Brigitte Bardot & Friends

The other day, I was rummaging through old family photographs when I came across a picture of my mother standing in the kitchen, preparing one of her fantastic meals. On the counter beside her was a bottle of olive oil. But it wasn’t the olive oil that caught my attention—it was the magazine Paris Match. And on the cover? Brigitte Bardot.

The year was 1971. We were living in Paris at the time.

I remember asking my mother about this famous actress, who seemed to be the rage across Europe. Wanting to impress me, she grinned and said, “I have something in common with Brigitte Bardot.”

As pretty as my mother was, I still sneered and asked, “What could you possibly have in common with Brigitte Bardot?”

She held up the bottle of olive oil and declared, “Olive oil!”

She went on to explain that she applied olive oil to her face and other parts of her body every day. It was her secret to radiant skin—just like Brigitte Bardot. Seeing that photograph brought back a wonderful memory and gave me a good laugh.

The Beauty Secret of Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil has long been praised for its skincare benefits. One of its most well-known advantages is its deep hydration. Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, it forms a protective barrier that locks in moisture, preventing dryness and irritation. Unlike synthetic moisturizers, extra virgin olive oil is a natural emollient that penetrates the skin, leaving it soft and supple.

All of this got me wondering—who else today is known for using extra virgin olive oil as part of their beauty routine?

Would you believe…

• Gwyneth Paltrow
• Victoria Beckham
• Renée Zellweger
• Penélope Cruz
• Kerry Washington

…And many more! Hopefully, they’ll all discover The Virgin Organic.

Bernard C. La Borie
Founder, TVO