French skincare is my love language. And French soaps. And French makeup. And French perfumes.
You get the idea. I even wrote a book on French beauty secrets!
Until now, this has translated into hours-long expeditions to the city’s cult pharmacies because, in Paris, it’s globally believed that skincare means French pharmacies.
But somehow, after every visit, I came back less than satisfied.
Tubes of Vitamin A (the legendary A313) and bottles of thermal water are all well and fine, but where are those gorgeous rose balms, those French soaps redolent with the very air of Provence, those powdery fragrances that literally represent Parisian glamour?
There must be something more than these clinical, sterile-looking bottles that speak of efficiency but are short on any of the femininity that so defines the French?
And what’s the point of stocking up on brands like Biotherm and Avene in Paris when these are readily available worldwide? Surely, there has to be something more?
There is a lot more. A lot more about beauty products that the French don’t want us to know.
Because these are their secret pleasures, their private indulgences. Both pretty and potent, these are the beauty products French women really stock up on.
Not only do French women love and use them, but makeup artists and beauty editors also obsess over them.
Thankfully, with internet shopping, these little marvels can be shipped to wherever you reside—even if a trip isn’t in your near future. Want to know the real art of French beauty? Here it is.
Pre de Provence Rose de Mai Body Cream
While it’s also brimming over with shea butter, sesame seed oil, and vitamin E, Rose de Mai Balm’s star ingredient remains the botanical rose blend.
And with good reason: It’s anchored by Rose de Mai blossoms, which bloom for only five weeks a year and are fabulous at softening, hydrating, and protecting the complexion. Apply it anywhere the skin needs a little TLC.
La Societe Parisienne de Savons L’Eau de Cologne Soap
Are you looking for some beyond-the-ordinary French skincare soaps?
These retro-inspired bars call upon the sunny fields of Provence, where the rosemary, mint, and eucalyptus perfume the hills — both refreshing and uplifting!
Don’t miss the vintage-style label, which required some intensive research, legal meanderings and other technical obstacles in designer Daniel Pelavin’s quest for visual authenticity in French beauty products.
T. LeClerc Loose Powder
T. LeClerc Loose Powder is a French makeup staple, which makes sense, given that an actual pharmacist created it.
Formulated using rice starch, its extremely light texture helps set makeup, mattifies shiny spots, and protects from the sun thanks to the zinc.
The pressed versions are equally iconic; both ranges now come in 30 shades.
Bastide Huile Seche Epatante Dry Oil Mist
Given the beauty and complexity, it’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite region in France.
But if pushed, I would settle on Provence, the land of olives, almonds, cherry blossoms, bee hives, flowers, herbs, organic bakeries, quixotic stone cottages, painted vistas, artisans, sculptors, painters, and musicians.
And Bastide bottles all of these in delicate glass vials, under the calming hand of Aix-en-Provence native Frédéric Fekkaï (yes, of the hair fame!) and his wife Shirin.
Ingredients are sourced from this extraordinary landscape, then blended with generations of French beauty savoir-faire and packaged in environmentally conscious bottles. No toxic chemicals are allowed.
And, like France, it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite.
But if I had to choose just one Bastide formulation, it would be the Huile Seche Epatante Dry Oil Mist. Replete with lush oils and the smells of orange blossom, a spritz is just what you need for the glow of sun kissed skin. Sans the greasiness.
Doux Me Soupçon d’Insouciance
Doux Me products are so natural French mamas often use this brand on their bébés.
This daily moisturizer is brimming with beta-carotene for energizing the complexion, antioxidant-rich poppy extract to help preserve the skin’s freshness, and lemon extract to tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
My favorite bit: When skin looks lackluster (say after a long night or ultra-stressful days), apply Soupçon d’insouciance in a thick layer, leave on for 15 minutes, and then wipe away the excess product with a cotton pad soaked in rose water.
Mistral Sur La Route Luxury Bar Soap
According to a time-honored French tradition, these cult French soaps are triple-milled from pure organic shea butter, making them perfect for bringing home a bit of the French countryside.
I am currently stocking up on Mistral Pommier de Grignan Apple, whose crisp apples, fragrant truffles, and dark purple syrah grapes evoke a summer picnic when the roads are quiet, and the sky is that gorgeous blue, which appears only in the French countryside.
