There are few things I can never leave France without checking off my list. At the top is a trip to the French pharmacy! It still amazes me how oblivious I was to these coveted skincare products. Now I make considerable space in my suitcase to fit as many products (+ extras) as I can… because it is that good!
Let’s start with Why French Skincare?
Over time I’ve learned that my skin doesn’t need a whole lot to perform it’s best. When I first walked into a French pharmacy, a very knowledgeable pharmacist spent considerable time going over my skincare needs. She introduced me to products that were not only simple but effective. I learned the importance of not overwhelming my skin with a zillion products. I also, after a while, really understood the beauty secret that all french women share—effortless charm! Hundreds of books have been written on the subject of unlocking the chic french style that so many people want to achieve, and the answers are the same across the pages : French women have mastered the imperfect perfect look. All the effort is put into looking like you didn’t try at all—basically like you woke up like this…
A honey based lip balm that softens not only the feel of your lips but the look of it too. A dry body oil that is lightly scented, not greasy and can be used over your skin and hair for a sun-kissed glow?
The goal is to simply enhance your natural beauty!
The French Pharmacy
French beauty products are sold just about anywhere, but my favorite places to shop for them is the pharmacy. You know how you could go to a pharmacy and ask for medicine to address a particular issue? Well in France those issues could include beauty issues. There are pharmacists all around the store ready to listen to your skincare needs and recommend products to address them. It’s like an easily accessible dermatologist – without the copay! Another interesting thing is that the prices of products are not the same across pharmacies. So you really need to know where to shop in Paris to get the most affordable. Lucky for you, I know just the place!
City Pharma in Saint Germain des Pres is by far the most affordable pharmacy in Paris! From what I’ve compared, you save about 3 euros on products, and about 10-12 dollars on what is sold in the US. Trust me it adds up in the end!
The Routine
Morning:
I wash my face with a soapless gentle cleanser and wipe off any residue with Bioderma Micellar Water . I then pat some essence on my skin. I love this one by Caudalie, but you can also try SK-II which is pretty great(worth the splurge!) I alternate my serums based on what my skin needs that week. A few I use are : serum for everyday / serum for brightening. After this, I spray on Caudalie beauty elixir (my favorite part!) you can feel your pores tightening up! I exfoliate my lips with a soft wash cloth and then massage the Nuxe honey lip balm on my lips. Don’t forget sunscreen – I wear this even if I’m just going to be in the house! For the final touch, I spritz on some Nuxe dry body oil all over. It’s head-to-toe and gives me the perfect glow! If you want the scent I am currently IN absolute love with – get this! The sweetest light fragrance–this is my I-am-not-even-trying secret!!
Night:
I gently oil cleanse with CHANEL’s Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil and then wash the day off with a gentle cleanser . Then essence, and this serum by Vichy another great French brand! For night time moisturizer, I love using my vinoperfect which smooths out my skin making it feel like velvet. Other nights, I also use my favorite Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre which also acts as an overnight mask.