Breadcrumbs ![The Most Sought-After Facialist In Paris On French Pharmacy Skincare](https://media.sheerluxe.com/CjE06PgzocxyLyjzZ1jdaxnTA3Q=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fsl141024-hero-thumb-french-pharmacy.jpg) ![The Most Sought-After Facialist In Paris On French Pharmacy Skincare](https://media.sheerluxe.com/DZ2rgz8mfhIG-afGacLeB2U0-4o=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fsl141024-hero-thumb-french-pharmacy.jpg) Images: @Sophie_Carbonari; Flory/IStock [Beauty](/beauty) / 14 October 2024 # The Most Sought-After Facialist In Paris On French Pharmacy Skincare Ever wondered what’s worth picking up at a French pharmacy? From the green clay mask she’s obsessed with to the barrier repair cream that actually works, we asked Sophie Carbonari – A-list facialist and brand founder – what she loves about the French approach to beauty and the products she always buys… ByOrin Carlin / [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/37361) Images: @Sophie_Carbonari; Flory/IStock All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. ## The French Approach To Beauty 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. ## The Appeal Of The Pharmacy 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](https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/) for her and [Topicrem](https://topicremskincare.co.uk/) 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](https://www.pharmacyclub.net/uk/body/moisturising/moisturising/biafin-skin-emulsion-100ml-66), 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. ## The Routine Essentials Every routine starts with cleansing. I find that my dry skin prefers a creamy texture or an oil – those by [Avène](https://www.boots.com/avene-extremely-gentle-cleanser-200ml-10193386) and [La Roche-Posay](https://www.boots.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?errorViewName=ProductDisplayErrorView&storeId=11352&urlLangId=-1&productId=3019604&catalogId=28501&langId=-1) 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](https://www.boots.com/bioderma-sensibio-cleansing-micellar-water-sensitive-skin-500ml-10236691)’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](https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/en_GB/anthelios-range) range. ## The Best Spots In Paris My all-time favourite place for shopping skincare staples is [Pharmacie de la Place de la République](https://www.lapharmaderepu.com/). 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](https://www.herboristerie.com/) which has more of a holistic apothecary vibe. This is a great option if you’re after natural remedies. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Ll_9wGYAknScR2fQ9p7k_QGxkJk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fsophie-carbonari-1_0.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/sophie_carbonari/) --- ## THE PRODUCTS SOPHIE LOVES [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/QU62imRfTuRz77i4AixgTZKE3Kk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fsophie-carbonari-serum.jpg) ](https://sophiecarbonari.com/product/the-s-serum/) ## The S Serum #### €290 | Sophie Carbonari When I created my own serum, I wanted something that blended hardworking ingredients with an apothecary inspiration. Enriched with hydrators and vitamins, I use The S Serum on my clients for improved bounce and radiance. *Available at* [SOPHIECARBONARI.COM](https://sophiecarbonari.com/product/the-s-serum/) --- [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/0P4BGFLLvwr4oqZc4cG1gReLVVk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fla-roche-posay-anthelios.jpg) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=15729&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.laroche-posay.co.uk%2Fen_GB%2Fanthelios-uvmune-400-invisible-fluid-spf50-sun-cream-for-sensitive-skin-50ml%2FLRP_026.html%23tab%3Ddescription) ## Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Tinted SPF50+ #### £18 (was £20) | La Roche Posay For ages I struggled to find an SPF that didn’t leave a white cast on my skin. This feels extremely lightweight and doesn’t affect the colour of your complexion. *Available at* [LAROCHE-POSAY.CO.UK](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=15729&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.laroche-posay.co.uk%2Fen_GB%2Fanthelios-uvmune-400-invisible-fluid-spf50-sun-cream-for-sensitive-skin-50ml%2FLRP_026.html%23tab%3Ddescription) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/jZoIyyo7HB71IUpKtKA3ANs5Quc=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Favene-cream.png) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Favene-cicalfate-plus-restorative-protective-cream-for-very-sensitive-skin-100ml-10307443) ## Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream #### £16 | Avène If I was only allowed one French pharmacy product, this would be it. It’s my winter skin saviour – when it’s really cold, I use it all over my face as an overnight mask to combat dryness. *Available at* [BOOTS.COM](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Favene-cicalfate-plus-restorative-protective-cream-for-very-sensitive-skin-100ml-10307443) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/oaVu0LTws59PX5x9IrRsXa_nufk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fsanoflore-toner.jpg) ](https://www.cocooncenter.co.uk/sanoflore-organic-ancient-rose-floral-water-200ml/14382.html) ## Organic Ancient Rose Floral Water #### £9.50 | Sanoflore I love a floral water to flood the skin with moisture at the toner stage of my routine. I tend to go for those by Sanoflore – there are so many different botanicals to choose from, depending on your preference. *Available at* [COCOONCENTER.CO.UK](https://www.cocooncenter.co.uk/sanoflore-organic-ancient-rose-floral-water-200ml/14382.html) --- [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/dFDWfTB5nHsZLchcvDHyCTj00pA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fc27-essence.png) ](https://www.cosmetics27.com/en/products/essence-27) ## Essence 27 #### €110 | Cosmetics 27 Created by pharmacologist Michèle Evrard, Cosmetics 27 is one of the lesser-known brands, but it’s Essence 27 serum is one of my favourites for instant hydration. *Available at* [COSMETICS27.COM](https://www.cosmetics27.com/en/products/essence-27) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/u-uMcfDjpKg_RjVd1a80DiwnoS4=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Feucerin-hand-cream.png) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Feucerin-dry-skin-intensive-hand-cream-75ml-10222928) ## Urea Repair Plus 5% Hand Cream #### £9 | Eucerin As a facialist, my hands are constantly wet with product and I’m always sanitising them. To keep my skin feeling soft and nourished, I always reach for this hand cream by Eucerin. *Available at* [BOOTS.COM](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Feucerin-dry-skin-intensive-hand-cream-75ml-10222928) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/FrD1N6cC9xueSAjxyKwWEYTJzU8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fcattier-green-clay-mask.png) ](https://www.cattier-paris.com/fr/visage/masque-visage/masque-argile-verte-nouvelle-formule.html) ## Green Clay Mask #### €4.90 | Cattier Of all the French pharmacy brands, I’d say Cattier is the most underrated. I use its Green Clay Mask all the time – it’s great for drawing out impurities and purifying the skin. *Available at* [CATTIER-PARIS.COM](https://www.cattier-paris.com/fr/visage/masque-visage/masque-argile-verte-nouvelle-formule.html) *Follow* [@SOPHIE\_CARBONARI](https://www.instagram.com/sophie_carbonari/) [ Sign in to comment with your SheerLuxe profile ](/user/login?destination=)Or continue to comment as a Guest below [View the discussion thread.](http://sheerluxe-dev.disqus.com/) *more from* Beauty [View All Beauty](/beauty) ![The Beauty Buys You Need Add To Your Amazon Basket](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ve25daqRy4yeNYYl5eIdA90EjD4=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fsl-site-assets-240926-yt-embed-amazon-beauty-hero-thumb.jpg) [Beauty](/beauty) / 24 September 2026 [## The Beauty Buys You Need Add To Your Amazon Basket ](/beauty/the-beauty-buys-you-need-add-to-your-amazon-basket) ![This Mega Space NK Sale Is Too Good To 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