The French seem to do many things better: food, fashion, and of course beauty. During a recent audit of my beauty closet (a luxury living in the Midwest now affords me), I realized a major shift in the brands that now line each shelf, and which I continue to restock each month.
Surprising no one reading this, I am not a dermatologist, so please chat with yours before making any dramatic changes to your routine (especially when it comes to retinol!)
For reference: I am in my thirties, have somewhat sensitive and combination skin with a more prone-to-oil t-zone and drier cheeks.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
My true holy grail, I use this in the mornings for a gentle cleanse before workouts, as a third nightly cleanse when wearing makeup and prior to toner, and to remove eye makeup (it doesn’t sting and works very effectively!)
This is a product I always have on hand as other micellar waters have just never measured up and it’s perfect for my temperamental skin.
Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water, Soothing Calming Facial Mist Spray
A facial spray may seem like an unnecessary step for many but it’s become a staple for me after noticing how different (read: hard) the water is here in Columbus.
While I do use this spray for the occasional refresh (especially during warmer weather I keep it in the fridge to help cool off), my favorite way to use it is for the loose clay masks I apply. Instead of using water from the tap that my skin does not love, I spray this into a little bowl before adding the clay powder, mixing, and applying.
I also use it as a quick clean before slapping on SPF when running out to take Frida out in the mornings.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, Face Cream & Makeup Primer
This is a product I did not immediately love because I’m warning you now, it has a fragrance and I typically stay away from beauty products with fragrance.
But it is SO GOOD! Nourishing in a way my skin needs during the winter, creamy, and it sinks into the skin like perfection. Apparently, some French makeup artists use it as a primer but due to my aforementioned combination skin, I have not tried that yet.
I apply it mainly on my cheeks, the area around my mouth, and the upper half of my forehead where frown lines appear.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment, Prescription-Strength Topical Retinoid Cream For Face
My coworker with flawless, glowing skin put me onto this and she was not wrong. While I do not have acne, we are still very much in a panini and more blemishes than usual have popped up due to mask-wearing.
I use this at night on my t-zone and wake up to significantly less oil, whiteheads (not apologizing they’re a fact of life), and pimples.
But remember what I said about talking to your derm when trying new, strong products? This is one of them! You can’t use certain products when using retinol and you have to be diligent about SPF when incorporating it into your beauty routine.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
I learned about this serum by none other than Sasha Exeter, a blogger whose age is indistinguishable, and therefore her word when it comes to beauty, like gold.
I love the plumping effects this serum provides, especially when I use it consistently.
I did notice some pilling when I use it before makeup so I typically use it at night instead (but try both and see what works for you).
Eau Thermale Avene Tolérance Extrême Mask, Sterile Hydrating Face Mask
Perfect for the days when your skin is mad at you for trying too many new products, after a long day of skiing in the harsh elements, or just when your visage is drier than the desert.
This mask saves your skin and is free of all the allergens and bad stuff (parabens and whatnot) that our skin reacts to.
While I don’t have to use it that often – when I do, it never fails me.
So that’s it you say? Well in full transparency it is not. I have at least 15 other French beauty products I use quite frequently and 10 others currently in my cart awaiting purchase. But these are the five I know, love, and would not want to be without.
Perhaps in the future, I’ll add a few more but I thought six was a great starting point. Let me know if you try any and how they work for you. Until then, au revoir!
