The beauty habits of the French are like no other, they go to pharmacies for their monthly hauls, use dry oils all year round and leave their hair alone. You may call their taste in beauty is qualitative with a mix of luxe (expensive!) and pharmacy finds that contribute to their skin health. The ideology of boosting their daily routine with action-oriented ingredients and formulations is exactly the reason why they manage to keep it minimal – no 10-step routines here! Here are some of our favourite and tried and tested picks that can get you started on your French beauty journey.
1. Clarins Bright Plus Advanced Brightening Dark Spot-Targeting Serum
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A potent serum that feels more like a lotion, the vitamin C enriched formula of this luxe pick justifies the splurge. Rose-myrtle and Acerola Cherry seed extracts give it its brightening power. It also offers benefits like skin decongestion and fading dark marks caused by UV damage making it an ideal pick for a summer skincare routine.
2. Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
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TBH, the gel-based cleanser is an acne-fighting hero. A new launch from the brand that made clay masks cool again, this cleanser helps with regulating sebum and offers pore-tightening, without overly drying out the skin. It is enriched with plant-based salicylic acid to offer mild exfoliation while you cleanse your face.
3. L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate
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One thing you can count on with french body care is that they always smell divine. This silky body cream deliciously melts into the skin and softens it. Formulated with almond and walnut seed extracts, the body moisturiser is extremely nourishing and doubles up as a hydrating mask for the body.
4. Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray
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The jury’s still out on whether face mists are good or not; experts claim they can dehydrate the skin. But come summer, a face mist in the bag makes the difference between a good morning or a bad one. For us, this calming and soothing sensitive-skin hero is one of the picks worthy of our time.
5. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Makeup Removing Micellar Cleansing Solution
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The OG micellar solution is a cult beauty item that has remained relevant and present in many beauty vanities, especially among overworked beauty editors. The formula is so fail-proof that French dermatologists are known to prescribe it for daily skincare routines. Unfragranced and gentle on sensitive skin and around the eyes, this one is a French beauty classic.
6. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
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The French equivalent to our own Pond’s cold cream, this multipurpose cream is like a tall glass of water (or milk!) for dehydrated skin. Beauty girls have been known to use it as a primer, and ones affected by sensitivity, as a makeup remover. The thick cream has been known to save many ashy knees from being exposed under mini skirts and deserves a permanent spot in a to-go bag.
7. Cirépil By Perron Rigot Visage Non Strip Disposable Wax
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A part of the iconic Thalgo group, Cirépil’s waxing products have revolutionised at-home hair removal for many. Not just a part of aesthetic reels of melting waxing beads, the innovative formula can be credited for making face waxing a common practice among millennials and Gen Z.
