Working for a French company my husband gets to visit France every other year and sometimes even twice a year. And I get a chance to refill my stock of French beauty goodies from his every visit. At first, my mom-in-law couldn’t really understand my euphoria, when each time my hubby announced his trip to Paris.
But over the years, she too has got hooked to some of the French skincare products that hubby has got from his trips to Paris. Now you must be wondering, why so much fuss about French beauty and French skincare products?
Well as a beauty blogger and skincare maniac, who has tried many different skincare products from different parts of the world, I can say this that when it comes to skincare, Korean beauty and French pharmacy tops the list.
My French Skincare Haul from Paris
Why French Drugstore Beauty?
Drugstore beauty products in France are often equivalent to or no less than premium department beauty products in US or UK, which means they are –
- Upscale: You can easily look up to any local French pharmacy as your ultimate high-end beauty destination!
- And they really work: French take their brand promise very seriously, making it a point to deliver!
But the biggest reason, why French pharmacy rocks is – French drugstore beauty products are highly reasonably priced, which means if you buy them in France the quality/price ratio is simply unbeatable!
Also, there is a line or range of products for every skincare need or concern. So whether you are looking stuff for eczema, rosacea, acne, pigmentation, dehydrated skin, dull skin, oily skin or sensitive skin, be sure to find your right match in a French pharmacy.
Top French Drugstore Beauty Products
Now coming to some of the best French drugstore beauty products, here is my list of 7 must have skincare items you should buy from France:
- Spray water
French women are hooked on spray waters. And now I know the reason why. I spray it on and it instantly hydrates and refreshes my skin. It’s super-hot North Indian summer and thanks to Evian spray water, I look fresh and radiant all day!
Top picks to try:
Evian Brumisateur Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray
Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Water
Vichy Eau Thermale Thermal Spa Water
- Micellar water
Another favorite of French women – micellar water is huge in France! While it looks and feels like plain water, it is more than that – it is basically tiny oil molecules mixed in water for deep cleansing and makeup removing. The stuff helps to gently remove face and eye makeup without the need for soap and water. It’s very gentle on the skin and very economical.
Top picks to try:
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
L’Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Micellar Water
- Famous French Beauty Creams
French women have always been looked up to for beauty and anti-aging inspiration across the world. And it’s not without their special lotions and potions that French women manage to look much younger for their age.
Ranging from budget to luxury, French anti-aging and moisturizing creams combine both traditional and scientific ingredients in cutting edge formulations to deliver best quality potions. So when in Paris, don’t forget to get your hands on these famous French beauty creams.
Top picks to try:
L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Day Cream SPF 15
Vichy Slow Age Night Fresh Cream and Mask
ROC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Filler
L’Oreal Paria RevitaLift Anti Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream
Avene cicalfate restorative skin cream
Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Cream
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Rich Cream
- Moisturizing Body Washes
Enter a French drugstore and you’ll find a variety of body washes and shower gels that you never imagined possible. Ushuaia and Petit Marseillais are two of the best brands to choose from. Both offer a dozen of natural scents for a totally dreamy shower experience.
Le Petit Marseillais Lait Body Wash in Rose scent is one of my all times favorites. The creamy formula works to gently cleanse and hydrate your skin during shower, while the fragrance lingers long after bath. I always ensure to stock up on this whenever hubby visits France.
- Dry Shampoo
True, we can’t be French. But we can of course steal their secret to world famous effortlessly chic hair! When it comes to rocking full bodied, minimally treated hair, French women swear by a good quality dry shampoo.
Top picks to try:
Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Batiste Blush Floral & Flirty Dry Shampoo
eSalon Without a Trace Dry Shampoo
- Lip care
Bold red lip is hallmark of French chic. But it’s impossible to pull off a perfect Parisian red lip without well moisturized, smooth lips. No wonder, lip care is an essential aspect of French beauty and their market is flooded with highly affordable but great quality lip balms.
Top picks to try:
Bioderma Atoderm Lip Moisturising Stick
Caudalie Lip Conditioner
Labello Tinted Lip Balms and Lip Butters
- Sunscreen
French sunscreens are heads and shoulders above any sun protection in the world. Not only are they highly effective but unlike their sticky and greasy US counterparts, French sunscreens are more like nice skin creams that look and feel good on your skin.
Top picks:
La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid
Avene Very High Protection Emulsion with SPF 50
Nuxe Sun Delicious Cream for Face
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30
So these are some of the best French drugstore beauty products that you might want to check out when in Paris. The best part about these French drugstore beauties is that they really work and they do not cost a bomb. In fact some of these products are dirt cheap if you happen to buy them in France.
Very nice and useful compilation. I will bookmark this post for future reference 🙂
http://ibeautyspy.com/review-of-himalaya-youth-eternity-night-cream/
Awww..so nice of you Archana!
I’ve used the evian spray and I love. It is super cooling and feels very light on the skin.