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My love for a French skincare routine started when I spent a year studying abroad in Lille. I used to spend my weekends in the pharmacy, picking out the next product I wanted to try, and was rarely let down by the products I found.
Fast forward years later, I still love French skincare products just as much.
I’ve branched out a lot more with new brands and products, so my skincare routine isn’t as French-focussed as it used to be, but brands like La Roche Posay and Vichy are still staples in my routine.
Today I’m going to be sharing my French skincare routine, filled with the best French pharmacy skincare products that everyone should have in their routine.
No matter if you’re a seasoned visitor of the French pharmacy, or are looking to try new brands and products, I’m sure you’ll be able to find your next holy grail skincare item in this routine.
Cleanser
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
French skincare brands really know how to make a good cleanser, I would recommend pretty much all of them – especially if you have sensitive skin.
My favourite of the ones that I’ve tried is the Caudalie Vinopurue Purifying Gel Cleanser.
This lightweight product is the perfect refreshing morning cleanser to kick-start your skincare routine.
This will cleanse and purify your skin without leaving it stripped and dry.
Toner
La Roche Posay Serozinc
I used to constantly rave about this product to the point where it probably got boring for everyone reading my blog, but now it’s been quite a while since I last mentioned it so I’m bringing the rave reviews back.
We’re talking about the one and only Serozinc from La Roche-Posay.
There was even a time when this product wasn’t available in the UK and I used to stock up on it on my yearly family holiday to France. Luckily now it’s easily available online and in Boots.
This is very simple product, a spray containing Zinc Sulphate that combats oiliness and blemishes.
Use this every morning and you’ll notice your skin staying matte for longer and your complexion evening out.
It’s a hero product for anyone who suffers with spots as it helps to improve redness and also calm down any active breakouts.
Serum
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rehydrating Serum
French pharmacy brands are best known for the basics – moisturisers, cleansers etc.
But they also have some pretty incredible serums.
My favourite being this super hydrating serum from Vichy. This hyaluronic acid-packed serum is the ultimate product for people who have dry or dehydrated skin, but don’t want to use thick and heavy creams.
It goes on feeling very light but you instantly feel it hydrating and plumping your skin.
It’s an affordable serum that I always find myself stocking up on whenever I can.
Facial spray
La Roche Posay Ultra 8 Mist
Facial sprays are not the most essential item in any skincare routine, but a step that I would argue is worth it.
If you have dry skin in particular, having a hydrating mist to spray onto your face in-between your other products is the best way to really lock in the moisture and hydration.
Even if you don’t have dry skin, it’s a really nice way to get some hydration in without having to use a heavier cream that could make you oily and greasy.
I enjoy the Ultra 8 Mist, it’s the gold-standard when it comes to facial sprays — it’s pretty much moisturiser in liquid form.
Especially in the winter months, it makes all of the difference in my skin, helping to give me a super dewy (not oily!) complexion.
Moisturiser
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre
If I convince you to buy any of these products from this post, please make it this moisturiser from Embryolisse!
This has been my holy grail moisturiser for the past 5 years, I’ve been though about 10 bottles of it and I don’t see myself finding a replacement any time soon.
There’s a reason that so many makeup artists recommend this product.
This moisturiser is everything you could want in a skincare product, it’s beautifully rich and hydrating but also acts like a primer. You’ll notice when you use this that your makeup will go on much smoother and flawlessly.
This moisturiser makes my skin feel incredible when I’m in-between bottles I really notice that I don’t own any other products that make my skin feel as smooth and nourished as this.
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid
I’ve had bad experiences with a few French pharmacy SPFs. It’s the one product that I am not always quick to recommend with French beauty products.
A lot of the ones that I’ve tried have either had serious white-casts or pills with my other skincare products.
However, this one is the exception.
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF does have a slight white-cast but because it is so lightweight I find that it blends in super easily so the white-cast disappears quickly.
This SPF has a pretty thin consistency, which I really like because it really doesn’t feel like much on your skin at all.
Lip balm
Nuxe Reve de Miel
I’ve spoken plenty of times about this lip balm, it’s hands-down my all-time favourite.
I’ve even pitted it against one of the most popular lip balms out there, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, and this still came out on top — it’s a great product.
This lip balm is super thick but quickly melts into the lips and instantly makes them feel soft and smoothe.
Unlike a lot of lip balms that I’ve used, this actually helps to get rid of dry lips rather than just sitting on top and covering up the dryness.
I seriously couldn’t live without it.
Do you use any French pharmacy products in your skincare routine?
molly
