it’s time for a #beautytalk — but a Parisian version!

what better way to start the new year with one of my favorite topics? SKINCARE! and hey, any chance to re-live the Europe trip right? french pharmacies are on almost every corner in France noted by a green cross. it was something i was really looking forward to since pharmacies in France are actually stocked with skincare in various price ranges. so not what you would typically think. in these pharmacies you’ll find crammed aisle after aisle of beauty products along with typical homeopathic medicines as well. let’s just say, as a skincare addict, i could spend hours looking at every product, -ooohing and ahhingg. unfortunately, they would probably kick me out and i didn’t have the luxury of time on my side. so i had to find the “must-have” products to lug home with me (in my non-existent check in luggage) = PP (poor planning).

in some quick google searches i made a list of a couple of things to look for. while you can buy pretty much anything online these days, you’ll be paying a premium here in the states. and hey i was in Paris so what the heck. tips & list of items i purchased after the jump.

side ramblings: it’s hard to believe that we’re in 2023 already. i started off this year with a new annual tradition of going to the crystal store for some healing stones. it’s always a fun trip and i learn more each time && even if you’re not super spiritual, the stones always make great decor pieces! with an intentional year ahead, i created/decorated a memory box and plan to putting random things in it that are associated with a milestone or memory (ex: a receipt to a memorable meal, hotel key to a place i traveled to). it’ll be a good exercise to reflect on at the end of 2023. i also plan on creating a vision board in canva, and maybe a list of INs and OUTs. i’m not really a big new year kinda person. but idk, this one feels different and it can’t hurt to be more intentional and vision-focused. i wish you health and happiness in 2023!

currently on my playlist: vienna by Gretta Ray

oui oui to all the [Paris] skincare goodies!

take screenshots of the actual products you’re looking for. it’ll be easier when you’re asking for help locating something particular — also helps you get in and out faster because they can get crowded depending on location.
if you see something go ahead and purchase it then vs. waiting because you might not see it again. all pharmacies stock very different brands & items.
if someone asks you if you need help, take it! the associates are supposed to be very knowledgeable but unfortunately i was on such a time crunch each time so didn’t get to do this 😐
some items are located behind the counter, so these are where the screenshots come in handy!
if you’re out of luggage space (also needs to be a check in for most items) go with beauty products you can’t readily get in the states. i put an * on the ones that you can’t really find here in the USA.
and as always, before you use a new product, test it on a small part of your skin before going full-on!! everyone’s skin is different and reacts to different things!

the conversion from USD to EUR was almost 1.00 when i was there AND it makes it easy to calculate the “cost-savings” below. so really it depends on the product. sometimes the cost-savings isn’t that much for you to lug home, esp if you can find it in the states. but sometimes the cost-savings is half price… which then… you just gotta get it! gotta prioritize on the skincare haul 😄

le list //

01. Biologique Recherche P50W lotion* — $138.00 USD // 62.00 EUR

this is supposed to be a very iconic Parisian brand. known for their P50 lotion, a lotion that is supposed to exfoliate, mattify, and purify your skin. i’ve never heard of tried it. in fact, i couldn’t find it at a french pharamacie but ended up finding it in Le Bon Marche (department store). i purchased the P50W for sensitive skin, the regular/original version is P50. i also heard this stuff smells slightly funky so that’ll be interesting.

02. Biafane* — ?? can’t find this on Amazon // guessing 9.00 EUR

this is a moisturizer in a metal tube used for post-chemical peel, sunburns, and general dryness. it’s almost an all-in-one cream equivalent of Aquaphor that’s been around since the 70s.

03. Embryolisse lait-creme concentre — $29.00 USD // 13.99 EUR

also another moisturizer for all-skin types. i read that a lot of make-up artists use this cream. it’s another one of those multi-tasking products: moisturizer, makeup primer, makeup remover, moisturizing mask.

04. Homeoplasmine* — $16.99 USD // guessing 7.00 EUR

this is an ointment that is supposed to help with skin irritations such as when you blow your nose too much. it’s also used on dry lips. basically the equivalent to vaseline in a metal tube. apparently people use it to tame their brows too!

05. Filorga time filler eyes — $59.00 USD // guessing 45.00 EUR

i picked this up specifically for the puffy eyes target. i feel like my under eyes have gotten puffier over the years so we’ll see if this stuff works! pretty clunky packaging for eye cream IMO though.

06. Caudalie resveratrol-lift serum — $84.00 USD // 44.90 EUR

Caudalie was my first brand intro to premium skincare when i was in my early twenties. it started with the SOS serum (sadly, they no longer make this). Caudalie makes some amazing products so this was the chance to try them for more age-related skincare concerns such as the resveratol-life serum. you can also purchase it as a set to try here!

07. Caudalie premier cru serum — $139.00 USD // 79.90 EUR

i’ve tried samples of the caudalie premier line and it’s NICE. so this was the perfect opportunity to bring a bottle of the premier cru home with me at HALF the price!

08. VICHY mineral 89 daily booster serum — $32.99 USD// 17.99 EUR

this is a pretty mainstream brand you can find at Target (let’s give it up for Target who has come a longgg way in beauty/skincare brands). however the price was too good not to lug home to try. apparently there’s an eye serum too that could be a light daytime option!

09. Arnican* — ?? can’t find this on Amazon // guessing 6.00 EUR

arnica is a herb that treats bruises. this is a roll on and pocket size! it’s supposed to cut down the coloration time of bruises due to the anti-inflammatory component. i have used a similar Chinese medicine based one so i believe this stuff really works. great for those that are prone to bruises!

10. Avene eau thermale — $18.00 USD // guessing 10.00 EUR

there are a lot of facial sprays and mists out there. and tbh, facial sprays really aren’t necessary if you’re starting on your skincare journey. you should invest in more solid skincare products than a mist, this one should be last on your list! however, when you’re at a place and misting yourself this one is special since it uses thermal spring water (contains natural minerals) #mistyourself

11. La Roche Posay cicaplast baume B5 — $17.69 USD // 6.99 EUR

this is another multi-purpose cream for dry and irritated skin. fragrance and paraben free. i’ve also been using their gentle hydrating cleanser in the AM (milky side) and love it!

*not readily available in the USA

catch you at the next #beautychat!,
JD