Of course, it is the ‘old chestnut’ of the most sensual season, but today more than ever, whatever the distribution channel (from the most luxurious to the most popular), monoï can be found in many after-sun cosmetics. Its heady perfume, which cannot but evoke holidays, is what can make a difference in deciding which after-sun product to buy – which is not that easy.
It is the sort of smell that makes girls go crazy. Well, actually, it depends, because generally speaking, you either love it or hate it. Monoï is a natural oil extracted from coconut pulp – coconuts must be harvested ripe in French Polynesia –, in which fresh Tiaré flowers have macerated. The ‘Appellation d’Origine’ (label of origin) guarantees its authenticity. It leaves us with the memory of our sun-kissed skin, and it is a perfume in its own right, sensual and solar, that revives the summer spirit in us. For some of us, it is enough to perfume the skin and hair. But it also offers moisturizing, repairing, and soothing benefits for both the skin and hair. More than a massage oil, it is a nutritive, protective skincare oil as well as an anti-breakage hair shield that restores the hair’s radiance and sheen.
In 2016, it can be found in a multitude of after-sun products and is available in a wide range of textures: oil, of course, but also milk, balm, or mist, and even perfuming water or candle!
In pharmacies or supermarkets…
Nuxe, who have long been familiar with the addictive power of the monoï scent (the perfume of its oh-so-famous Huile Prodigieuse is close), offer us other interpretations in their Nuxe Sun range. Their Face and Body Refreshing After-Sun Lotion (200ml, €16.75) and After-Sun Hair & Body Shampoo free from sulphates (200ml, €10) provide a solar floral perfume with sweet and warm notes (Tiaré and vanilla). As for the Delicious Fragrant Water (100ml, €28.50), it reveals the gentle shades of coconut and Tiaré flower.
Klorane’s whole Polysianes range is formulated with an exclusive complex based on monoï, Morinda, and vitamin E to preserve the skin from aging. Their latest formula is a multifunctional dry oil for the body, face, and hair with no preservative or silicone, which can be used all year long (Élixir de Monoï, 100ml, €21).
For their 40th anniversary, Hei Poa have created a Collector’s edition also available in pharmacies: Pure ‘Happy’ Tahiti Monoï with a Tiaré perfume (200ml, €18.90). As a pioneer in Tahiti monoï skincare with an AO (label of origin), this brand can be recognized among all others with its Tiaré flower in a glass bottle.
As for supermarkets and hypermarkets, consumers benefit from a wide offering, like that of Corinne de Farme, who have developed a whole Tahiti monoï sun range and have just launched a soothing Freshness Mist After-Sun (150ml multi-position spray, €6.50). Lovea have got their own Tahiti Monoï After-Sun Milk (200ml, €7.93), and Garnier Ultra-Doux have created a Sun Oil for the hair with monoï oil and neroli (150ml spray, €8.50), which can be used before, during, or after a sun exposure.
… and perfume stores as well
On the luxury segment, Dior has reinvented the perfume of this Polynesian beauty treasure in a Dior Bronze After-Sun Monoï Balm (150ml, €37) enriched with a tan-enhancing active. LVMH’s flagship brand has designed an olfactory signature where kaupé flowers mingle with the traditional Tiaré flower and coconut oil combination.
Lastly, Nars has developed a range of makeup called Tahiti Bronze Collection, including the new Laguna Liquid Bronzer (30ml, €33.95), in a fluid, light, transparent version. This liquid, universally flattering-looking, warm-coloured tan enhancer is enriched with moisturizing monoï and tamanu oils and an antioxidant vanilla extract.
As for the Monoï Body Glow (€59), it gives the body an iridescent, golden radiance and will awaken your senses with its bouquet of Tiaré flower, white frangipani tree, ylang-ylang, and vanilla. The brand has even thought about a monoï candle that lasts 70 hours (€52)!
Ariane Le Febvre
