The Top French Pharmacy Buys Under £20
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
Biafine Emulsion Cream, £14.95
Industry insiders and skincare experts alike swear by this multipurpose cream. It’s great for smoothing bumps, scrapes and soothing burns, as well as minimising scars and healing irritated areas. The thin texture allows it to sit imperceptibly underneath make-up, so your base won’t slip or flake throughout the day.
Available at Amazon.co.uk
Bioderma Solution Micellaire, £11
This cult cleanser used to be a bit of an insider secret. Now it’s stocked in the UK. Its water and oil-rich formula maintains skin’s pH balance and melts off all make-up. If you’ve never tried it before, you’re missing out.
Available at Boots.com
Caudalie Beauty Elixir, £12
Full of antioxidants, Caudalie’s beauty elixir is designed to leave skin feeling refreshed and revived. Botanical ingredients like grape, rosemary, orange blossom, rose, myrrh and organic balm mint keep skin plump and glowing, while delivering a natural shot of energy to tired skin. Plus, the holistic scent is heavenly.
Available at FeelUnique.com
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, £13
Loved by everyone from the models to backstage experts at the shows, this cult cream does the work of three products at once. Whether you use it as a primer, moisturiser or make-up remover, the mild formula will leave your skin looking brighter and feeling softer immediately. We like to mix a little with our foundation for a dewy finish, but beware, a little goes a long way.
Available at Boots.com
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, £14
Like other balms on this list, this does a bit of everything, but it’s particularly effective if your skin is inflamed and in need of a reset. Designed to soothe dryness, it soothes flaky, chapped lips, giving them a super soft and primed surface that’s ready for lipstick. It also works well as a sheer base, ideal for any foundation or base make-up to be applied on top. Plus, because it’s so gentle, you can also use it on babies to relieve tight skin or even rashes.
Available at Boots.com
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, £29.50
No matter how many bodycare launches come out, we always go back to this silky oil. The lightweight texture can be used all over – including your hair, skin, face or wherever needs bit of a hydration hit. You’ll also find ingredients like St. John’s wort and macadamia oils inside – both of which are known for their healing and skin-strengthening benefits. The trick is to use just a tiny amount – especially if you’re scrunching it into your hair. The plant-derived oils make light work of dryness, absorbing fast to bolster moisture levels, but also give your strands some renewed glow. The very definition of a multi-tasker.
Available at Marks&Spencer.com
Topicrem Ultra-Moisturising Sparkling Body, £10.93
This was recommended to us recently by top French make-up artist, Morgane Martini, and it’s easy to see why. Golden glitter micro-particles give skin a subtle, highlighted sheen, while the nourishing formula delivers a hefty dose of moisture to keep your legs and body flake-free. Ideal for this time of year.
Available at Amazon.co.uk
Vichy Pureté Thermal Fresh Cleansing Gel, £12
If your skin is prone to dryness, you’ll love this refreshing gel cleanser. Brimming with hydrating glycerine and moringa, even after you’ve rinsed it away, your complexion will feel smooth and look more radiant. Massage it on to damp skin and you’ll see it gradually – and gently – foam up to whisk away surface dirt and the most stubborn of make-up. A must-try for sensitive skin types.
Available at Boots.com
Institut Esthederm Eau Cellulaire Mist, £12.60 (was £18)
Designed to deliver quick hydration, this lightweight – yet effective – mist penetrates the skin with instant moisture. It works best after cleansing but is ideal on top of make-up when you want it to stay fresh and luminous. Keep it in the fridge before you mist it on to calm inflammation and keep pores looking refined and smooth.
Available at FeelUnique.com
Klorane Hydrating Water Cream With Cornflower, £18.17
This clever cream boasts some impressive results. Within just an hour of application, studies show it increases hydration within the skin by 83%. You can thank the gel texture for that, as well as ingredients like glycerine, hyaluronic acid and betaine which lock in moisture long-term. Unlike some gel textures, it’s neither tacky nor sticky. Apply it both morning and night for the best, luminous results. A game-changer for those suffering with dullness or dehydration.
Available at EasyPharmacie.co.uk
La Rosée Regenerating 3-in-1 Stick, £15.90
An icon in French pharmacies, this clay stick is designed to purify and tighten the pores within your skin. You only need to use it a couple of times a week to see results. Massage it over dry, clean skin, leaving on a thick layer for at least five minutes. As it settles, it’ll penetrate the skin to unclog pores, absorb excess oil and get rid of any dead cells sat on the surface for smoother, brighter-looking skin. Despite its efficacy, it’s incredibly gentle and never causes irritation.
Available at TheFrenchPharmacy.co
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.