Because You Can Never Buy Too Much
If you ever find yourself in Paris, you MUST head to the mecca of French beauty products- City Pharma. Yes, there are pharmacies on practically every corner in Paris, but not all pharmacies are created equal. City Pharma has a bigger selection than other pharmacies, and prices that are 15%-20% lower than other places in France and a whopping 40%-50% lower than you can get the products for in the United States. Here are our tips for how to conquer City Pharma:
- It will be crowded. Mentally prepare yourself for this. If crowds bother you, go early in the day if you can. We went on a Monday afternoon, and it was definitely crowded, but honestly not as bad as Trader Joe’s in Manhattan on a Sunday. Many people have compared it to a similar experience as shopping on Black Friday in the States, and I would have to say that’s probably pretty accurate.
- Come prepared. I cannot stress this enough. It will be a very overwhelming experience for you if you walk in with no concept of the brands or the products you are interested in. Do your research, have a list of the product names, and better yet have photos saved to your phone. That way if you need assistance, and don’t speak French, you can show a pharmacist exactly what you are looking for.
- Grab a basket when you walk in the door. Trust me, you’ll need it and be glad you did.
- Don’t skip the wall of travel size products. They make great gifts for friends and family.
We filmed a video telling you about all the products we picked up, and we linked them down below so you can grab them yourself!
Bioderma crealine (large) €15.49 for two pack vs $16.90 for one
Bioderma crealine (small) €2.49 vs $6.90
Bioderma is a French skincare brand whose products are known for being highly effective but gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive skin. Their teams of biologists and dermatologists have conducted extensive research to create a line of products designed to protect the skin and boost its resistance to environmental factors. Their products are loved throughout the world and can be found in the kits of top makeup artists.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil €10.49 vs $30.85
Nuxe Rêve de Miel Lip Balm €6.48 vs $19
NUXE’s Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse nourishes, repairs and softens the body, face and hair. Not only does it moisturize: it also smells and feels great. It is made with six precious plant oils that ensure optimal hydration for the skin. The iconic fragrance of Huile Prodigieuse and its ability to reveal your skin’s beauty have made it the N°1 dry oil in drugstores in France
The Nuxe Reve De Miel ultra‑nourishing best-selling lip balm with honey and precious oils is highly concentrated in ingredients that help to nourish, repair, soothe and protect even the driest and damaged lips. Thick without being sticky, this healing salve instantly eliminates any dryness. The slight hint of yummy citrus will motivate you to reapply as often as possible.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir €27.90 vs $49
Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream €6.58 vs $15
Caudalie Beauty Elixir is formulated with grape extracts and clarifying ingredients to provide an immediate burst of radiance. The complexion treatment reduces dullness and is infused with toning rosemary, astringent mint, and soothing rose essential oil to prepare your skin for further treatments. Spray on as toner before applying serum and moisturizer, or at any time of the day, for an immediate energizing sensation.
Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream is concentrated with moisturizing active ingredients plus antioxidant grape polyphenols and reparative organic fair trade shea butter. This Hand and Nail Cream leaves skin soft and nourished. Its delicately perfumed, rich texture is instantly absorbed into skin.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré €11.99 vs $28.00
La Roche-Posay Redermic R €21.99 vs $56.99
Since its inception in 1950, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, has become for many beauty insiders the gold standard for soothing, no-frills face moisturizers. The French-pharmacy staple is three products in one: primer, moisturizer, and make-up remover. This velvety moisturizer gives skin the ultimate silky finish, thanks to generous amounts of soothing shea butter and aloe vera. It’s rich without being heavy.
Avene (large) €5.87 vs $18.50
Avene (medium) €3.99 vs $14.00
Avene (small) €2.39 vs $6
Yes, it’s essentially water in a can. But it’s so much more than that. Avene’s Thermal Spring Water has a unique composition that soothes and softens the skin and helps restore skin’s natural balance. It is clinically proven by over 300 studies to calm, soothe and soften the skin. If you have sensitive skin, this is your dream product. Use to sooth sunburn, razor burn, and other minor skin irritations, to set makeup, or while traveling.
L’Occitane Lavender Bubble Bath €23.00 vs $38.00
Marvis Toothpaste €4.99 vs $10.50
Vichy Slow Age Day Cream €20.49 vs $41.43
The rich formula of L’Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath generously foams in the bath, leaving skin supple, clean, and delicately scented. Simply pour a small amount under running hot water to both relax and stimulate all your senses. Let the scent transport you to Haute-Provence, where hills bloom with fragrant purple flowers as far as the eye can see.
While Marvis is made in Italy, not France. I couldn’t resist picking up a tube. This original Marvis formula whitens and protects teeth, freshens breath, and helps prevent tooth decay, tartar, and plaque. It delivers a long-lasting, delightful flavor with a slight tingling sensation, and comes in a distinctive, display-worthy tube that makes the perfect bathroom accessory.
Slow Age is the first Vichy skin care product with an SPF 25 that also slows down the onset of age signs for a radiant health and youthful skin. Immediately, the skin is hydrated and protected. Day after day, it recovers better, is stronger and reveals a vibrant radiance of health and youth.
Klorane (large) €6.99 vs $20
Klorane (small) €4.49 vs $10
This dry shampoo formula from Klorane easily cleanses and refreshes hair in between washes. It’s formulated with oat milk to soothe and protect and corn and rice starches to absorb excess oils. Great for all hair types, it adds volume and texture, leaving hair revitalized, soft, and healthy-looking.
The next time you find yourself in Paris, a trip to City Pharma has to be on your itinerary!
-Ash xx
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