Savon de Marseille Pure Olive Oil Soap
More authentic French beauty products? These all-natural French olive oil soaps are still handcrafted in Marseille in antique cauldrons from pure olive oil, the alkaline ash from Mediterranean sea plants, and sea-salted water — just as they were made in the Middle Ages.
A 1688 French law declared that only soaps made according to specific ancient methods could bear the mark ‘Savon de Marseille.’
Cut and dried without machines, they are sold piled high on open-air market tables like fruits or vegetables, wrapped in paper.
There is no plastic packaging, and the soaps are biodegradable. Combine this with the environment-friendly manufacturing process, and you have a product that’s super-high on eco-cred.
And your skin will also thank you: Marseille soap is recommended by dermatologists for dry or sensitive skin, eczema, and other ailments.
PS: Authentic Marseille soap is stamped with its weight in grams — a practice left over years ago that allowed households to compare prices and plan their inventories.
Huygens Massage Oil
Based in a 17th-century alchemist’s house in the heart of the Paris’ Marais district, Huygens calls upon aromatherapy, with natural and organic ingredients anchoring the core.
You can choose from readymade products or opt for a customized blend, which is made on-site with a laboratory-style magnetic stirrer. Bespoke and swift—who could ask for more?
My favorite is the Massage Oil customized with the Songe d’été essential oil, which is perfect for boosting circulation, toning the complexion, and creating a deep sense of relaxation.
Buly 1803
Buly 1803, or L’Officine Universelle Buly, combines natural ingredients and vintage beauty recipes with modern techniques.
When Ramdane Touhami (former co-owner of Cire Trudon) and Victoire de Taillac acquired the 200-plus-years-old French cosmetics brand, they took great care to preserve the original cabinet of curiosities ambiance, complete with golden marble countertops, beautifully worn tile floor, painted Elizabethan ceiling and goose-shaped brass faucets.
The only change? All Buly products are now silicone, paraben, and phenoxyethanol free.
And what a breadth of products.
Combs made from centuries-old trees, wafer-like sheet soap, scented rocks, orange-flavored toothpaste, scented matches, vetiver root brushes, vegetable oils and dried ingredients to make your own concoctions (think prickly pear oil, rose petals and all kinds of clay), totally decadent hand creams and water-based perfumes (Touhami believes alcohol is harsh on the skin and actually degrades the scent).
All wrapped up in the most covetable 17th-century prints that would make your vanity sparkle. As a final touch, the in-house calligrapher will personally monogram every product for you!
Patyka Huile Absolue Organic Skin Booster Serum
A throwback to the Roaring 20s in the City of Love, Patyka is the quintessential Parisian beauty maison: Sensorial, seductive, and sumptuous.
Based on biotechnological actives, all Patyka products offer a beautiful blend of botanicals sans synthetic and toxic chemicals.
Their Huile Absolue Organic Skin Booster Serum remains iconic among the Parisian elite almost a century after its creation by the young pharmacist who started it all in 1922.
The dry and silky concoction is a potent composite of 12 organic essential oils and plant extracts — including Saint John’s Wort, rose hip, red mandarin, geranium, sandalwood, and neroli — which boost and strengthen the skin, step up cellular regeneration and make you glow from the inside out.
Maison Caulières
A prominent French beauty signature? Their effortlessly chic hair. One of the leading purveyors of which is hairdresser extraordinaire David Lucas, whose 2nd arrondissement salon is perpetually overflowing with gorgeously groomed Frenchwomen.
And now, you can take home some of the magic with his new hair care range: Monique by David Lucas.
You get: A super-hydrating hair mask and an innovative spray that protects and strengthens your hair while holding the style.
Everything is packed with hydrolyzed keratin, a superhero ingredient that gives your hair loads of strength and shine.
What you won’t find here? Any sulfates or parabens. Not even a hint.
Monique Haircare by David Lucas
A major French beauty signature? Their effortlessly chic hair. One of the main purveyors of which is hairdresser extraordinaire David Lucas, whose 2nd arrondissement salon is perpetually overflowing with gorgeously groomed Frenchwomen.
And now, you can take home some of the magic, with his new hair care range: Monique by David Lucas.
What you get: A super-hydrating hair mask and an innovative spray that protects and strengthens your hair while holding the style.
Everything is packed with hydrolyzed keratin, a superhero ingredient that gives your hair loads of strength and shine.
