Cosmetics and perfumes from France: how to choose and what to buy

Leaving France without a bottle of perfume or a couple of tubes of best-selling cosmetics is a real beauty crime. True, the choice here may make your eyes run wide. Multi-brand stores, boutiques, perfume shops, pharmacies selling care products - beauty products are everywhere. We'll tell you what cosmetics you should pay attention to in France, name the most popular brands and give advice on choosing.

General features of leather products from French brands

Why do many of the fair sex prefer French face creams? Such a high level of popularity of the products is associated with their effectiveness and the presence of many advantages, which include:

• naturalness of the compositions;
• wide choice of assortment;
• the presence in the compositions of unique components included as part of the use of clinically developed technologies;
• the presence in most products of medicinal and cosmetic effects that are harmoniously combined with each other;
• constant introduction of new technologies and development of unique and very effective products.

It is worth noting that in the mass of reviews about French creams left by consumers, the disadvantages of the products are often highlighted. Their list is small and relative. These usually include the high cost of products (the average cost of high-quality creams ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 rubles) and the limited circulation of some new products.

Pros and cons of French cosmetics

French cosmetic preparations for the face have a lot of positive properties, thanks to which it is so popular around the world. Its obvious advantages include:

• Most of the advances in skin care products were made by French scientists;
• proportional balance of therapeutic and cosmetic effects;
• joint work of cosmetologists and dermatologists in the manufacture of new products;
• wide variety of products;
• high quality.

It is also necessary to mention the disadvantages of French cosmetics. There are several disadvantages:

• high price of cosmetics;
• limited production of some products.

Such a small number of disadvantages is fully compensated by a number of advantages.

List of the best manufacturing companies

The list of the best products for facial skin created by French manufacturers contains only high-quality creams that have the best characteristics. We will talk about them further.

The list of the best French brands of creams includes the following:

• L'Oreal;
• Garnier;
• L'Occitane Ultra;
• Vichy;
• Institut Esthederm;
• Academy;
• Uriage;
• Lierac;
• Bioderma;
• La Roche-Posay;
• Payot.

Let us next consider the main features of the products represented by some brands from this list, as well as the reviews left by consumers about them.

Pharmacy cosmetics

In France, you must definitely buy pharmacy cosmetics. “Working” products are cheaper than “luxury” ones, and some products are exclusive - you won’t find them in Russia. French pharmaceutical cosmetics have won millions of positive reviews around the world. Including from dermatologists and celebrities.

Many pharmacies in France are unlike any other pharmacies. They often resemble a cosmetic store - the selection is dizzying. It makes sense to contact a consultant who will help you buy French pharmacy cosmetics that are right for you. However, they don't always speak English, so be prepared for that. Let's name the main cosmetic brands whose products are worth buying in pharmacies in France.

The most popular pharmacy in Paris where you can buy cosmetics is Citypharma. Prices here are about 20% lower than in regular stores. The pharmacy directly cooperates with brands - hence the benefits for customers. The second place that has become a beauty legend in Paris is the Monge pharmacy. Queues are not uncommon, especially during sales season.

Familiar brands

In pharmacies across Russia or in online stores you can find famous French brands of pharmaceutical cosmetics. In the manufacturer’s homeland, the range is wider, prices are lower. This rule almost always works even if you order funds on the official Russified website. So it wouldn’t be a bad idea to look for exclusives in Paris or other cities.

Top 10 French brands well known in Russia:

• Avene;
• La Roche-Posay;
• Vichy;
• Caudalie;
• Uriage;
• Lierac;
• Bioderma;
• Klorane;
• Nuxe;
• L'Occitane.

Cosmetics from the La Roche-Posay and Vichy brands are profitable to buy not only in France. On the official websites of both brands, prices are the same as in the companies’ home countries. Therefore, it makes sense to pay attention to them at home: the official La Roche-Posay store is here, Vichy is at this link.

Worth a look

There are products that are more expensive in Russia than in France. Or lines of individual brands that do not reach our country. And there are also manufacturers that are not very popular on the Russian market, but are considered hits in France.

