There are few things more satisfying than a French pharmacy haul. Paris already has the fashion, the pastries, the effortless hair and that annoyingly chic ability to make a simple white shirt look expensive, and then there are the pharmacies, packed with brilliant, often under-the-radar beauty buys you won’t find quite so easily back home. With Paris Fashion Week soon on the agenda, Paris remains the epitome of style, class and some of the best pharmacies in the world.

So, on my recent trip to Paris, I did what any self-respecting beauty editor would do: I shopped. The result was a suitcase full of French skincare, haircare, SPF and various things I absolutely did not need but now cannot imagine living without. And (insider tip!) unlike flying, when you travel on the Eurostar there’s no strict weight limit on your luggage or liquid restrictions, so stocking up on French beauty finds is quite simply non-negotiable.

Here’s exactly what I shlepped back with me…

Best French beauty buys we swear by

This is the kind of dreamy, cloud-like cleanser that makes washing your face feel considerably more luxurious, while leaving skin feeling soft and comfortable rather than squeaky clean, plus it’s incredibly satisfying to use. Worth the trip because: Deep cleansing but make it fun.
La Rosée is one of those French pharmacy brands that beauty insiders seem to know about before everyone else catches on. The SOS Repair Balm is a brilliant little multitasker for dry, irritated or generally unhappy skin exactly the sort of product you want lurking in your handbag come autumn. Worth the trip because: A brilliant emergency balm for the whole family.
PATYKA does sophisticated skincare perfectly as you would expect from a French brand. This cleansing oil is a very chic addition to my evening routine. It melts away makeup, SPF and the general grime of a day in Paris (or London!) without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight. Worth the trip because: It turns taking your makeup off genuinely effortless.
On The Wild Side is a French natural skincare brand from Bordeaux. All formulas are 100% natural, vegan and essential oil-free. This day cream is particularly great if you like light formulations with a signature French approach to skincare: simple, sensorial and effective. Worth the trip because: Under-the-radar French skincare that feels like an insider find.
A dry shampoo that actually makes hair feel fresh rather than coated in powder? Yes please. Bouclème is already a favourite for curls and textured hair, and its foaming dry shampoo is a clever addition for extending a blow-dry or giving second-day hair a refresh for even dead straight hair like my own. Worth the trip because: Second-day hair without the tell-tale dry-shampoo helmet. A must for busy city shopping breaks!
Vitamin C is hardly new, but finding a good, uncomplicated formula is still a beauty win. PERS Vitamin C is the sort of serum that slots easily into a morning routine when you want brightness and antioxidant support in a high percentage but gentle formula. Worth the trip because: A straightforward vitamin C hit for brighter-looking skin, minus the irritation.
Klorane is one of those classic French pharmacy names that always deserves a place in your basket. This growth-focused shampoo is for anyone like me who is always seeking the next best thing for thinning hormonal hair. Worth the trip because: A French pharmacy classic for anyone taking their scalp and hair growth routine seriously.
A handbag essential, particularly as we head towards colder months. Rich enough to rescue dry hands but easy to throw into your bag, this is exactly the kind of affordable little pharmacy find you’ll be grateful you bought. I may have accidentally (!) bought five! Worth the trip because: An inexpensive French classic that makes a great gift too.
And finally, Institut Esthederm, one of those French suncare brands that serious beauty obsessives know to seek out. Its approach to sun protection is clever and sophisticated and comes in a huge variety of formulas and textures (l love them all!), making it a must to investigate, especially if you’re as obsessed with SPF as I am. Worth the trip because: The choice is wider and it’s cheaper to buy from abroad.
Caudalie is another French beauty heavyweight that needs little introduction, and its SPF oil is perfect for anyone who wants sun protection with a more luxurious, glow-giving finish. It feels far more glamorous than the average bottle of sunscreen but still gives high protection. Worth the trip because: SPF, that feels and smells like luxe bodycare.

[For Eurostar enquiries, head to https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en for effortless travel from London to Paris, with no airline-style luggage restrictions to worry about.]

Beauty, Makeup, Skincare

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