Ah Paris, the city of lights, love and luxury, where French Girl chic reigns supreme and its effortless glamour is permanently pinned to our Pinterest boards.
So, as a self-confessed beauty buff, I knew on a recent trip to Paris that it was high time to indulge in some shopping (obviously) and test out the countless viral skin, hair and makeup products the country has to offer.
French beauty is often seen to be more skincare-focused, with a natural, undone approach to beauty being key to nailing the look. Consider skin-like bases, tousled and shiny hair and feminine touches like a flush to the cheeks, some rouge on the lips or a smudged eyeliner on the cards when looking to emulate the look.
And it all comes down to the products—multi-use pieces that you can reach for to solve a myriad of beauty woes, ensuring your beauty bag stays light as a feather.
I’m all about honest beauty reviews so when I got home with a suitcase full of products I knew I had to put them to the test. And don’t worry, you don’t have to start booking your flights to France to get your hands on them (although Euro summer is incoming!) as these are all available back in Australia – très bien!
Scroll on to find out all the details on the best French beauty products on the market.
2024’s top 3 French beauty products
- Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate, $41.60 (usually $46.96) at Amazon
- Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Use Body Oil, $42.99 at Amazon
- A313 Retinol Pommade, $42.90 (usually $45) at Amazon
The best French beauty products to add to your routine in 2024
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate
$41.60 (usually $46.96) at Amazon
If you have yet to try out the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate then you are sorely missing out. A favourite of makeup artists and even Lady Gaga herself, this multi-use beauty product can not only remove your makeup up in a pinch but the thick, nourishing texture will leave your skin ultra-hydrated and renewed.
I have actually been using this moisturiser for close to a decade (scary) and always come back to it as it lies perfectly beneath makeup, which is no easy task, and deeply hydrates without feeling greasy. I actually stocked up and bought myself three spares!
Beauty notes:
- Can be used as a moisturiser, cleanser, primer and mask
- Includes shea butter and aloe vera extract
- Great for sensitive skin
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Use Body Oil
$42.99 at Amazon
If you’re like me and experience some serious frizz the second you brush your hair, this handy dry oil has been a saviour for my locks. Rub just a single spray of this between your hands before taking it through your ends and leaving them shining and sleek.
You can also use this dry oil across your shoulders and chest in summer for a stunning glow or to hydrate dry skin – I’m not even going to mention the heavenly scent.
Beauty notes:
- Also available in a shimmer
- A concentration of plant oils and vitamin E
- Lightweight and non-greasy
A313 Retinol Pommade
$42.90 (usually $45) at Amazon
I have been on the hunt for a retinol that works for my skin for years to no avail, but after reading a review of the A313 pomade I decided to throw it in my basket last minute. This may just be the reason French women have such youthful appearances because this is a game-changing product.
With pharmacy-grade vitamin A and retinol esters to target fine lines, discolouration and texture. My only note is to ensure you take the time to train your skin to use this product as retinols can be harsh for beginner skin.
Beauty notes:
- Vaseline-like texture on the skin
- Use only a pea-sized amount
- Avoid using with other acid-based products to limit irritation
Caudalie Vino Perfect Radiance Serum
$111.97 at Amazon
There’s a reason why this product has gone so viral across TikTok, this simple serum adds so much glow and radiance to the skin it’s actually unbelievable. I have been experiencing dull skin thanks to hard water and this made such a difference in texture and brightness.
It is a splurge product but definitely worth it if you take your skincare extra seriously and are after some glow.
Beauty notes:
- Targets dark spots, dullness, loss of firmness and adds elasticity
- Apply morning and evening
- Sits well under makeup and SPF
Biafine Emulsion
$23 at Amazon
This is one of those products that solve a multitude of beauty woes. Dry skin? Tick. Sunburnt? Tick. Acne scars or skin abrasions? Tick, tick, tick.
The minimal packaging caught my eye and upon further research, I was convinced. Keep this in your medicine cabinet for any concerns that need some help to heal and leave behind soft, moisturised and nourished skin in no time.
Beauty notes:
- Effectively helps heal sunburns, 1st and 2nd degree burns and post-laser scars
- Herbal base
Nuxe Rêve de Miel Lip Oil
$37.77 at Amazon
My latest obsession is honey-scented products, bonus points if they have a honey-like texture, so when I saw this adorable beehive lip balm from Nuxe it was an immediate buy.
It’s nourishing but not sticky and uses natural ingredients to rehydrate dry, cracked lips of which I am a victim of. Not only does it feel nice but it creates a plump, glossy look to your put too.
Beauty notes:
- Made in France
- Formulated with lavender honey and camelina oil
- Transparent look
Caudelie Beauty Elixir Face Mist
$77.99 at Amazon
Honestly, this is another one of the products I have used for years so it was absolutely time to restock. It’s a highly hydrating face mist that you can use to prime or set your makeup or just as a general burst of moisture throughout the day.
The only thing I will note is the scent is quite strong (which I love) although some with sensitive noses may find it a touch overwhelming.
Beauty notes:
- Brightens and visibly smooths skin
- 100 per cent natural
- Mint, rose and rosemary-scented
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub
$71 at Amazon
Another cult product, this scalp scrub helps to rid your hair of product build-up and dead skin, optimising your scalp health – a sorely forgotten beauty step.
Beauty notes:
- Helps calm itchy skin
- restores balance to oily roots
- Can be used post-colour treatment
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