What you won’t find here? Any sulfates or parabens. Not even a hint.
FAQs about French beauty products
These are the most frequently asked questions about French skincare, makeup, and other cult beauty products from the land. Have a question of your own? Drop it in the comments below, and we will reply ASAP.
What makes French beauty products unique?
French beauty products are known for their outstanding quality, often using high-grade, natural ingredients. The French beauty philosophy emphasizes enhancing one’s natural beauty, usually resulting in more subtle and nourishing products.
What is the “French girl” beauty aesthetic?
The “French girl” beauty aesthetic is about natural, effortless beauty. It focuses on healthy skin, minimal makeup, and natural hair, advocating for a less-is-more approach.
Where can I buy French beauty products?
French beauty products can be bought directly from the brand’s websites, in department stores, pharmacies (in France, pharmacies often carry beauty products), and online through retailers such as Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon.
Are French skincare products organic or natural?
Many French cosmetics brands focus on natural ingredients, and some have organic product lines. However, not all French beauty products are organic or natural. Always check the ingredient list to verify.
What is a French pharmacy beauty product?
French pharmacy beauty products are those available in French drugstores or pharmacies. They are often highly effective, affordable, and formulated for various skin types and concerns. Some well-known French pharmacy brands include include Bioderma, Embryolisse, and Nuxe.
How do I know if a French skincare product is genuine?
Purchasing from reputable retailers, directly from the brand, or authorized stockists will ensure product authenticity. Also, genuine products will have correct brand labeling, packaging, and usually a batch code.
Why are French beauty products considered better?
French beauty products are often considered superior due to their emphasis on quality ingredients, effectiveness, and the French philosophy of enhancing natural beauty. They are backed by centuries of tradition and expertise in beauty and skincare.
Is skincare cheaper in France?
The cost of skincare in France can vary greatly. However, some French pharmacy brands are cheaper in France than abroad due to import taxes, shipping costs, and other factors.
What is the French beauty routine?
The French beauty routine emphasizes skin health and natural beauty. It typically involves cleansing, toning, applying a serum, and moisturizing. French women also prioritize SPF during the day and may incorporate exfoliation and masks into their weekly routine.
Do the French wear makeup?
Yes, French women do wear makeup, but it’s often more about enhancing their natural features than dramatic transformation. The focus is usually on a flawless complexion, subtly defined eyes, and a natural lip color. The overall look is typically understated and chic.
Have you tried any of these French beauty products? What’s your all-time favorite overseas beauty find?
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines have appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
Jamie says
The packaging of each of these is so beautiful!
Celeste @Leapfrog and Lipgloss says
The Pre de Provence Rose de Mai Balm sounds luxurious. I’m going to have to check that out. Pinning to save.
Sue says
Where can I purchase these from the internet? Is their one website or do I have to go to different sites to order these products??? Much Appreciated!!
Linda says
These are all gorgeous – not sure I’ll be able to get my hands on them in the UK though.
Emilie Clarke says
Love this! But where can you go shopping for these sorts of beauty products when actually in Paris??
Jenell says
Ease of purchase would be helpful
James Hoban says
Being beautiful is not about flaunting but a way of keeping yourself happy. And I am too delighted to have come across your beauty blog.
Bloxorz says
Thank you for all of your wonderful advice. I recently discovered your blog and have enjoyed many of your other articles.
LR says
Excellent post! I knew about some of these brands, but not others. I must check them out! A few other brands I’d like to mention are Cattier Cosmetics (for face masks), Dessange shampoo, especially the one in the green bottle (it used to be available at CVS in the US but no longer, unfortunately. I still regret not buying a big 1L bottle at Monoprix the last time I was in Paris, but my luggage was full! A 1L bottle was like 4 or 5 Euros, really cheap!). Uriage skincare (similar to La Roche-Posay), Bourjois lipsticks.
papa's freezeria says
I was relieved to see your improved piece on your site because you have clearly come a long way. The more you write, the more I hope it improves.
age of war says
I’m very happy about this because it taught me a very important and useful lesson. It taught me to value what other people share so I can lessen the stress in my life
pillforabortion says
Amazing post..! Maintaining yourself is also an art and essential for being happy.
io games says
We women should have these products
slope run says
Where can I buy these French beauty products?