STYLE | Beauty

5 best beauty brands to shop in Paris

Here’s the first installment of our travel beauty series on the best beauty brands and products to shop when you’re on holiday!

By Alyssa Dhaliwal - 27 Apr 2016

best cheap french beauty brands to buy in paris

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Image: Corbis

One of the best things about travelling if you’re a beauty buff or big on saving money? The opportunity to buy cult beauty brands specific to that country, or to stock up on products that are from that country at a fraction of the price they cost when imported to Singapore.

The French are all about their skincare, and France has produced some of the best dermatologist-approved skincare brands in the world. If you’re travelling to Paris anytime soon, here are some brands you should definitely keep an eye out for, especially when perusing the shelves of French pharmacies (an absolute must-visit!).

If you don’t have too much time, head straight to the largest City Pharma or other chain pharmacy near you. Just keep in mind that you may be in need of some extra luggage allowance for your journey home!

Bioderma

1/5

At about half the price (or less!), you get to stock up on your favourite type of micellar water, as well as any and all of the ranges from this beloved beauty brand. Though the Sensibio range is the most popular, I prefer the Hydrabio range in particular for my slightly dehydrated skin.

La Roche Posay

2/5

At a quarter of the price in Singapore, our fashion writer Jennifer has her brother stock up on about 10 bottles of her favourite La Roche Posay product for her when he’s in Paris. The product offering is incredibly extensive in Paris, with numerous ranges for different skin concerns. I love the ultra lightweight Anthelios sunscreen range, as well as the Cicaplast cream that’s suitable for infants and extremely dry or chapped skin undergoing recovery. Of course, if you aren’t sure what will work best for you, ask someone in the store for help.

Nuxe

3/5

My Mum recommended Nuxe’s signature Huile Prodigieuse multi-purpose dry oil to me a few years back, citing its cult following in France. It costs a pretty penny but is definitely worth a try if you’re shopping in Paris. This dry oil has been raved about by people with all skin types (dry and oily), as well as frizzy or dry hair (yes, it can be applied to your tresses, too). There’s a shimmery version which is great for night time or parties, but I wouldn’t recommend it for regular use.

Boiron

4/5

This slightly medicinal looking tube holds an ointment that has become a staple in many a French makeup artist’s kit. Homeoplasmine is a non-greasy matte ointment that is the perfect prep for lipstick as well as for healing chapped lips. Models as well as stars like Gwyneth Paltrow have raved about it, so it’s worth sussing out when you’re in the City of Light.

Embryolisse

5/5

Known best for their Lait-Creme Concentrate - a cult 24-hour nourishing “miracle cream” that models and dermatologists have loved for decades - Embryolisse has been around for over 60 years. The aforementioned cream has a soothing blend of shea butter, aloe vera and beeswax, and though it is a bit heavy for everyday wear in Singapore, it can be used as a wipe-off cream cleanser, repair mask or as an all-over moisturiser for infants.