How to build the ultimate French Girl beauty routine
From understated ‘Parisian Girl’ beauty to haute-couture runway looks, the French are always two steps ahead with the next big buzzword to know about. This season, we’re shining a spotlight on the skincare world: French Pharmacy skincare boasts a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’, offering a range of simple yet effective results to solve all your common skin concerns. The perfect skin-vestment for anyone from novices to beauty connoisseurs, discover the simple, affordable formulas that offer effective results.
Beginning in the heart of Bordeaux, Caudalíe is the product of husband-and-wife duo, Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas. The brand name is a wine term that refers to the unit of measurement for the time the flavours of a wine linger on the palate after tasting it. Using natural ingredients, Caudalíe’s mission is to become the most effective beauty brand on the market with bestselling products like the Face Instant Detox Mask.
Feel fresh and rejuvenated with pink clay, grape marc and coffee extract in a formula that works to draw out impurities and excess oil from the skin while creating a more mattified look. Reduce the appearance of pores and blemishes as the mask promotes a more radiant-looking complexion after just one use.
18
£26.00
Named after its home region in France, Avène is a French skincare brand that has a long history dating back to the 18th century, when the first Thermal Spring Water baths welcomed patients with dermatitis, eczema and other skin conditions to bathe in the rejuvenating waters of the region's natural hot springs.
Which is why the Thermal Spring Water Spray for Sensitive Skin is a summer handbag essential. Designed to soothe and rebalance your complexion, the quick-drying formula is ideal for after sun exposure, after hair removal and more as it helps to hydrate and replenish lost moisture leaving your skin feeling smooth and conditioned.
269
£15.50
Approved by the British Skin Foundation, the iconic Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum drench skin with long-lasting moisture with a minimalist 11-ingredient formula. Natural-origin hyaluronic acid is combined with VICHY’s highest concentration of Volcanic Mineralizing Water, which is rich in minerals. The lightweight gel texture of the serum creates an instant soothing veil, helping to support the skin’s natural barrier and defend against pollutants.
From the region of Auvergne Volcanoes in France, Vichy volcanic mineralizing water is preserved 4,000m deep where it is enriched with 15 minerals and mineral nutrients essential to skin health. This is where Vichy’s products continue to be developed today.
552
RRP: £28.00Current price: £22.40
Founded by Aliza Jabès, the French brand is a pioneer in natural cosmetology. Established just 25 years ago, NUXE has quickly become a real ‘love brand’ known around world for being in touch with women’s needs. Formulated and manufactured in France with pharmaceutical quality standards, NUXE skincare and fragrances combine sensory awakening, the strength of nature and the efficacy of science.
Enriched with the ultimate blend of anti-ageing ingredients, the Super Serum expertly creates a younger-looking complexion. Powered by botanical oils, the formula harnesses the goodness of nature to bring you revitalised, radiant skin with regular use. After just one drop you’ll notice a more luminous surface that seems plumped and smoothed, while after a few weeks the look of fine lines and wrinkles are visibly improved.
17
£60.00
The story of Embryolisse begins in 1950, when a Paris hospital dermatologist specialising in skin diseases created the legendary Milk-Cream Concentrate (Lait-Crème Concentré), which went on to sell millions worldwide. Since then, the brand has continued to make strides in French Pharmaceutical Skincare, with innovations such as the Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser.
A multi-tasking skincare must-have, this moisturising lotion, primer and makeup remover features essential fatty acids and vitamins which work to reduce irritation especially after shaving and plump the look of skin for a firmer appearance. Promoting cell renewal and ultimate hydration, the lotion delivers a satin film to leave your base feeling radiant and refreshed.
511
£21.99
Recognised as the number one derma-cosmetic brand worldwide, La Roche-Posay’s philosophy centres around science-led solutions for even the most sensitive of skin types.
Developed for oily and blemish-prone skin types, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Moisturiser seeks to clarify and hydrate for up to 24 hours, while providing visible results in just 8 hours. The dual-action daily gel helps to minimise the appearance of imperfections, dark spots and discolouration, alongside diminishing the look of excess sebum for a more mattified finish.
831
RRP: £20.90Current price: £16.72
My large family of mainly women has made me passionate about all things beauty from a young age: from routines passed down from my grandmother, to trying the latest products and trends. After training as an MUA at MAC Cosmetics, my love for makeup has now evolved into making sure my skincare creates the perfect canvas for any look. I love anything that can make my base feel fresh & bright while accentuating my features – Bobbi Brown's Face Base is my holy grail at the moment!
