It’s likely that you’re well-aware of what to buy at Olive Young or even Don Quijote thanks to our extensive curation that ranges from skincare to shampoo. But what of the European region? Should you be making the transatlantic flight sometime soon, there is no better list to prepare yourself with than this: Vogue Singapore’s selection of the best French pharmacy beauty products. Unlike typical drugstores, French pharmacies aren’t just dispensaries for medication and supplements. Teeming with everything from cult-favourite, dermatologist-backed skincare brands to cutting-edge beauty tools, it’s safe to say that you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking to elevate your current arsenal of make-up, skincare and the like. The flip side of it, naturally, is being overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available—but naturally, that’s where we come in.
Below, our full list of the best French pharmacy beauty products to buy. While some of them are available online, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to clinch them at a much more competitive rate in-person. Our favourites include an eczema-friendly cleansing oil; an all-in-one cream that acts as a body lotion, make-up base and even a face mask; as well as texture-eradicating serum which works to eradicate dead skin cells and hydrate at the same time. Do you need any more convincing? Commence shopping, stat.
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Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Versatile in every sense of the word. This six-in-one product acts as a moisturiser, make-up base, cleansing milk, hydrating mask, after-sun and an after-shave care cream; a nutrient-packed emulsion that has earned its spot in many a make-up artist’s kit thanks to its suitability across a variety of skin types. This can be credited to the host of complexion-calming ingredients found in its formulation such as shea butter, beeswax and aloe vera. Its lightweight texture serves as the perfect finishing touch for our climate, disappearing and leaving behind a light veil of moisture in its wake upon application.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, $41.30, available at Takashimaya
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Caudalie Grape Water
Inflammation-prone individuals are sure to benefit from this bad boy which utilises grape water to soothe, calm and moisturise. A single spritz acts as a wake-up call to the complexion, bolstering skin hydration levels while also easing feelings of tightness and discomfort. In terms of long-term effects, sustained use also results in a stronger skin barrier that helps promote longer-lasting moisture preservation.
Caudalie Grape Water, $27, available at Sephora
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Eau Thermale Avene Xeracalm A.D. Lipid Replenishing Balm
Should you be struggling with intense dryness or conditions such as eczema, consider incorporating the Eau Thermale Avene Xeracalm A.D. Lipid Replenishing Balm into your routine. Crafted with patented anti-itch active ingredients that “targets the imbalances responsible for discomfort and dryness at the heart of the microbiome”, it also comprises a Lipid:B2 Complex which helps trigger the synthesis of ceramides to help fortify weakened complexions.
Eau Thermale Avene Xeracalm A.D. Lipid Replenishing Balm, $69.90, available at Watsons
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La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+
Safe for use for babies and seniors alike, La Roche Posay’s Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ is potent yet gentle, removing even waterproof formulas with ease in a single swipe. Not only does it help eradicate dirt as well as impurities, it can even be utilised as a shower oil when added to bath water.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+, $28.07, available at Shopee
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Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
If oils aren’t up your alley—in the case of folks with eyelash extensions, for instance—opt for the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water which cleanses just as effectively without causing distress to the skin. Its non-rinse formula, too, acts as another bonus, allowing for individuals to move onto the next step of double cleansing seamlessly.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $42.90, available at Watsons
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Biafine Emulsion
Hypoallergenic, lightweight and non-comedogenic while also helping heal a variety of ailments, the Biafine Emulsion comprises a star ingredient to reduce symptoms associated with severe skin dryness, superficial burns and sunburns. Meet trolamine—of which is accompanied by avocado oil and squalene to replenish complexion hydration levels and keep skin looking and feeling healthy.
Biafine Emulsion, $22.79, available at Shopee
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Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk
You’ll be hard-pressed to find this baby at the pharmacy considering its TikTok-viral status, so be sure to snap it up quickly if you do. Touted as a three-in-one toner, serum and moisturiser, it comes packed with probiotics to banish dead skin cells while also reducing the appearance of fine lines; a minimalist product that offers “maximalist results,” according to its brand founder. Conceived with 98% naturally derived ingredients, it is also backed with four certificationsthat asserts it works across all skin types, including sensitive, acne-, eczema- and psoriasis-prone skin.
Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk, $65, available at Violette_FR
