What To Pick Up At La Pharmacie
Image courtesy of Georgianna Lane
Heading to the Riviera this summer? Alongside glowing limbs, chic lingerie, nothing says french girl style like a trip to a pharmacy. Read on for the french beauty buys you should be investing in.
I know, the French girl thing again. But before you roll your eyes, this is not about button-down midi dresses or oversized basket bags. Instead, this is about the special place french women have in their hearts for la pharmacie.
Unlike our own medically-focussed, starkly-lit British versions, the French pharmacy goes way beyond a prescription counter. Serving as GP surgery and hub of town gossip, even in the smallest villages they usually stock an impressive array of sophisticated beauty products.
In even the tiniest of rural towns you will likely find one open all-hours alongside the boulangerie, with morning queues {especially on a Monday}, with symptoms being discussed at length and local news being shared.
From Caudalie to La Roche Posay, Nuxe to Clarins, French beauty brands are certainly not newcomers to our own British bathroom cabinets, but aside from the classic items we can pick up back home, below is a round-up of some lesser-known gems that you might want to consider making space in your case for to see you through summer.
Use as a daily moisturiser for dry skin (body and face); as a makeup primer or also a rich night cream.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre, 30ml
This cult creamy lotion immediately turns dehydrated skin well-nourished and glowy. Known as “24-hour miracle cream,” the formula is super gentle and works on even the most sensitive skin.
This all-natural restorative cream is designed for super dry and rough skin. The scent is quite herbal - I love it - but don’t let that put you off. Great for tired, rough feet or tops of arms, or as a rich night cream.
Use on desperately dry spots like heels and elbows or as a weekly night cream — it has been compared to La Mer Creme de la Mer, but at a much more affordable price tag.
Petit Marseillais Savon de Marseille à l'Huile d'Olive, 200g
My love of a hand soap is well documented and thankfully this absolute favourite is now available without the plastic guilt - hurrah! Now available as a lovely little cube-shaped bar, it sits neatly into the palm. This one however is much easier to find in France than anywhere in the UK.
Use to reassure guests and the Sky man that you care about the Planet.
Simple, less greasy than most and does everything you ask of it. Also lasts a lifetime and won’t heat up and leak in your Saint Laurent like those blasted metal tubes.
Use for all your handcream needs and friends asking where you found it
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Floral 100ml
We all know the classic parfum in the elongated bronzed bottle, but this is the new release from Nuxe with a fresh, delicate, floral perfume.
A dry-oil texture containing seven botanical oils - including repairing argan oil and moisturizing tsubaki oil it’s another all-in-one product that aims to keep skin nourished and smoothed and hair soft and shiny.
Use to smell totally divine and fresh from the Riviera at summer weddings
Another dry oil, but with a spray function, this is great for pre wash hair oil, or a post-workout shower as it’s so easily applied and leaves a dewy glow. Working on hair, nails and face and body, it really is multi-purpose and the soft floral and woody scent is delicious.
Best for travelling with and massaging into sun-kissed limbs
If this summer is anything like the last in the UK, investing in a couple of travel versions of these mightn’t be a bad idea. Great for hot bus journeys or for when the office air-con breaks. Keep the large one the fridge and the mini in a handbag for on-the-go relief.
Best for avoiding the hot mess city worker look when the mercury rises
La Roche-Posay Posthelios Hydra Gel After-Sun
Obviously, as per french women we are all far too chic to be taking more than 10 minutes of sun each morning. But, should the worst happen and you get a little over-excited at the feel of warmth on your skin, then consider this your go-to healer. Keep in the fridge ready to slather on as a super-soothing balm after a cool shower, and just remember to drink plenty of water and keep out of the heat until recovered.
Best for soothing both skin and guilt should you get sunburnt
Bon vacance mes amis! xx