Let's name the 10 best-selling brands of pharmaceutical cosmetics:

1. Decléor. Pharmacy cosmetics famous in France, famous for their products with natural essential oils. It is worth taking a closer look at anti-aging care, as well as the legendary Hydra Floral moisturizing line.
2. Embryolisse. The milk of this brand has long become a legend - it is used by models, stars, even allergy sufferers with very sensitive skin. Reviews from dermatologists about this French cosmetics are very positive. The brand has a lot of good products – it’s worth taking a closer look.
3. Darphin. The French “daughter” of the American Estée Lauder. Check out French pharmacies for moisturizers from this brand. Not budget, but worth it.
4. Rogue Cavaillès. Bring soap or shower gel from this brand from France. Delightful smell, perfect moisturizing, and most importantly - comfortable use (suitable for sensitive skin).
5. Filorga. Cosmetics from this brand are much more expensive in Russia than in France. We advise you to think about buying care products for the face, skin around the eyes, and body - the reviews are excellent.
6. Garancia. Be sure to buy the legendary peelings and serums of this brand in France. It is also worth taking a closer look at limited collections, perfumes, and decorative cosmetics.
7. La Biosthétique. The French pharmacy brand produces simply excellent sunscreens and hair care products. You can choose something for your face and even decorative cosmetics.
8. Galenic. This brand's serums are especially popular. In Russia, Galenic cosmetics are much more expensive than in France. If you're in a Parisian pharmacy, be sure to stock up on the legendary Galenic Pur waterproof makeup remover lotion.
9. Dr Pierre Ricaud. French cosmetics "Pierre Rico" is becoming increasingly popular in Russia. Anti-aging products have already become a legend. Stop by the pharmacies in Paris for a cream or serum from this brand.
10. Eric Favre. Lifting cream for the face or eye contour from this French brand can also be found in Russia. However, in the manufacturer’s homeland there are more funds and they are cheaper. It's worth a closer look.

Academy

Academie is one of the best French premium brands, offering a large range of the best products for facial skin, for which consumers leave a lot of positive reviews.

Most comments about the products of this French company mention that the manufacturer offers creams created using technologies that have been proven over the years and by a large number of people from different countries of the world. It should be noted that since 2006 the company has been producing cosmetics for men, which are also very popular.

The most rated and popular product lines from Academie are:

• medical series Derm Acte;
• Visage daily skin care products;
• a series of creams created on the basis of natural essential oils Aromatherapie.

French "luxury"

“Luxury” French cosmetics or perfumes will not be cheap even in France itself. Prices are lower than in Russia, but you still won’t be able to save much. Even during the sales season in Paris and other cities, boutiques do not offer significant discounts. But the range is always impressive. In the manufacturer’s homeland, you can find products that do not reach Russia.

For luxury cosmetics in Paris, it is wise to go to the legendary department stores Galeries Lafayette or Le Printemps. You can also buy perfumes here. As a rule, the first floors of the most popular shopping centers are dedicated to cosmetics, perfumes, and accessories.

Top 5 best-selling French luxury cosmetics and perfume brands:

1. Chanel;
2. Christian Dior;
3. Yves Saint Laurent;
4. Lancôme;
5. Guerlain.

We advise you to pay attention to other really worthy brands. For perfumes, check out Balenciaga, Caron, Hermès, Davidoff, Kenzo or other boutiques. It is also worth buying professional decorative cosmetics from Nars, Givenchy, La Biosthetique, skin care products from La Mer, Academie, Payot. Don't forget about the legendary hair products from Kérastase, René Furterer, Charme d'Orient.

If you are not a fan of a particular brand, it makes sense to go to a large cosmetic store in one of the shopping centers - the choice is impressive!

La biosthetique

When considering the rating of manufacturers of French cosmetics and face creams, you should definitely pay attention to the manufacturer La biosthetique. It supplies the world market with popular products designed to maintain skin condition, renew and nourish it.

