L'Occitane

L’Occitane is a relatively new brand to Dubai and the Emirates respectively. The pictures here are from the cozy boutique on the first floor at The Mall of The Emirates, but there is one more equally cute branch at the Ibn Baitutta Mall. I wrote boutique as the decoration is far different than the ordinary shop’s displays. It has spirit and character carefully coordinated with the nature of the products. The L’Occitane range consists of Body Care, Skin Care, Fragrances and Fragrances for Home. All products are created using authentic ingredients and harvesting techniques. I have been told that only the finest ingredients are selected, such as A.O.C. (Controlled Origin) lavender essential oil and olive oil, and organic Immortelle essential oil and verbena extract. Even all the packaging is designed to use the minimum amount of unnecessary packing material and environmentally friendly components. As I understood all of the products are medically tested, but not on animals.
My love story with L’Occitane began few months ago when I was on the search for Shea Butter. There are different products in a complete body care line – pure Shea Butter 100%, 15% body lotions, 10% exfoliating scrubs and creams, cream baths, shower creams, extra gentle soaps, moisturizing shower gels, rich conditioners, ultra rich shampoos and hair creams.
Apart from the Shea Butter there is body care line with fresh Verbena extracts of organic origin with soothing properties and lemony scent. Lavender, honey, almond and immortelle flowers are some of the other popular ingredients and scents in L’Occitane skin and body care ranges. Detailed information is available at their website, which you can view if you click here.

The Body Shop

Healthy Products, Healthy Habits, Healthy Choices…….The Body Shop has been in the Emirates longer than I am, which precisely 15 years is. It is very popular between the local ladies and for sure among the British Expats as it is origination from UK. Now I can’t recall a Shopping Mall where it’s not available. For more details it will worth to click here. I particularly like and recommend (from personal experience) the Vitamin E skin care line.

Fruit and Vegetable Market

The local fruit and vegetable market seems like an odd idea, but did you know there are some grate benefits from shopping there?

Financially, both you and the farmer benefit. The farmer reaps all the profit and you generally pay less than you would at the supermarket. Health wise, you get more information about your food than you would in the grocery or the supermarket.

To me, the most appalling idea is that I can talk to the farmer directly and learn more about the food I'm eating. So when buying tomatoes, I ask ''Where is your farm? Did you import those tomatoes and from where? How long the truck travelled from your country to Dubai? Did you froze the fruits and vegetable?'' Local Growers tend to be very passionate about their products and are happy to answer , whereas supervisers or Carrefour staff might not be so inclined to share that information.

Many Locals shop mostly at their local Fruit & Vegetable markets and find it strange that Expats rely so heavily on supermarkets. Maybe you don't want to know that much about your food, but maybe you do. If you do, head to your local Fruit & Vegetable market. It will be worth the trip.

Tip: Only cash is accepted, so be sure to stop at the ATM before going.