Parisian Beauty: Must Have Favorites & the Best Places to Shop
I love traveling and all things beauty, skincare and fragrance. So naturally, when I get a chance to combine my loves, I check out—literally and figuratively. Paris isn’t just the city of love; it’s the city of luxe beauty, timeless elegance, and the kind of effortless chic that makes you want to toss your entire skincare routine in favor of a fresh start. Every trip I take, I make it my mission to discover (and hoard) the latest and greatest beauty finds from the French capital.
If you're planning a trip to Paris—or just want to daydream about your next beauty shopping spree—here’s your ultimate guide to Parisian beauty. From must-have products to the hottest places to shop, consider this your passport to the best beauty experience in the City of Lights.
Why French Beauty is the Gold Standard
Let’s be real: French women have that je ne sais quoi when it comes to beauty. It’s not about perfection; it’s about embracing your natural features, enhancing them subtly, and investing in high-quality, science-backed skincare that does the work for you. French pharmacies are treasure troves of cult-favorite skincare, department stores are temples of luxury, and niche boutiques offer up artisanal products that make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a beauty secret only the chicest Parisians know about.
Parisian Beauty Staples You NEED in Your Life
If you’re hitting Paris, don’t leave without these must-have beauty and skincare favorites. Some are iconic classics, some are new discoveries, but all deserve a spot in your beauty stash.
1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
You know it, you love it—or you should. This is the OG micellar water that French models, makeup artists, and beauty editors swear by. It removes makeup effortlessly, cleanses skin without stripping it, and leaves you feeling fresh and hydrated.
Where to buy: Any French pharmacy (stock up—seriously, it’s cheaper here than anywhere else!)
2. Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Part facial mist, part toner, part instant glow in a bottle. Inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary’s elixir of youth, this mist tightens pores, refreshes skin, and gives that dewy, glowing-from-within look. Spritz it mid-flight for a skin pick-me-up or use it as a setting spray.
Where to buy: Caudalie Spa Boutique, Paris pharmacies
3. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
This iconic golden bottle is like liquid gold. It hydrates, nourishes, and leaves skin with a beautiful sheen. Bonus: It also works wonders on hair. The scent? Pure French sophistication in a bottle.
Where to buy: CityPharma, Sephora Paris, Nuxe boutiques
4. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Makeup artists carry this in their kits for a reason. This ultra-nourishing moisturizer acts as a primer, hydrator, and mask all in one. It’s the key to that smooth, dewy, French-girl skin. It protects against free radicals and will leave your skin feeling calm, soft, smooth & comfortable. French makeup artists swear by this cream and always have it in their kits. Celebrities love it too, and I love how seamlessly it works under makeup.
Where to buy: Paris pharmacies (again, stock up!)
5. Embryolisse Active Night Peeling
A gentle yet effective night treatment that works while you sleep to exfoliate and reveal fresh, glowing skin. Wake up with baby-soft skin that’s ready for the day ahead.
Where to buy: Paris pharmacies
6. A313 Vitamin A
It’s more like an ointment, so you need to use it sparingly at night. Heads up—it’s also a bit sticky. But if you want to wake up to smoother, glowier skin, this is your new best friend.
Where to buy: Paris pharmacies
7. Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel
This gentle yet effective glycolic peel gel works in a few minutes to resurface lackluster skin.
Where to buy: Paris pharmacies
8. Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream with Niacinamide
One of my go-to eye creams. If you suffer from dark circles, this visibly brightens, evens out under-eye texture, and hydrates the eye contour. The cooling ceramic applicator reduces puffiness and awakens tired eyes.
Where to buy: Paris pharmacies, Caudalie boutiques
9. Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Moisturizing Stick
This is like those vintage Vitamin E sticks your mom used to have. It sinks in and you can use it on your lips or anywhere on your face. Buy a few because they break easily, and you’ll want one for your purse, car, and nightstand. I love to use this under my eyes too.
Where to buy: CityPharma, Nuxe boutiques
10. Nuxe Rêve de Miel Honey Lip Care
This cute honey dipstick smells divine. If you’re a lip gloss girlie, you’ll love this. It’s super shiny, light, and never goopy. It’s $26 bucks at Revolve, but in Paris, it should be about $5-7.
