French skincare is incredible, cheap and loved by every celebrity: Here are the products you need to snap up
Until a few years ago, French pharmacies were an untapped source of beauty-boosting treasures and they're where many of our favourite skincare products find their origin. And while beauty buffs used to have to stockpile their French pharmacy skincare on every trip across the Channel, we're now able to get our hands on the very best products without shelling out for a Eurostar ticket with many hero brands available in popular UK retailers.
In fact, many of the classic French pharmacy brands have become so incorporated within the UK market, many of us don't even realise their history. Take Bioderma, for instance. Many of us have had their micellar water as a firm fixture on our bathroom shelf for years, but the brand was actually founded in 1977 in Aix en Provence, France. They specialised in medication for dermatological conditions like eczema and psoriasis and it was only in 2013 that the brand finally expanded its cult offering into the UK, selecting upmarket London pharmacy John Bell & Croydon to stock the range. Now, the brand has displays in all popular retailers, from online sites like Feel Unique, to high street staples like Boots.
Another popular French pharmacy brand that has its roots in dermatology is Avène. Its roots can be traced back centuries, to 1743, when the first patients were treated in the town of Avène in the South of France, home of the Orb Valley and the Sainte-Odile thermal spring. The spring water was renowned for its anti-inflammatory, soothing properties and people would travel far and wide to swim in it. In fact, it is still a hero ingredient in the brand's products to this day and there is a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy centre in the original French town.
With rich natural resources proven to be precious to skin health, as well as a history of dermatological excellence, it seems France is well positioned to create the ultimate skincare solutions for our every day regimes, able to cater to specific skin conditions as well as provide general nourishment and care.
Find out which French pharmacy beauty and skincare products the GLAMOUR team swear by...
Not a fan of French beauty brands? Why not check out this incredible 10-step Korean skincare regime instead.
The everything cream
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Gel B5, £15, Look Fantastic
Non-greasy but supremely soothing, this lightweight gel is an absolute must-have for sensitive skin. It is enriched with anti-bacterial agents that protect the skin from external aggressors as well as being free from fragrance and parabens.
The facial mist
Avène Thermal Water, £8.50, Look Fantastic
If there's one skincare product to keep on you at all times it's this facial mist. Not only is the thermal water rich in minerals and known to soothe irritation and sensitivity, but it's also hella refreshing. We love to spray on a hot day, or else spritz for a quick mid-afternoon refresh.
The body oil
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil Spray, £18.50, Cult Beauty
No summer would be complete without this delicious dry oil. The soft scent is evocative of dreamy Mediterranean sunsets, and the silky combination of plant oils (Borage, St. John’s Wort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut and Macadamia) keeps skin supple and hair hydrated.
The all over moisturiser
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Fluide, £16, Cult Beauty
An all-over treat, you can use this body lotion everywhere (yes, that means body and face), which makes it a perfect product for anyone who prefers a minimalist approach to skincare. You can use as a light moisturiser, makeup remover, after sun and even on babies (seriously, it's amazing).
The hydrating serum
Vichy Minéral 89 Serum, £18.75, Feel Unique
Dry, dehydrated skin? Yeah, us too. Slather on this French pharmacy favourite to quench skin's thirst - it's full of hyaluronic acid and kind-to-skin minerals to instantly hydrate and help to protect skin for the rest of the day. For an even better boost, we massage it in with a jade roller - so refreshing.
The soothing balm
Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm, £6, Eucerin
This multi-use, richly nourishing cream should be a staple in every household. It is water-free and paraffin-based, meaning it creates the ideal shield to protect dry, cracked or damaged skin, helping it to recover and regenerate.
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The micellar water
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, £10.80, Boots
The OG of micellar water, Bioderma is still our go-to for fast and fuss-free makeup removal. Plus, it doesn't dehydrate and can be used on sensitive skin.
The dry shampoo
Klorane Oat Milk Dry Shampoo, £9.99, Boots
This dry shampoo is every beauty expert's favourite not only for it's totally invisible, instant de-greasing abilities, but also because it's smells super subtle, too.
