French pharmacies are beloved for so many reasons, but it's the cult-favorite hair, skin, and body products that make it the ultimate destination for beauty lovers. And, yes, there's loads of fun in testing out everything, but in case you're on the hunt for something more specific Coveteur staffers are offering up their Parisian beauty favorites to give you a running head start.
Ama Kwarteng, Beauty Editor
Radiant Eye
No matter how much water I drank the day before or how many hours of sleep I get, I always wake up with puffy eyes. Since my under eyes need a little bit more TLC, I’ve added Embryolisse latest launch to my morning routine. Twist the bottom of the tube to reveal a clear white gel stick that feels cool on skin. It works to reduce the look of puffiness and adds a much-needed hydration boost. Plus, you can use it throughout the day without it ruining your makeup whenever you need an instant pick-me-up.
Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
It can be a struggle to find a sunscreen that keeps your skin protected from the sun’s rays without leaving behind a white cast but this pick from La Roche Posay checks off all the boxes. The non-greasy formula offers top-notch UV ray protection, blends seamlessly into darker complexions, and it plays well underneath makeup.
Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm
Instead of merely leaving a coat over your lips, this lip balm actually gets down to the root of the problem to repair and soften chapped lips, thanks to a slew of moisturizing ingredients like lavender honey and beeswax. The balm glides on effortlessly, doesn’t feel sticky at all, and leaves your lips looking—and feeling—smoother with a soft shine.
Sumiko Wilson, Beauty Fellow
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
This came highly recommended by a makeup artist and was my go-to cleanser for at least three years. Though the soap-free formula doesn’t leave your skin feeling stripped, it’s powerful enough to wash away a day’s worth of makeup and dirt with just a tiny dollop and keep breakouts at bay.
La Crème
French pharmacy finds are known to be more conscious of the skin’s barrier than their US counterparts—this lightweight moisturizer lives up to that reputation, thanks to the marine algae found in the formula. The ingredient list also includes hydrating heavy hitters like shea butter and hyaluronic acid for a supple finish, whether you’re slathering this on morning or night.
Hydra-Hal Hydrating Plumping Serum
This serum sets out to wake up tired skin with five different doses of hyaluronic acid: cross-linked, encapsulated, low, medium and high molecular weight. Combined, this hits skin with a serious boost of hydration, which I am always in need of.
Katie Mok, Editorial Production Fellow
Beauty Elixir
This mist earned a spot at my workstation, I use it as a mid-day refresh and under my makeup! It’s cooling to the skin due to the mint and lemon balm essential oils, but soothing because of the rose essential oils and grape extract. Using the Beauty Elixir after the Caudalie Detox Mask is my ultimate skin refresh combo.
Gentle Milk Cleanser
I love using this milk cleanser in my morning routine. It’s light and gentle, the perfect way to wake up skin—plus it’s great for my dry and sensitive skin.
Cicaplast Baume
The Cicaplast balm has saved me over and over again from random dry patches I get on my face and body. Featuring shea butter and panthenol, in the form of vitamin B5, this balm easily nourishes and hydrates the skin.