It took us a while to understand the beauty of the French pharmacy. Distinct from the American drugstore, the pharmacy is not where you go to buy basic shampoo or a bag of chips (we learned that the hard way, after finding no snacks in sight and paying a pretty penny for the cheapest chapstick). Rather, the pharmacy is a place to seek out prescription medications, holistic or homeopathic remedies, and the very best of French beauty products.
It’s no surprise to us that beauty bloggers have jumped on the French beauty product bandwagon – the variety and quality truly are staggering. If you too want to discover the best that French pharmacies have to offer, here are a few items that might find their way into our suitcases and into the Christmas stockings of our loved ones this holiday season!
1. Klorane Dry Shampoo
Ever wondered how Parisiennes always seem to look like they had time to do their hair, even first thing in the morning? Many rely on Klorane, a dry shampoo we absolutely love for those days you’re dashing out the door. It doesn’t leave a residue and has a super pleasant smell. Perhaps best of all, they make one just for brunettes!
2. Bioderma Makeup Remover
This product is so popular it’s said that a bottle is sold every two seconds! This non-rinse makeup remover works wonders, easily wiping away even the most stubborn of water-proof mascaras while remaining gentle on your skin. We love the dry and sensitive skin versions in this line for daily use!
3. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse
This golden oil can be applied on hair, skin, nails, or face – anywhere you need a bit more moisture and a natural glow. Made with six all-natural plant-based sources of Vitamin E, this oil repairs your cells without leaving a greasy residue behind.
4. Caudalie Face-Lifting Cream
Caudalie unites two of our favorite French products: skincare and wine. This line of beauty products is based on “vinotherapy,” the idea that grapes, grapevines, and grapeseeds contain the antioxidants necessary to give your skin a youthful, healthy appearance. In fact, the brand’s name comes from a wine term for the time a wine’s flavors linger on the palate after tasting. The brand’s face-lifting cream contains a patented combination of resveratrol and hyaluronic acid, clinically proven to increase your skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid up to three times.
5. La Roche Posay Ultra Light Face Sunscreen
La Roche Posay is the brand to beat for high-quality, high-SPF sunscreen that offers great protection without ever being greasy or sticky. This little tube specifically developed for the face offers SPF 50 protection and is particularly easy on sensitive skin around the eyes.
Top Image: Thesupermat