find this soap to be an excellent choice, as the scent lasts for quite a while on the skin.
In general, the soap is of very high-quality, with long lasting fragrance and great moisturizing properties. It foams easily and does not leave any residue on the skin. As loyal as I have been to L’Occitane, I found myself repurchasing Florence and Stella twice already and enjoying them very much. Of course, as an added bonus, the yellow presentation boxes are quite irresistible.
12 Comments
Robin: I will have to try the Stella soap — I liked the body lotion, but hated the shower gel. January 24, 2007 at 11:35am
March: I got orange cream-sicle out of the Stella. I still liked it, though. These sound lovely, I suspect I wouldn’t even mind the cucumber. January 24, 2007 at 2:27pm
BoisdeJasmin: R, I did not care for the shower gel either, but the soap is lovely. I tried Stella first, and then I bought a set of three, which was a great way to try them all. January 24, 2007 at 3:09pm
BoisdeJasmin: March, yes, I do not get pure blood orange out of Stella, rather something closer to what you notice. The soap is decidedly more floral though. January 24, 2007 at 3:10pm
Elle: I haven’t used soaps in eons, but I’m going to have to try the Tocca shower/bath gels. I *adore* L’Occitane’s Almond and Lavender gels. January 24, 2007 at 9:32pm
Gaia, the non-blonde: I got the same creamsicle March was talking about from Stella, and didn’t care much for the other fragrances. But they might work better as bath products, if I ever get tired of my own L’Occitane collection. January 24, 2007 at 5:01pm
BoisdeJasmin: Gaia, ah, another L’Occitane addict! 🙂 I love their Milk and Honey collection very much. As for Tocca, I prefer Stella and Florence in the soap and body cream (not a fan of shower gel, as it has a hint of plastic). Cleopatra is actually nice too, but it clashes with perfume. January 24, 2007 at 5:11pm
Madelyn E: Dear Victoria,
Another coincidence ! I just (Christmas eve – day) bought not one but 2 Tocca sets of Florence – bath gel, body lotion and mini bougie. I was disappointed especially with the candle. The soaps , however look soooooo appealing.
Like yourself , dear V. I am a fan of L’occitaine. It’s quality cannot really be surpassed – only equalled ..maybe. I love L’occotaine soaps.. the milk scent, lavender ,verbena etc. I never cared for the honey line ,,maybe I will try a small soap if you enjoy so much .
I will go out and try these Tocca soaps ! I have used the Cleopatra body lotion.. again strong cucumber scent – but moisturising . I really liked the Stella scent followed by Florence. I occasionally take a bath – much as I love a bath be it with scented bath oil or foaming bath gel . I live in a garden apartment with a small , shallow tub basin. – When I travel, I try to take advantage of a bubble bath of some kind . Anyway , I just took a nice hot scented shower w Tocca Florence shower gel followed w the creme.
I have learned that all body products are NOT created equal especially where moiturising is a goal.
Thank you for another sumptuous body product to look forward to !
Madelyn E January 25, 2007 at 8:28pm
tmp00: Oooooh bubble baths!
in my Old Apartment I had the best tub: long enough and more importantly deep enough that I could almost completely submerge. It was heaven. The tub in the place I live in now is far too shallow for me to luxuriate in- I am just too tall for it. It’s like a bird bath to me.
If ever I get lotto winnings or sell that screenplay. I am getting a tub big enough to hold a compact car! January 25, 2007 at 4:30pm
BoisdeJasmin: Elle, those are my favourites too from L’Occitane! The scents are just perfect and the texture of the gel is great. While I loved Tocca soaps, their shower gels were not that appealing. January 25, 2007 at 5:37pm
BoisdeJasmin: Tom, I have little luck with good bathtubs. Even though I am by no means a giant, my current tub is far too small. I once saw a gorgeous bathroom at the Pompeii palace, and that is my dream. 🙂 January 25, 2007 at 5:40pm
BoisdeJasmin: Madelyn, I agree, the quality is excellent. The lotions are very moisturizing and so are the soaps. These soaps are lovely, and I will explore more of Tocca bodycare range soon. January 26, 2007 at 12:36pm