The beauty and skincare products to search for in a French pharmacy

When I'm in France, after I’ve sufficiently explored the country's best museums and satisfied my cheese and pastry habits with multiple stops at Paris cafes and various markets, I make a beeline for the pharmacies. I get such a buzz from exploring them and other spaces that offer a glimpse of everyday life, like corner shops, supermarkets and independent boutiques – the places where locals hang out and shop. It tells you so much about a place.

Parapharmacies are especially wonderful; they’re similar to regular pharmacies but sell all sorts of nonmedical beauty and wellness products, including high-quality cosmetics, sunscreens, shampoos and perfumes. You’ll typically find them within larger pharmacies or in stand-alone locations.

I could easily spend half a day rummaging through the shelves, asking the (incredibly patient) people who work there a million and one questions about the best products and hunting out bargains that are a fraction of their cost at home.

Where are the best pharmacies to shop?

I used to think that Citypharma on rue du Four in the 6th arrondissement in Paris was the ultimate destination for French skin-care and beauty products. It's jam-packed with goodies and definitely worth a stop. Then Vivian Song, one of our writers in Paris, informed me that Parisians in the know actually head to the pharmacy in the basement of the Westfield Forum des Halles. It has the best deals and stocks such a vast range of products, so that's now my first stop.

That said, if you're in a smaller city in France, any Citypharma is still a great place to shop because it often has discounts and two-for-one offers. You also can't beat the charm of independent pharmacies, especially in small towns and rural areas, where pharmacists often create their own products, like scented hand creams and soaps made from local lavender, olives and lemons. You won't find such little treasures anywhere else, and they make perfect souvenirs and mementos.

If you ever find yourself in France with some time to spare, head to a pharmacy and look for some of my favorite products, which are all usually available at most major retailers.

Sunscreen

• Lancaster Sun Perfect 50 SPF Sun Illuminating Cream: I stock up on this because I really like the glow it gives my skin – it's like a face lotion and sunscreen in one. 

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Hydrating Lotion: If you prefer an all-around cream, in a recyclable 250ml tub (8.5oz) to boot, this water-resistant lotion offers heavy-duty sun protection but feels light on the skin and is not greasy.

• Institut Esthederm Photo Reverse: A few years ago I started to develop pigmentation around my mouth from sun exposure. This broad-spectrum, anti-pigment sunscreen makes all sorts of bold assertions about its ability to remove brown spots. I don't know about those claims, but the pigmentation didn't reappear the summer I started using this, so I continued to use it. It also feels like a moisturizer and, mercifully, doesn't sting my eyes when I inevitably start to sweat.

Beauty and skin care

• Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream: The manufacturer describes this cream as protective and repairing, and it really feels like that on my skin. I use it on my face overnight at least twice a week. It feels like a savior when my skin is dehydrated. I keep it in my carry-on when I'm flying and lather it all over my face. If I were able to buy only one thing in a French pharmacy, it would be this.

• Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water: Bioderma was the first brand to introduce micellar water as a makeup remover, and it's still my favorite by far. You can get this product in pharmacies worldwide now, but I was first introduced to it in France and can't resist picking up the travel-sized bottle when I'm there. My skin can be a bit sensitive at times, and this never leaves it feeling tight when removing makeup. It's simple and gets the job done without any hassle.

• Biafine Emulsion: This works to soothe burns (kitchen and sun) and minor, noninfected wounds. I use it in the evening if I've spent too much time in the sun that day.

• ACM Laboratoire Azéane: My cheeks lean a bit sensitive and sometimes turn red and blotchy. To soothe them, I apply a drop of azelaic acid, which is good for unclogging pores and calming irritated skin. This is one of my favorites, and I can only seem to get it in France.

• Mimétique Skin Cloud Make Up Remover Balm: This face cleanser starts off as a balm, then transforms into an oil when you massage it into your skin, taking off what feels like every bit of makeup, dirt and grime as it cleanses. It feels very nourishing. 

• Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Function Moisturizer: This is my everyday facial moisturizer. It's hydrating but not too heavy, and it sits nicely under makeup, like a primer.

Hair and body

• Obvious Une Figue: I love the scent of fig, and this perfume smells milky, salty and herby all at the same time. 

• Klorane Petit Brin: In France and Spain, baby perfumes are pretty common. Even though this product is marketed for babies (including newborns), I love this fragrance for myself because the scent is so clean and delicate. It is alcohol-free too.

• René Furterer Triphasic Conditioner: This conditioner is pitched as helping with hair loss, and while I haven't seen any evidence of that with my own hair, I love that it leaves my frazzled hair feeling soft without weighing it down.

• Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk: I hate dry shampoo. It makes my hair feel dirty, which is the opposite of what it is supposed to do. However, it can be handy, especially for a quick spruce when coming off a long flight.

• Le Comptoir du Bio Aloe Vera Gel: The French are obsessed with aloe vera gels, and there are heaps of brands. I especially love this one because it is organic, is cheap (about €3, or US$3.50) and has worked wonders on any sunburn I've ever had. I also use it as a regular body moisturizer about twice a week.

• Lebon toothpaste: Nobody needs to spend €13 (US$15) on toothpaste, but I'm a sucker for packaging and unique flavors, and the Cap Ferat Mood flavor (which leans minty and citrusy) is a big, glamorous mood. 

• La Bonne Brosse wide-tooth comb: I love beautiful everyday things, and this works perfectly on my hair, which is prone to breakage. It comes wrapped in a velvet pouch so makes for a nice gift to take home. La Bonne Brosse also makes brushes, hair clips and other lovely hair accessories.

• Le Petit Marseillais coconut shower cream: You can get this shower cream everywhere in France, even in supermarkets. It's pretty basic, but I adore the coconut scent.

• Maison Matine Longe Côte soap: I'm drawn to Maison Matine's beautifully packaged soaps – they're almost too pretty to use. I love the beachy Longe Côte scent because it reminds me of summer holidays.

• Minios Paris Detangling Mist: I use this children's detangler on my adult hair when I get out of the shower, before blow-drying. It leaves my hair soft, and I love the orange blossom scent – it's like perfume for hair.

• Homeoplasine: This cream is the French version of Vaseline but more hydrating on chapped and parched lips, especially in winter. I also use it on dry elbows.