France is famous for epic beauty products. French women are always ageless, and French pharmacies are a go-to for hair & skincare items with high-quality ingredients. As an expat in Europe, I was excited to discover and test some of these. Most of us won’t be able to head to France anytime soon, but the good news is that you can pick these products up online. Below are my favorite cult French beauty products – and I’ve included where to buy them in both Europe and the US!
Mercedes
Best hair mask: Phyto Joba
This hair mask (US link / EU link) is to die for. I love Olaplex, but you need to add moisture into your routine to keep hair healthy (find out why here). This one smells a little bit like your grandmother’s perfume (not unpleasant – just old school), but works wonders. I use it after shampooing, but before conditioner. The Gallinee probiotic mask is also a great option (US link / EU link).
Best body lotion: Gallinee
I’ve been looking for a super hydrating lotion that isn’t greasy, absorbs well, and it good for sensitive skin. And this is THE perfect product (US link / EU link). It has a pleasant and light almond scent that isn’t overwhelming. The founder also mentioned it works for eczema, which is what she originally created it for.
Best hydration treatment: Institut Esthederm
Those Evian mists were really popular during my time as an actress in the 90s, and they always struck me as silly. However, as I got older I realized how useful they are for hydration. Although I’m a huge fan of the rose mist I wrote about, this French spray (US link / EU link) is a close second and actually settles better over makeup. It feels a little indulgent and a little luxurious (which we all need after a year of sitting around in sweats).
Best face mask: Clarins
I wrote about this mask in my Sephora picks a couple of weeks ago. It’s the perfect mask to depuff and give your skin a radiant glow. I can’t recommend this mask enough! Unfortunately it’s always out of stock everywhere in the EU. Here is a link if you’re in Europe (can’t vouch for the website though, as I’ve never used it), or you can also check Harrod’s and Selfridges to see if they restock.
Best eyelash enhancement: Talika
Although this serum (US link / EU link) is the best product I’ve found, it can mess with my eyelash growth cycles. So I’ve been hunting for something with less chemicals, and this serum from the French brand Talika (US link / EU link) is a good natural option. I also like their gentle eye makeup remover to reduce losing lashes (US link / EU link).
Best sunscreen: La Roche Posay
I discovered this brand right before my trip to the French riviera last year, and fell in love. I hate how sticky and opaque most creams are, but their high SPF oil is super easy to apply and gives your skin a subtle shine. It reminds me of the Banana Boat tanning oil I used to use as a teen (but this will actually protect your skin from sun damage). The oil is almost impossible to find in the US, but this melt-in milk version is a great replacement. I also love their face sunscreen (US link / EU link) because you can even use over your eyes, which is an often missed area that can attract sun damage.
Best moisturizer: Avene
I got this moisturizer (US link / EU link) from an aesthetician after a recent treatment, and it’s been so calming for my skin. It’s not greasy and absorbs quickly, and was actually created for skin that has been dried out and irritated by medical acne treatments so it’s perfect for sensitive, red skin.
US LINKS
EU LINKS
I hope you love these products as much as I do. Please remember to share this post if you found it helpful!
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