Time to dispel the notion that luxury = expensive. The little green cross that is on every other cobbled street corner is actually hiding a treasure trove of all sorts of wonderful and luxurious potions, creams, lotions, and more.
Welcome to the French Pharmacy, the one secret all Francophiles guard jealously, where luxury meets affordability. We know not everyone gets to visit the much loved City Pharma in St Germain Pharmacy, Paris. However, with the help of our lovely French Boxer Solene, we got the lowdown on what are some must-buys whether you’re in France or shopping with the help of your French Boxer from the comfort of home.
French Pharmacy Must-Haves:
1) Item No. 1: Bioderma Crealine H20 Solution
This makeup remover is both gentle and powerful (think one swipe instead of a mountain of cotton pads). It removes everything without leaving a tight and dry feeling, and word has it that most makeup artists and models have this trusty little number in their collection. But best of all, for the lazy girl (hands up, that’s definitely me!), this is a clear winner because after using it to clean that pretty mug of yours, you don’t have to wash your face. You can fall straight into bed after one too many drinks, nary a shower in sight, and be guaranteed not to wake up with a massive outbreak.
Price: 100 ml, 3.50 Euros. 250 ml, 9.70 Euros. 500 ml, 9.90 Euros. + Add to wishlist
2) Item No. 2: Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm
Another best-seller and one that can be found quite commonly in your local Boots, Target, Priceline and Guardian. However, as a lip balm addict, this one is so reasonable in France that I get them shipped over to me by the dozens and love giving these little pocket rockets out to my girlfriends on a whim. It’s got amazing healing powers and does wonders for dry, chapped lips. Goes on smoothly and has a matt finish which is really convenient when you want to sport that bright red lip.
Price: 15ml, 10.50 Euros. + Add to wishlist
3) Item No. 3: Homeoplasmine Multi-Purpose Ointment
Very understated on the outside. But wow. this multi-purpose ointment get heaps of mileage! From mosquito bites, to itchy rash, to soothing down stray hairs, to lipbalm on the fly, cuticle nourisher … this is one magical ointment. Sort of like the sophisticated French cousin of vaseline.
Price: 4.90 Euros. + Add to wishlist
4) Item No. 4: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse/Multi-Usage Dry Oil
This multi-usage dry oil smells amazing! One whiff of this and you are transported to the clear blue seas and white sandy beaches of the Maldives, Bali, Cancun. So deliciously scented that you’re almost tempted to eat this up. Perfect for carting around in your tote, this staple lasts forever, and can be used as a moisturizer, quick scent, or hair treatment.
Price: 50 ml, 17.05 Euros. 100 ml, 29.10 Euros. + Add to wishlist
5) Item No. 5: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Extreme Fluid SPF 50+
The mother of all sunscreens. This much beloved sunscreen is a winner because it is fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic and highly-resistant to water. It is also higher up on the SPF scale at SPF 50, and goes on beautifully without leaving an unsightly white cast that is reminiscent of your childhood sunscreen days.
Price: 50 ml, 14 Euros. + Add to wishlist
6) Item No. 6: Caudalie Beauty Elixir
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