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.

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!

Top 2. BIODERMA

Rating (2021): 4.61

2269 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozon, Wildberries, Otzovik, IRecommend

Medical cosmetics recommended by dermatologists The BIODERMA company was created to produce formulations for medicinal products, and later began producing cosmetics that are comparable in quality and properties to medical drugs.

• Characteristics

  Year founded: 1977

• Official website: bioderma.com
• Price range: 400 – 2700 rub.
• Most popular product: Bioderma Sensibio H2O micellar solution for sensitive skin

The French company BIODERMA was founded as a laboratory for the production of drug bases. Later, she began producing medical cosmetics for the care of problematic and diseased skin, becoming one of the leaders in this direction. Now the brand’s assortment includes several product lines, each of which is designed to solve a specific list of problems and care for dry, sensitive or oily skin, getting rid of pigmentation, sun protection, and healing damage. These products are often prescribed by dermatologists, but can also be purchased independently. This medicinal cosmetic receives only good reviews, although it is quite expensive.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Therapeutic cosmetics for solving skin problems
• Ingredients tested and approved by dermatologists
• Several product lines

• High price

See also:

• 10 best Russian cosmetics brands

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.

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.

Main characteristics of the composition of cosmetic products

Number	Characteristics	Recommendations
1	Composition basis	Skin care products are made on the basis of an emulsion - oil and water mixed in certain proportions. Water acts as a solvent, and oils soften the skin and replace the natural lubricant that is removed when washing. Emulsions come in two types: oil-dominant and water-dominant. The softest creams in consistency are produced on the basis of an aqueous liquid with a suspension of oil droplets. And the best products with protective properties are produced using an emulsion in the form of drops of water in oil, but this adds “heaviness” to the composition.
2	Emulsifiers	These are special substances that are added to cosmetic products to achieve emulsion stability.
3	Emulsifiers	They do not allow the emulsion to separate into separate components.
4	Synthetic substitutes for natural fats	As a rule, manufacturers use chemical compounds such as isopropyl myristate, cetiolane, and butyl stearate.
5	Preservatives	They are used to consolidate the composition and extend the shelf life. The cosmetics market offers products without preservatives, as the trends in the beauty industry in the last decade have been moving towards everything natural. However, creams without preservatives quickly deteriorate and there is a threat that pathogenic bacteria will begin to multiply in them.
6	Bacteriostatics	Used to prevent the development of bacteria in the nutrient medium. There are synthetic and natural bacteriostatics. The latter include eucalyptus extract, propolis, extract from bird cherry and birch leaves.
7	Parabens	Parabens are a group of gentle preservatives - they do not dry the skin and do not cause allergic rashes. But recently there has been an opinion that parabens are harmful to the skin.
8	Structure-forming substances	They also come in both natural and artificial. Natural beeswax, which additionally forms a protective film on the skin and prevents dehydration. Synthetic ones include glycerol monostearate, distilled monoglyceride, stearate, stearin and other compounds used as thickeners.
9	Dietary supplements	Determine the effectiveness of a cosmetic product. The most common biological additives include plant extracts (calendula, jojoba, avocado, chamomile, etc.), collagen, elastin, ceramides, keratin, hyaluronic acid, superoxide dimustase, ultraviolet filters (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that block solar radiation) , alpha-hydroxy (fruit) acids obtained from apples, sugar cane, lemons and other tropical plants. All these substances are useful and necessary for the skin.
10	Vitamins	Often indicated in the composition under various names - antioxidants (vitamins C and E), retinol (vitamin A) and others.
11	Sulfates	Indicated on labels as SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), ALS (Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate) and ALES (Ammonium Laureth Sulfate). Sulfates belong to surfactants (surfactants), which are used to form a stable and well-cleaning foam, which can cause irritation, allergic reactions, itching, flaking, and, with prolonged use, dermatological diseases.
12	What is the price	French cosmetics vary greatly in price, and the price-quality ratio is not always met - budget products can sometimes exceed all expectations, being in no way inferior to expensive products. In general, the average price for a professional product is 3,500 rubles, a pharmacy product is 1,700 rubles, and for cosmetics in the mass segment is 800 rubles.

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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