According to consumers, the most successful series of creams from this brand are:

• Perfection Visage;
• Natural cosmetic, which is based only on natural extracts from plants;
• a series of anti-aging creams Methode AntiAge;
• a series whose products are designed to combat oily and problematic skin - Methode Clarifiante.

French legends

You can pamper yourself or find a gift for your mother or friend in the Fragonard boutique. Legendary French perfumes and perfumed products can be bought in Paris, Provence or on the Cote d'Azur.

Pay attention to the Diptyque brand, a Parisian perfume and cosmetics company. And also for legendary perfumes from Houbigant, Serge Lutens, Mugler, Molinard, Cacharel, Cartier, Alexandre J - unique scents that are more expensive in Russia than in France.

Stop by the Laduree boutique for cosmetics. We haven't messed anything up: the world-famous manufacturer of French macarons has actually developed its own line of products. The design of the bottles is as delicate as the airy dough of their “macarons”. These cosmetics are difficult to buy outside of France, so don't miss the chance.

Payot

The world-famous manufacturer of high-quality cosmetics for facial skin, Payot, offers its fans unique creams developed using special technologies, the effect of which is mostly aimed at combating the first age-related changes.

According to consumer reviews, the best series produced by Payot are Design Lift and Les Correctrices - the main action of the components included in them is aimed at maintaining normal skin condition over the age of 30 years.

Most reviews of the My Payot and Les Sensitives Douceur product lines also mention the effectiveness of the formulations. In particular, the first group of products is characterized by the ability to whiten the skin and eliminate age spots, and the second group is characterized by the hypoallergenic composition, which is why it is often used for sensitive skin.

Features of French facial cosmetics

French cosmetic preparations for the face have a lot of positive properties

Facial skin products form the basis of any woman’s cosmetic stock, since it is the skin of the facial area that requires special care: it is the most susceptible to negative external factors. It is very important to accurately select cosmetic products that meet all the needs of the skin and eliminate its various deficiencies.

It is also important to choose the right cosmetic brand, but this is much more difficult, since all people are individual, and products of the same brand can have completely different effects on different skin types.

This means that you just have to find the most suitable option for yourself through trial and error, but at the same time, when choosing cosmetics from French brands, you can have no doubt about their quality. However, it is worth noting that cosmetologists and makeup artists advise infrequently changing different brands of cosmetics, but using the selected products for as long as possible to be effective, using them to the end.

French cosmetics are recognized as high quality all over the world. These are various brands that produce special series of preparations for the skin. Each of them struggles with a specific cosmetic problem. The main task of the buyer is to choose the right product, based on the shortcomings of his skin.

Algologie

In the ranking of the best French face creams you can often find products presented by the Algologie brand. Some of the most popular creams include the following:

• antioxidant, based on Vine Secrets grape oil;
• anti-aging agent;
• for the skin around the eyes Eye Care;
• whitening Clarifying;
• moisturizing Moisturizer.

In reviews of the brand in question, you can often find comments that indicate the effectiveness of creams from the Sensitive Skin series. They are ideal for sensitive facial skin.

French creams from Algologie are very often used in upscale beauty salons, which is an indisputable indicator of product quality.

Uriage

Of the total number of popular French brands offering cosmetics for facial care, Uriage is worth highlighting. The company in question produces effective products that are aimed at eliminating various problems inherent in problem skin. The most popular creams from the general range of products of this brand are Hyseac and DS Uriage - their compositions are intended for the treatment of dermatitis and acne. As for products whose action is aimed at rejuvenating the skin, Isofill and Isolift are among them. Tolederm cream from the manufacturer in question is intended for stable care of dry and sensitive skin.

In the general list of products, Uriage offers creams with high-quality compositions that protect against sun exposure (Bariesun) and whitening properties (Depiderm).

Reviews of products from this brand very often say that it is best to purchase them at a pharmacy or from an official manufacturer, otherwise there is a high risk of encountering a counterfeit.

