FIVE AFFORDABLE FRENCH SKINCARE PRODUCTS TO ADD TO YOUR BEAUTY REGIME
I have always loved skincare products - creams, serums, masks - anything I can pamper my face with and help stop the ageing process. So much so that one of the main things I miss about the UK is Boots - yes the pharmacy. (Obviously after family and friends etc...). Boots was and still is one of the first places I visit on a trip back to the UK. I always return to Paris laden with essential skincare products - I think I find them comforting - a little reminder of my former home. But after five years in Paris, it's time to branch out and as I also love trying new products, I took a recent trip to a pharmacy in the Marais and almost bought out the shop. Some products were on recommendation, others I've read about and others I bought because they looked, sounded and smelt good.
So far, here are my top five. You can find all of them in French pharmacies and online. Shopable links below.
1. Bioderma Crealine H20 Micellar Water
Bioderma is a French skincare brand whose primary aim is healthy skin. This means that they use a limited amount of ingredients in their products, only use those that are absolutely necessary, and work with ingredients that contain the same molecules as those already contained in your skin. They have a wide range of product lines specifically formulated for various types of skin: sensitive, dry sensitive, dry, oily, pediatric, damaged and more.
Of the five, I would say this is my favourite. It also happens to be a staple in most Parisian bathrooms, and is a beauty bag essential for make-up artists, models and dermatologists. I’ve tried numerous make-up removers and find that they’re either too oily or a little abrasive and drying. This is the most natural feeling upon application and has very little scent. It feels like you're applying water to your skin (hence the title), but it removes stubborn, even waterproof, mascara, is gentle on the skin, doesn’t need to be rinsed off, doesn't block pores and is optometrist approved. Put simply, it's a must-have - buy it now.
2. Smoothing Moisturising Care radiance Booster by Bioderma
This smoothing moisturising care radiance booster contains the most important skin care product in the world - sunscreen! No matter what the weather, your beauty routine needs to include a UV blocking product (I wear factor 30 everyday, come rain or shine), as sun exposure is the number one cause of skin-aging. And that’s not all this wonder-product does, it also works to hydrate, protect, blur fine lines and wrinkles, and softens skin. Thank me later.
3. La Roche Posay Effaclar Masque
Originating from a thermal spring discovered in the 14th century, La Roche Posay touts their success to Selenium-rich water. This antioxidant water is a main soothing ingredient in most of their products. In addition to skin calming products, they also promote sun protection and healthy skin. Their efficient products are beneficial for all skin types, while putting a large emphasis on creating a line of skincare that is safe enough to use on even the most sensitive of skin, such as babies, and even skin damaged by cancer treatment. The Effaclar line was released in 2011 and is a combination of their exclusive Lipo-Hydroxy Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide, and is designed to help acne-prone skin while remaining gentle.
Use this sebum-controlling mask twice a week to reduce the amount of daily oil that is produced from your skin - keeping it looking matte and clear all day long.
4. Crème Prodigieuse Anti-Fatigue Night Cream
The Crème Prodigieuse Anti-Fatigue Night Cream, was recommended to me by two US friends, who have both been living in France for +7 years and use it religiously every night. To be used while you're sleeping, this cream should be applied to the face and décollage to renew cells, hydrate and reinvigorate the skin. You'll wake up fresh-faced and hydrated - it's thick creamy texture really feels like it's instantly adding lacking moisture to the skin on application.
Containing the essences of flowers, cocoa, and botanical caffeine, paired with the quintessential scent of the classic dry oil, huile prodigieuse, this cream is perfect if you're looking for a thick, moisturising night-time cream. It is however a little too scented for my liking, but I have ridiculously sensitive smell. Any non-hounds will find it smells very pleasant.
5. Rebalancing Cleansing Gel with Cranberry Extract by Bio Beauté
Bio Beauté is a line of beauty products created in 2008 by Nuxe. Founder Aliza Jabes, wanted to create a line of bio beauty products that would give women a natural way to keep their skin healthy and protected, despite the increasingly aggressive daily environment. Bio Beauté products are all certified organic, as well as paraben and sulfate-free. The Rebalancing Cleansing Gel with Cranberry Extract boasts that a whopping 99.4% of its ingredients are of a natural origin and that 20.6% of its ingredients are from natural farming. Its clear gel is gentle enough for sensitive and very dry skin, while also reducing oil, hence the “rebalancing”. With a light fragrance and a low price tag, this is a great staple to have in your beauty arsenal.
I’ve been using this morning and evening to wash my face after removing make-up and to cleanse my skin of any excess oil after sleeping. It smells great too.
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Words by Amanda VanOsdol & Marissa Cox. Photos by Monika Varšavskaja.
