Renowned for their minimalist aesthetic, the highly coveted French girl look features fresh, healthy skin, purposely ‘undone’ hair and a wardrobe full of timeless staples. It’s chic, understated and when it comes to beauty, the spotlight is most definitely on skincare. There’s a line in the book How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are (written by four Parisian women) that perfectly sums up the French beauty philosophy: ‘beauty in France is epidermal – nobody cares that much about make-up, it’s what’s underneath that matters.’ To treat what’s underneath, French women seek out quality products that are both efficacious and safe.
‘They always rely on the expert advice of their pharmacist and dermatologist with whom their relationship is much more personal in France – tantamount to that of a hairdresser in other countries,’ explains former Head of Scientific Communications at La Roche-Posay, Dominique Moyals. ‘The trust in the experts and in the brands recommended by them is a major factor for French women when considering their skincare routine.’ Spoilt for choice, France is home to so many brilliant, hard-working skincare brands that thankfully have made their way over here.
‘French pharmaceutical brands are fantastic at providing a really wide range of products that target specific skin conditions like sensitive skin, acne and severe dryness,’ adds Moyals. To discover the 8 skincare brands that French women swear by, scroll on down.
1. NUXE
Launching back in 1989, founder Aliza Jabès discovered a small Parisian Research Development laboratory which became the birthplace of NUXE. Backed by science and powered by natural-origin ingredients, the luxury line of skincare hit the mainstream when the legendary Huile Prodigieuse launched in 1991. A total joy to apply, the products not only work but also provide a sensorial experience (thanks to the signature orange blossom fragrance).
![Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/605a/2437/213d/7638/7208/b616/French%20skincare%20brands%20-%20NUXE%20copy.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
One bottle of Huile Prodigieuse is sold every 11 seconds throughout the world. Which as you'll know if you've tried it - isn't that surprising. Heavenly scented, the luxurious dry oil replenishes moisture and can be used from top to toe to seal split ends and hydrate dry skin.
2. La Roche-Posay
Recommend by dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay’s line-up features the naturally soothing and antioxidant Thermal Spring Water that was discovered centuries ago in the town of La Roche-Posay, France. Spanning everything from cleansers to serums and moisturisers, the products are highly effective yet gentle enough to be tolerated by even the most sensitive skin.
![La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/605a/2727/1471/a08b/a1f3/25cb/French%20skincare%20brands%20-%20La%20Roche-Posay.jpeg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.lookfantastic.com
A godsend for oily and acne-prone skin, this daily moisturiser combines a cocktail of skin-savvy ingredients including niacinamide, glycerin and salicylic acid that together help minimise the appearance of spots while controlling shine.
3. Odacité
Unable to find skincare that ticked all her boxes (luxury, efficacy and purity), Parisian Valerie Grandury created Odacité. At the core of the brand, you’ll find the Serum Concentrates, potent blends of 100% natural actives that can be incorporated into any skincare regime. If your skin is prone to breakouts (or currently battling ‘maskne’) for instance, try the Oily-Acne Prone Serum Concentrate, £32, that works overnight to banish blemishes.
![Odacitu00e9 Vital Glow Serum Concentrate](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/605a/2b2a/1471/a045/6af3/25f8/French%20Skincare%20brands%20-%20Odacite.jpeg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Blended with cold-pressed virgin carrot seed oil thatu2019s sourced in France, this potent serum leaves skin positively radiant and glow-y. Just massage a couple of drops into clean, damp skin.
4. Vichy
Doctor Haller, director of Vichy Thermal Centre in 1931 was the first to apply the therapeutic properties of the Vichy volcanic mineralising water to cosmetics, creating the brand Vichy. Rich in minerals and nutrients, this unlikely hero ingredient naturally reinforces the skin’s barrier and stars in all the hard-working products. Our favourite? Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster, £25.
![Vichy Minu00e9ral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/605a/2ea1/1471/a06e/58f3/2627/French%20skincare%20brand%20-%20Vichy.jpeg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.lookfantastic.com
Dry, thirsty skin? Turn your attention to this hydrating hero, pronto. Blended with 11 ingredients including hyaluronic acid and Vichy thermal mineralising water, this refreshing gel-like serum moisturises and bolsters glow.
5. Caudalie
Founded by Mathilde and her husband Bertrand, Caudalie came about after the then 23-year-olds learned from a professor that grape seeds contain THE most powerful antioxidants in the world. Since, the duo have patented and discovered myriad ingredients found in grape vines including resveratrol and viniferine that can soften fine lines and fade dark spots.
![Caudalie Beauty Elixir](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/605a/3407/1471/a05d/2ff3/2659/French%20skincare%20brands%20-%20Caudalie.jpeg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.lookfantastic.com
No beauty arsenal is complete without this refreshing facial mist. Loved by celebrities, beauty junkies and editors the world over, this 100% plant-based formula sets make-up, tones and tightens pores.
6. Avène
What started in a small, rural village in the South of France quickly became one of beauty’s favourite skincare brands. Renowned for its Thermal Spring Water, that features in every product, the line-up works to soothe and comfort sensitive and irritated skin.
![Avu00e8ne Cleanance Cleansing Gel Cleanser](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/605a/362f/fbac/9590/932d/3ad3/French%20skincare%20brands%20-%20Avene.jpeg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.boots.com
A cult classic, this cleansing gel is loved for its ability to regulate oil production while removing dirt and make-up without the use of soap.
7. Typology
Created by Ning Li, co-founder of Made.com, this relatively new Paris-based skincare brand has already proven to be a huge hit. With transparency at its core, the potent products give clear guidance, are wrapped in sustainable packaging and come at a purse-friendly price point. You can shop by concern or category to seek out the products that will work for you.
![Typology Radiance Serum 11% Vitamin C](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/605a/3b53/d0cb/1c4f/527b/19a7/French%20skincare%20brand%20-%20Typology.jpeg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
uk.typology.com
Free from fragrance and vegan-friendly, this brightening wonder features 11% vitamin C to restore radiance and fade pigmentation spots. Ideal for all skin types, massage three to four drops into clean, dry skin each morning. You'll see a difference in a matter of weeks.
8. Embryolisse
Embryolisse first launched back in 1950 when a Parisian dermatologist who specialised in skin pathologies created the legendary Milk-Cream Concentrate. After selling millions worldwide, the brand expanded into a range of hard-working, fuss-free products that are adored by make-up professionals, dermatologists and celebrities the world over.
![Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/60b9/fb65/bc6b/e1cf/3a2b/5232/French%20skincare%20brands%20-%20Embryolisse.jpeg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
A backstage essential, this three-in-one wonder acts as a primer, a moisturiser and make-up remover. Ideal for travel and on-the-go, the lightweight formula is packed with essential fatty acid and vitamins to soothe and hydrate skin.
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