BUY BUY BEAUTY

The 8 best buys in a French pharmacy

One of the many reasons to visit Paris in August is that  you’ll have the best pharmacy in the city all to yourself. The Citypharma du Four Bonaparte (Louboutin-walking-distance from Cafe de Flore) is usually full to capacity with people, but in August the Parisians all up and moved to Biarritz, Deauville or the Côte and you get to go wild. These are the things to buy to make your life easier, more beautiful and more fun.

Paracetamol

The French are not afraid of taking a pill here or a tablet there. In France you can buy Paracetamol with codeine and Paracetamol in 1 gram size simply over the counter. In the case of a serious hangover or the extreme monthlies, one or two of these will have you feeling better in no time. I’m afraid my naturopath will probably be shaking her head saying “no”, this is not the kind of thing to be telling amayzine.com readers. Sssht, go away. Girl talk!

Embryolisse lait crème concentré

Ideal for travelling. You can use it a primer, as moisturiser and as make-up remover. It comes in a tube small enough to get the approval from very strict customs officers but large enough to last your entire trip. Multiple trips.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

Can be used on your body, face and hair but I usually keep it for my legs, upper arms and cleavage. It smells like a subtle, classy French woman and gives your legs a photo filter finish  that lasts all night.

Bio-beauté

Nuxe has a bio-sister that is available throughout France but not that easy to find elsewhere. You absolutely need to buy the Bio Beauté Tinted Repairing Lip balm with Peach Pulp. It is healing and it gives you a very subtle ‘lip-do’. Great for on a flight.

Klorane dry shampoo

A basis made of oat milk. Sounds a little too homey to me, but hey it’s the best dry shampoo ever, so I’ll just keep quiet.

Caudalie Eau de Beauté

Spray on your skin and it fades lines, decreases pores and fixes make-up. You can also use it on your skin during the day to give a refreshing boost. Talk about a multi-tasker.

Institut Esthederm Reflets de Soleil

The very best self tan product, it works so wonderfully that everyone will believe you when you tell them that you’re just back from a weekend in Ibiza.

Bioderma Crealine H20

Perfect for removing make-up. If you’re going to the Bioderma-shelf anyway, pick up the Bioderma rosacea crème too, it’s such an amazing moisturiser. Not super sexy because it has no perfume, but you can find that in another aisle, right?