Profile

Golden yellow walls, rough wooden shelves, and row after row of artfully arranged products are the trademarks of this charmingly French boutique. A native of Provence, Olivier Baussan started L’Occitane in 1976 with the aim of building a cosmetics brand based on essential oils and natural ingredients, and inspired by the vivid colors and delicate fragrances of his home region. Though it began with a line of essential oil-based shampoos, it’s the company’s skincare and fragrance lines that steal the show today: Each sumptuous collection is based on an essential oil such as lavender, almond, green tea, or verbena, and includes skincare, haircare, bath, and body products, and fragrances for both the person and the home. Other aromatic offerings include the shea butter collection, which is a dream for dry skin and lips, and Cade for Men, which focuses on skincare and shaving-kit sundries. In addition to peddling L’Occitane products, the Soho location sells extra-virgin olive oils and specialty food products from the store’s sister company, Oliviers & Co., and an on-site restaurant, Le Café at L’Occitane, serves light Mediterranean dishes in an upstairs dining room, and a more casual lunch, dessert, and coffee menu downstairs. — Amanda Theunissen