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Ah, the joie de vivre of the French—how they cook their eggs, wash their hair, dye their first gray hairs, spray perfume, and shop flea markets—they’ve really figured it all out. They also always know how to pick an effective skincare product. And even more impressively, they know how to wade their way through the drugstore, finding the crème de la crème in each aisle.
But you don’t have to be in Montmartre to grab these drugstore goodies—thanks to the
invasion that’s happened in the last few years, all of these brands are probably at your local drugstore. When you see any of the below, trust that they have not only been vetted by your favorite Frenchies, they’re now practically canonized they’re so famous and in a class all their own.
Biafine Try Out: Biafine Cream, $35
The iconic tube is still the same formula and packaging since 1971, when French chemist M. Wenmaekers created an emergency cream to treat his daughter’s ironing burns. Today it’s still used to relieve burns, but also a blessing on calming and regenerating sunburnt skin. The magical mix of water, avocado oil, and paraffin can also be a godsend for soothing general sensitive skin woes.
Avène Try Out: Thermal Spring Water, $9
One of these thermal spring water sprays are sold every two seconds—it’s that perfect. A must for all skin types, but especially sensitive skin, as it soothes, calms, and heals. And the light, aerated mist is alone just incredibly refreshing. But the water itself is what’s so magical, it contains naturally occurring minerals to purify, heal and hydrate for a brightened look. I’ve know some experts to spray it on after washing their face to balance skin, or use it to set makeup, or after being out in the sun, or on the plane—literally anytime of day for anything.
Klorane Try Out: Dry Shampoo, $10
The most-awarded dry shampoo ever is also available at your local drugstore. The reason for its popularity is its ultra gentle mix, thanks to the secret ingredient: the French flowering plant, nettle. It’s pretty much the secret to that volumized, disheveled hair we all want, and all
s have. And it leaves no residue in the hair, which is precisely why a bottle is bought every 10 seconds throughout the world.
Homeoplasmine Try Out: Homeoplasmine Cream, $15
Pretty much every French girl, makeup artist, and Francophile has this cream in their routine. For good reason, the multi-purpose ointment soothes, hydrates, and protects. It plumps dull skin, transforms flaky lips, and can even be worn overnight to heal irritated spots. It’s basically the French version of Vaseline.
Embryolisse Try Out: Lait-Crème Concentrè, $16
A cocktail of natural ingredients, including shea butter, aloe vera, and beeswax, make this fine, milky textured cream a staple backstage for every makeup artist. Created by a Parisian dermatologist, it’s suitable even for the most sensitive skin. It can be used on dry spots, all-over for dehydrated skin, and even as a makeup remover. (When in doubt, just slather it all over.)
Bioderma Try Out: Sensibio H2O, $6.90
The cultiest of culty products here, this micellar water is beloved all over France (and beyond) for its gentle, highly effective ability to remove all makeup and dirt on skin. Also, some Frenchies like to swipe it on the skin in the morning in lieu of washing their face, or you can use it to balance pH on the skin like a toner would. Its beauty lies in the chemical structure—glycerol ester assures its able to work with every skin type, and able to chemically balance skin’s pH without having to use water.
Nuxe Try Out: Huile Prodigieuse, $27.50
This is a magical oil that softens everything it comes in contact with, including hair, skin, and even feet. The mix of seven plant oils, like sweet almond oil, camellia oil, and macadamia oil, make it incredibly hydrating. But it also leaves behind this incredible glowing sheen that just makes you *glow* from head to toe.
La Roche-Posay Try Out: Cicaplast Baume, $15
Pretty much everything from this now easy-to-access in the US brand is pretty fantastic, and available at a super price, too. The sunscreen is incredible, face lotions soothing, and the body creams (like the Cicaplast Baume) are so hydrating and nourishing. And yet again, all are incredibly cheap for the quality you’re getting. The Cicaplast balm absorbs quickly, but soothes all dryness, redness, and irritation immediately—so much so that it’s even suitable for babies.
Keep the French vibes going:
The French Girl’s Guide to Cooking Eggs Every French Girl (and Meghan Markle) Swears By This Hair Oil How the French Do Summer Cocktails
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