Lierac

Lierac is a line of French cosmetics, the main action of which is aimed at eliminating age-related changes that occur at different stages of life. Thus, the manufacturer’s arsenal includes products intended for the care of very young skin (Hydra + Chrono), as well as for women in other age categories:

• 20–25 years (Deridium);
• 25+ (Diopti) with the function of preventing premature wrinkles;
• 30+ (Exclusive and Initiatic) to correct the condition of the skin, as well as nourish it and fill it with vital energy;
• 35+ (Lipofilling and Premium), the action of which is aimed at restoring skin elasticity and moisturizing the epidermis;
• 40+ (Coherence) to enrich the skin with collagen;
• 45+ (Arkeskin).

Reviews left by consumers about products produced by this French brand often note the effectiveness of the products, which is reflected in the constant maintenance of facial skin tone, as well as its hydration. It is recommended to purchase such products only through official suppliers, otherwise there is a high risk of receiving a fake at a high cost.

Bioderma

Bioderma is a French brand whose main activity is to create unique medicinal cosmetics. Its compositions, according to consumer reviews, are distinguished by their effectiveness.

In the list of products presented by Bioderma, it is worth highlighting the following types of creams:

• Cicabio with wound healing effect;
• Photoderm with a high degree of UV protection;
• Sensibio to eliminate irritability of facial skin, as well as its sensitivity and peeling;
• Sebium to remove blackheads, comedones and pimples;
• Hydrabio and Atoderm for excessively dry facial skin.

Reviews of French creams from the manufacturer Bioderma often note that a significant advantage of the products presented under this brand is the naturalness of their compositions, as well as the effectiveness of their effects. Moreover, any of the listed products, regardless of the main direction of action, can moisturize the skin, making it more elastic, as well as fresh and healthy.

Help from professionals

It's easy to get confused when choosing cosmetics or perfume in Paris. In this case, the help of professionals will not hurt. We have compiled a list of the most useful themed tours with excellent reviews. It makes sense to take at least one of them to find the best.

Choose a scent

Do you dream of finding “your” scent that will be associated specifically with you? Or maybe you would like to know more about French perfumery? All this can be done in Paris on a thematic excursion to niche perfume boutiques. You will get to know the best noses in France, find your perfume group, and take unique samples with you. And if you want, buy perfume that suits you.

Secrets of Parisian women

Plunge into the atmosphere of charming France of the 18th-19th centuries. A historical walk through ancient boutiques and shops awaits you - it will be unforgettable. The guide will tell you about the beauty secrets of Parisian women of that time, and in the exclusive boutique from 1785 you will see charming lace, hats, and umbrellas. Of course, an important part of the excursion will be devoted to perfumes and cosmetics.

Shopping tour with a stylist

This excursion is dedicated to current trends in French fashion. Clothes, cosmetics, perfumes, even fashionable cafes - a professional will show you what life is like in Paris today. The stylist will tailor the excursion to suit you: if you want to focus on choosing your wardrobe, please, looking for gifts for your loved ones is easy, if you plan to choose cosmetics, no problem. A great chance to make your shopping experience perfect in Paris.

Aristocratic Paris

A unique opportunity to spend a day in the spirit of the aristocrats of the 18th century. You will learn how they lived, what they were interested in, what their life was like. And also follow in their footsteps: the best cakes, famous delicacies, the most delicious tea, exclusive perfumes. Along the way, you will stop by several perfume shops where you can pick up something special for yourself.

Cote d'Azur: fragrances

You will really have a good time on this excursion. Unique places, tastings, art experiences, exclusive museums - the real France awaits you. From Cannes you will immediately go to Grasse, the recognized center of world perfumery. This is a unique chance to visit the Fragonard, Molinard or Gallimard perfume factories, get acquainted with the intricacies of creating French fragrances and even create your own perfume.

If you want to buy more than just cosmetics in France, check out our guide to shopping in Paris and other cities in the country. Clothing, souvenirs, cheese, wine - we give useful tips that will be useful to every tourist.

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