The French Pharmacy: What Not To Miss

The French pharmacy is different, it is not like others.

Visiting the French pharmacy is more about browsing and shopping than it is about the medicinal. There is a behind the counter section that is jam-packed with medications that could cure a myriad of ailments.

But there are so many more interesting products on show.

Long queues are habitual at the French pharmacy; much chat goes on about the new, the effectiveness and the how-to. Body products are a big business in France and there are plenty of ‘flavoursome’ tonics, pills and gels that promise the world. These are promotions, which need to be talked about and shared. Who doesn’t want to know about a newer and less ragged version of themselves? They are the buy-one-and-get-the-other-one-free kind of deals that we expect in stores other than the local pharmacy and there are the freebies, échantillons, with every purchase. I can’t remember a visit to the pharmacy when I haven’t left with a bag full of product samples or promotional giveaways.

The pharmacy is a strange and unusual ‘tourist’ destination when visiting such a beautiful country as France, but I can promise, the girlfriends I have taken to the pharmacy have never come away empty-handed. Travel is about the whole picture and the pharmacy may not be the Louvre but is entirely worth a visit. A lengthy one ;)

What sends me dashing to the pharmacy?

It is the lesser known beauty brands that I look for. They are not the big names I was familiar with before but they have certainly become some of my much-loved essentials.

Certain products have become part of my routine and I wouldn’t want to be without them. Now many are available outside of France, so while its not quite as much fun as filling the basket in Paris, it is the next best thing. xv

The French Pharmacy: What Not To Miss

*darphin intral skincare – start with this cleanser, anti rouge serum and recovery cream – it is gentle, very effective and perfect for travelling

*darphin facial oil – add a drop to your night routine and feel the difference – i am a fan of the jasmine oil and the 8 flower nectar oil cream

*darphin stimulskin plus – for the dry and dehydrated moments – it is a miracle worker

*caudalie – this divine body scrub with brown sugar and plant oils is really and truly divine

*caudalie – special herbal teas to help with fluid retention – i always stock up on these – one of my greatest problems when travelling

*embryolisse – the eclat radiant eye treatment serum is one of my most used products – it’s a cooling gel stick to reduce puffiness under the eyes – a life and handbag staple

*avene – a great non-greasy and not highly fragranced hand cream – another permanent resident for the handbag

*avene – facial mist – when dehydration needs a helping hand

*la roche posay – the cicaplast baume b5 is a repairing and soothing balm for snagged skin, cuticles and even scars – i use it regularly on my cuticles and always include it (alongside the embryollise eye stick) in birthday and christmas gifts

*leonor greyl – for shampoos and hair treatments – these are delicious hair care companions and really do help manage all kinds of “hair days”

The French Pharmacy List

darphin intral || darphin facial oil || darphin stimulskin plus || caudalie divine scrub || caudalie draining tea || embryolisse radiant eye

avene hand cream || la roche posay baume b5 || leonor greyl shampoo || leonor greyl hair mask || leonor greyl volumiser

The French Pharmacy Paris : Where To Shop

from my parisian address book; central pharmacies with competitive prices and most brands

City Pharma
26 Rue du Four, 75006

Pharmacie des Archives
2 Rue des Archives, 75004

Pharmacie Monge
74 Rue Monge, 75005

image via eblush