The Most Sought-After Facialist In Paris On French Pharmacy Skincare

The quintessential French woman will have a bathroom cabinet full of skincare products and, by comparison, only a few items of make-up. Red lipstick, mascara, maybe a black pencil eyeliner and something for her cheeks – often the lipstick doubling up as blush – are the essentials. But the emphasis is on quality skincare and a diligent routine.

In the minds of the French, your entry into beauty is via the pharmacy. Catering to all manner of skin concerns, from acne to eczema, it has the best products all in one place. You have this deep affinity for the pharmacy because you’ve likely used the products since you were born – so many of the brands have lines formulated specifically for babies. It’s almost hard to get French women to consider any other brands, they are so obsessed with the classics. 

I distinctly remember getting my first moisturiser from the pharmacy – my mother purchased one each for me and my sister. La Roche-Posay for her and Topicrem for me as my skin was, and still is, prone to dryness.  

One of the best things about the French pharmacy is the calibre of the service. If you’re on holiday in France, I recommend going to one where they speak English so you can make the most of the experience. Biafine’s Skin Emulsion, for instance, is such a cult favourite, but many don’t realise that it’s not your typical everyday moisturiser. Its purpose is more medical, designed to soothe sunburn and repair fragile skin, among other uses. French pharmacies are renowned for having knowledgeable staff who can share useful recommendations and advise on how to use a particular product properly. 

Every routine starts with cleansing. I find that my dry skin prefers a creamy texture or an oil – those by Avène and La Roche-Posay are the ones I tend to switch between. Many of my clients use a micellar water as their first cleanse – I’m not against this per se, but I’d recommend looking for an alcohol-free formula to avoid dehydrating and inflaming your skin. Bioderma’s version is the obvious choice. I love vitamin C for its brightening effects, and then following up with an SPF is a must. I swear by La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios range. 

My all-time favourite place for shopping skincare staples is Pharmacie de la Place de la République. It’s open 24 hours and stocks all my go-to brands – a must-visit if you’re visiting Paris. Another I really like is Herboristerie du Palais Royal which has more of a holistic apothecary vibe. This is a great option if you’re after natural remedies.