By now we’ve all caught on to the fact that French pharmacy beauty products are as good as their better known ‘designer brand’ counterparts, and sometimes better.
Not only that but they frequently, though not always, cost less, and many are stocked, at least online, at the big beauty websites. So Avene, Filorga, La Roche-Posay, Vichy, Nuxe and Bioderma are easy to get hold of. A particularly good website for French pharmacy beauty products is Escentual.
Having said that, the latest products aren’t always available so you have to go to a specialist site and have them sent from France. And certain brands, such as Lierac - which is one of my favourites, don’t seem to be available anywhere in the UK.
I have four products in my sights from this trip to Paris - Firstly Caudalie’s Glycolic Peel Masque, which gives you a clearer, fresher and smoother skin in 10 minutes. I love these double duty masques as they exfoliate and increase radiance at the same time. Perfect for using while soaking in the bath…..
Secondly, and a real find, are Bioderma Crealine H20 face wipes. These are based on their brilliant Miccelaire Cleansing Water (so much less expensive than other brands) but now available as wipes which are so useful when travelling. I love these wipes particularly when you’re in a hurry, they’re excellent for taking everything off including your eye makeup and you feel immediately refreshed.
Then by Lierac and at the top end of the scale is Lierac Luminescence Radiance Serum. Not only does this instantly improve radiance but it also improves pigmentation and creates a smooth base for foundation. It does have a slight scent but as one who prefers unscented products on the whole I don’t mind this at all.
Lierac is not cheap by any means, but it’s one of the best French beauty brands and well worth trying. I also like their Mesolift Anti-aging moisturiser and Mesolift revitalising anti-age serum. I’ve used both of these for some time and they produce excellent results for much less than you’d pay for a premium store brand.
Finally for those who pay attention to their neck and chest areas you might like to try Lierac Liftissime Cou. This offers an instant lifting and moisturising effect in a soft and very pleasant to use gel-cream. Again it’s a premium product for a not bank-breaking price and incidentally if you’re not using a neck and chest cream you should probably start. It makes a big difference for an area that’s frequently overlooked.
