Effortless and elusive are two words we would use to describe French beauty, particularly regarding skincare. It's something that both infuriates and enchants us, but frankly, it is contagious. For once these French skincare staples are in your possession, you do want to keep them under lock and key
Home to some of the most iconic and adored beauty brands in the world, France is often our first port of call when seeking effective and radiance-boosting formulas. In fact, we confess that our beauty bags are brimming with French-made and approved buys, many of which claim spots on the list of best face moisturisers and makeup removers, for good reason. Our bedroom dressers are a similar story, with many a French perfume to be found front and centre. Now, we'd wager that Chanel, Clarins and Dior are just a few of the many famous names everyone can roll off when quizzed about French beauty, but it's also tucked away on the shelves of local Parisian pharmacies where the real gems are found.
Not to brag, but we, as a team, are rather well-versed and passionate about this topic. So, whether you're after a reparative barrier cream or a bronzing body oil, we've pooled our knowledge to supply you with a round-up of the skincare essentials French people quietly swear by...
9 French skincare products that deserve a spot in your routine
From La Roche-Posay's best-selling SPFs to Avène's gentle and soothing range of moisturisers, there's a French skincare staple out there for you. And no, you don't have to jet across the pond to snap them up, though we'd never say no to a Paris trip...
RRP: £18
This micellar water is a cult favourite in France and worldwide. It has been specifically developed for sensitive skin and so gently removes dirt and makeup from your face and eyes. It's the perfect everyday staple, whether you're a fan of double cleansing or wear stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
RRP: £16
A family favourite, this cream is rich and designed to soothe sensitive and damaged skin. Its formula boasts a postbiotic [C-Restore]™ complex with thermal spring water that protects the skin and supports its natural healing process.
RRP: £22
With a blend of grape extract, orange blossom and other nourishing essential oils, this mist can be used to prep, set and add radiance to your makeup. It smooths and plumps the skin, adding glow and nourishment in one gentle spritz. It's also very cooling, making it ideal for carrying around in your handbag for quick refreshes, especially if you find your makeup is looking a little dry or lacklustre.
RRP: £22
Enriched with a nourishing blend of vitamin E and precious plant oils - including tsubaki, camellia, hazelnut, borage, St Johnswort, sweet almond and macadamia oil - this dry body oil douses your skin in hydration, radiance and a gorgeous fragrance of orange blossom, rose and vanilla. It's multipurpose too, you can apply it to your skin, use it in your hair and even add a drop to your foundation. Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson, loves to apply to her decolletage for an enhanced glow.
RRP: £11
Widely regarded as one of the best La Roche Posay products on the market, the Cicaplast B5 balm needs a spot in your bathroom cabinet - if it's not already front and centre. It's thick and soothing, helping to intensely hydrate your skin and repair its natural barrier with ingredients like Thermal Spring Water and 5% panthenol. Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi swears by it for her dry skin, especially in the winter months.
RRP: from £13.99
A French pharmacy fave that has gained social media fame, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème is rich in fatty acids and vitamins to moisturise the skin and accelerate cell renewal. It's reparative, intensely nourishing and, like many of the other products in this roundup, it's multi-purpose. You can use it as a simple daily moisturiser, a hydrating face mask, a primer and even as a cream to remove your makeup.
RRP: £13
Another NUXE number, this lip balm features rose oil, shea butter and beeswax to lock in hydration, leaving your lips soft and lightly tinted with a petal pink hue. It's also vanilla-scented and is the perfect size for carrying in your handbag.
RRP: £20
A cult favourite if ever we saw one, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50+ is universally beloved for its lightweight, non-greasy finish that shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, whilst playing well under makeup. It's touted as one of the best facial sunscreens and our beauty team is among its many fans.
RRP: £16.50
Roger&Gallet's perfumes are French pharmacy favourites but the brand also boasts a range of shower gels and lotions in the hero scents. This body cream features shea butter and hydrates the skin, without leaving a greasy film - and it's perfect for layering with the Fleur de Figuier perfume or a similar floral fragrance.
Iconic and underrated French skincare brands to invest in
If a few of the above already feature in your routine or don't quite fit what you're searching for, we've also rounded up other popular French pharmacy skincare brands, along with the lesser-known and underrated options, for you to explore.
- Avène: an affordable variety of moisturisers, face mists and more
- Bioderma: known for it's micellar water and cleansing line
- Caudalie: from serums to mists, Caudalie is a social media favourite
- Clarins: a timeless favourite for skincare and beauty
- Embryolisse: a go-to for multi-tasking creams and gentle products
- La Roche-Posay: boasts a best-selling range of serums, cleansers, SPFs and moisturisers
- L’Occitane: for all your hand, nail and body care needs
- NUXE: a go-to for chic and affordable perfumes, body oils and lip balms
- Roger&Gallet: offers a range of inexpensive perfumes, lotions and more
- Vichy: a slightly pricier option, popular for its serums and creams
