The story of the Convent of the Minimes of Mane - botanist monks and the community of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary that began in 1613 - is fascinating. 

And the fact that the natural, plant-based skincare recipes have lived on for so many centuries is incredible. But what's so bewitching to me is that each of their recipes "refers to an ancestral tradition from the convents and monasteries, capturing a moment in their life."

So you get these products that have worked through the ages, made in France, along with a deeply rich history. I bet your current skincare isn't half as deep.

One of my favourite ways to start your day is with the Energizing Shower Gel. The lemon and verbena electrifies and empowers my soul. In fact, it made me sing in the shower, something I don't think I've done since I was a teenager. Isn't it about time you had showers like this?

To keep your hair looking and feeling super soft and rich, you've got to get yourself some Gentle Fortifying Shampoo &  Fortifying Conditioner. The fragrance alone of the ingredients - olive oil, sage, mint and rosemary - is enough to put a skip in your step. If you need something a little more intensive, the Fortifying Hair Mask gets your hair back what it used it be (back in the day before all of that colouring, straight-ironing, blow-drying, teasing, etc.), in a single treatment, thanks to shea butter and the immense TLC that goes into every Le Couvent des Minimes product.

Even though I'm don't have anything close to a green thumb, I am completely hooked on Gardener's Hand Healer. As you can imagine, the scent is unbelievable - lemon verbena is so uplifting, isn't it? And it instantly softens, thanks to shea butter and coconut and sunflower seed oil, without the slightest greasiness. So go ahead and slather it on right before you have to collate that important report - you won't leave a creamy, slick mess anywhere.

Roses have long been used in beauty products for their moisturizing properties as well as a way to recapture your youthful appearance. So it's only fitting that their original recipe Complete Moisturizing Cream (pictured above) is beyond gorgeous. The cream is so light, it's practically a lotion, but so rich in quality. Using active extracts of four types of roses (gallic rose and wild rose seed milk, damask rose floral water, musk rose oil and while rose hip polyphenols), along with nourishing ingredients such as grapeseed and sunflower seed oil, your skin  will be hydrated and infused with youthful radiance, softness and suppleness. And the added bonus? You'll feel like you've stepped into an English rose garden from the completely exhilarating scent that envelops you each time you apply it.

And if you need even more reasons to make the switch:

- every time you make a purchase of Le Couvent des Minimes products, you are helping others - 1% of their annual sales to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary charity.

- Travel sizes are also available, so you can bring the luxe look and feel wherever you go.

- They make the most wonderful gifts. For yourself or others.

Start shopping for Le Couvent des Minimes products maintenant.