How to Glow Like a Parisian: 8 Gems from French Pharmacy
Bonjour Cool Girls, Planning to bring back some unique souvenirs from your trip to France ? Skip the typical trinkets and head straight to the pharmacy near your hotel. This is where you’ll uncover the beauty secrets Parisian women swear by. Ditch the harsh, chemical-filled products that damage your skin, french pharmacies are stocked with some dermatologist-recommended gems made from high-quality, gentle ingredients. As a local, I’m sharing my top 8 French pharmacy must-haves to help you glow like a true Parisian. Bon voyage !
As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. #ad #publicité
1. Bioderma H2O Micellar Water
When you think of French pharmacy, you naturally think of Bioderma’s micellar water. I think it’s the most recommended product by people who visit French pharmacies. Personally, I love it because I have sensitive skin, and it removes my makeup gently without stinging my eyes. It also has a great rating on Yuka, and honestly, that’s become one of my top criteria when buying skincare products.
2. Sisley Paris Tinted Lip Balm (True Red)
When a Parisian plans on going out but doesn’t feel like doing a full face of makeup, lipstick is her best ally. She chooses a shade that flatters her and pats it onto her lips for a bitten-lip effect. She’ll also use it on her cheeks for a healthy glow and finish it off with a touch of mascara. I really love Sisley’s tinted lip balms because they have enough pigment while staying super hydrating. They come in plenty of different shades, but for this Parisian look, I prefer the true red.
3. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
During the summer, I can’t stand putting on body oil because it always leaves a greasy finish, sticks to my skin and clothes, and I’m already overstimulated by the heat. That’s why I prefer dry oils. I really love the one by Nuxe because it smells like summer, leaves a hydrated but not “greasy” finish, and scents my skin. I still prefer wearing it in the evening to go out and enhance my tan from the day.
4. SVR – Xerial 50 Extreme Foot
I discovered SVR products a few years ago because I was looking for a clean brand. I’ve always had sensitive skin, and nowadays, many creams contain sketchy ingredients, which often trigger allergies. I really love their foot cream, I apply it like a mask before going to bed and put on socks. What’s great is that it’s not greasy; it sinks in and hydrates the skin.
5. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
Voici la traduction en anglais, qui garde ce ton de recommandation amicale et spontanée, parfait pour les réseaux ou une discussion :
If there’s one thing you need to pack in your suitcase, it’s this balm from La Roche-Posay it’s truly the ultimate multi-purpose balm to keep in your makeup bag. It’s a hydrating balm, but it’s very rich and ideal for dry, sensitive skin. I use it either as a “hydrating mask” before going to bed, on dry patches, or on everyday minor boo-boos. I also use it in the summer to hydrate my skin after sun exposure. Best avoided if you have oily skin.
6. L’OCCITANE Almond Shower Oil :My favorite French Pharmacy Find
Do I even need to introduce it ? This shower oil has been buzzing on TikTok for several years now, and for good reason. First of all, the scent reminds me of my childhood, it’s an almond scent, but not like candy almond… it smells like luxurious almond. It’s a shower oil that I find ultra-comforting, especially during the coldest months of the year. And its oily texture is so satisfying to use and highly hydrating. It’s truly the details that elevate the whole shower experience.
7. ROGER & GALLET Women’s Eau Red Ginger: My favorite French Pharmacy Fragrance
And yes, you’ll actually find eaux de parfum in a French pharmacy, it’s quite common and they’re generally very affordable ! If I were to recommend a scent for you to try, it would definitely be Gingembre Rouge by Roger & Gallet. It’s a gourmand, fruity fragrance perfect for summer, with notes of ginger, juicy mandarin and sparkling pomegranate. Absolutely worth a sniff !
8. Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic Acid and AHAs Peel Face Mask
I’ve always wanted to try peels to improve my acne dark spots, but I didn’t want to trust just any brand because I saw the ‘fails’ on TikTok and it scared me. I was already familiar with Caudalie, and when I saw they made a peel, I tested it and I think it’s perfect. There’s no dramatic overnight effect on the spots, but on the other hand, I feel like my skin looks clearer and more even after each use. You really see the results over time.