Where to buy: Paris pharmacies
Fragrance
I've been a fan since I discovered a Fragonard shop on my first trip to Paris 35 years ago. Such a wonderful find. I'm wearing Belle Cherie (of course) near daily at the moment. Belle de Paris and Rose Lavande are also so nice, and Encens Feve Tonka has my heart and memories forever. If you’re a fan of the unisex brand Le Labo, check out VANILLE 44 | Paris City Exclusive.
Haircare
Phytologie aka Phyto hair products are really nice and so much cheaper in France. I don’t know what’s in the Phyto Phytophanère pills, but I swear my hair never looked better after taking them for a week. Rene Furterer and Klorane are also way (like more than half the US price) cheaper in Paris.
Sunscreen
Europe allows advanced chemical filters that the US hasn't approved yet. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF60 or Avène Intense Protect Cream SPF50+ (if you can find it) are both excellent choices. Anything in the Nuxe line is also fantastic.
Must-Do in Paris <----
Officine Universelle Buly
Pick up a beautiful souvenir from this 1800s-era shop. Create your own monogram lip balm for 40 euros. I also LOVE the scented matches from here. While you wait (it takes 20-30 min. once you've made your selections), grab a coffee at the bar. What colors are you going to get? Sadly I did not take any videos, but check them out here and here. Don’t toss your empty container—we can make you a Solid Perfume or Lip Balm refill from our sister brand, Wicked Good!
The Best Beauty Shopping Spots in Paris
Okay, now that you have your shopping list, here’s where you need to go to find these beauty gems and more.
1. CityPharma
📍 26 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris
This is THE place for French pharmacy skincare. It’s crowded, chaotic, and 100% worth it. You’ll find all the cult-favorite skincare at prices way cheaper than anywhere else.
2. Sephora Champs-Élysées
📍 70 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
The mothership of Sephoras. This flagship store has everything—exclusive launches, luxury brands, and beauty tech that makes shopping an experience.
3. Le Bon Marché Beauty Hall
📍 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
If you love high-end beauty, this is your spot. Think: Chanel, Guerlain, and Sisley, all in a dreamy department store setting.
4. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
📍 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris
A stunning department store with an equally impressive beauty section. It’s worth stopping by for both shopping and sightseeing.
5. Officine Universelle Buly 1803
📍 6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
Step into a 19th-century apothecary dreamland. This boutique offers handcrafted perfumes, skincare, and beauty tools with a vintage twist.
6. Diptyque Saint-Germain
📍 34 Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris
A must-visit for candle lovers. This boutique is where the iconic Diptyque fragrances come to life.
7. Chanel Beauty Boutique
📍 40 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris
Come for the lipstick, stay for the experience. This boutique is a dream for any Chanel lover.
8. La Grande Epicerie
📍 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
For the best selection of gourmet foods, La Grande Épicerie de Paris also offers a curated range of beauty and wellness products, focusing on high-end, natural, and French brands—so you can indulge in fine food and self-care in one stop. Talk about the ultimate Parisian shopping experience! Is there anything better?
9. Aroma-Zone
📍 73 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris
This popular French brand specializing in natural beauty, DIY cosmetics, and essential oils. Known for its wide range of organic ingredients, carrier oils, plant-based actives, and raw materials, Aroma-Zone is a go-to destination for those who love creating their own skincare, haircare, and wellness products.
A Parisian Beauty Dream Come True
If you’re a beauty lover, Paris is a wonderland. From the best French pharmacy finds to luxury beauty that makes your heart (and wallet) race, this city is the ultimate playground. Whether you’re stocking up on skincare, discovering niche fragrances, or simply soaking up the beauty culture, there’s something magical about shopping for beauty in Paris.
If you’ve been to Paris and have a favorite beauty find, drop it in the comments below—I love discovering new French beauty secrets! And if you’re planning a trip, let me know what’s on your must-buy list.
Until then, I’ll be here, spritzing my Caudalie Beauty Elixir and dreaming of my next Parisian beauty haul. ✨
