The next time you’re vacationing out of the country, make it a point to stop at a pharmacy (our U.S. drugstore equivalent) during your trip.
Beauty editors, models and makeup artists know to stock up on essentials when overseas—particularly in France, where many of the world’s best cosmetics are available exclusively. While some American stores, likeSephora, may sell a few of these items, they are rarely the equivalent of their European counterparts, are more costly, and may even contain different ingredients all together. Look out for these hot products to pick up on your next international adventure.
France
The French are passionate about skincare, whether that means avoiding the sun or sticking to a beauty regime that keeps their skin supple and hydrated. According to popular beauty website Into the Gloss, Paris’ City Pharma in Saint-Germain-des-Près at 26 Rue du Four (across from Café de Flore) is one of the best pharmacies to stock up on skincare products. Here are some French favorites:
Bioderma Créaline H20: This makeup remover, toner, and water-free cleanser is possibly the most coveted of all French products. It removes every trace of makeup while cleansing and softening skin.
Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm: This thick, luxe lip balm has a sweet grapefruit and honey scent you’ll find addictive.
Homeoplasmine: This is similar to Vaseline or Aquaphor, but it doesn’t leave skin shiny or greasy. Use Homeoplasmine on sunburns, dry patches, and chapped lips for quick relief. You can also purchase this in Canada, where it’s referred to as Cicadermine.
Nuxe Huile Prodigeuse: This non-greasy, multi-use dry oil spray can be used on your face, body and hair. The oil has a light, flowery scent and softens skin and adds shine to hair. It’s a 99 percent natural, silicone- and preservative-free spray, so those with allergies needn’t worry about skin irritation.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir: A refreshing toner/mist that smoothes and tightens the skin while shrinking pores and improving circulation.
Avibon Vitamin Pommade: This cure-all ointment is packed with vitamin D and vitamin A. Gwyneth Paltrow praised Avibon on her website, Goop, exclaiming, “It’s full of vitamin A, which is wonderful for the skin, getting rid of blemishes, tough dry spots and preventing wrinkles. I know an older movie star who uses this every night and she has the most amazing skin!” This will set you back around $250 in the U.S. (on Amazon), but just about $10 when purchased in France.
Other French Beauty All-Stars:
- Rose water by Avène or La Roche Posay
- Embryolisse 24-Hour Miracle Cream
- Topicrem
- Biafine
- Kiko skin toner
- Biotherm face lotion
- Denblan Whitening Toothpaste
- Anthelios AC SPF 30
- Le Petit Marseillaise bath gel (lemon verbena scent)
- Caron face powder
- Leonor Greyl
- Delarom Neroli Flower Face Oil
- Decléor products
- Klorane dry shampoo
England
The entire Boots skin- and hair-care line can be found in England, while the United States only sells a portion of the popular brand. Snag a classic Kenthairbrush for about half the price as the U.S. version. Look for small Vaselineround tins with aloe, rose or SPF. These have a different consistency than the ones in America and the tins are just the right size for your cosmetic bag.
Other UK Beauty Standouts:
- Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare
- BECCA cosmetics
- Balance Me Skincare
- Jo Wood Organics products
- Pai Skincare
- Saaf Skincare
- Medik8 Skincare
- Neal’s Yard Remedies organic line
- Les Senteurs fragrances
Australia
Lucas’ Papaw Ointment is a staple for Australians who use it for just about everything, like healing cuts, insect bites, burns, dry skin, and diaper rash, as well as shrinking zits. The ointment has a Vaseline-like consistency as well as antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It’s made from fresh fermented papaya; people tend to love or hate the unique scent.
Japan
You’ll find exceptional, inexpensive false eyelashes, mascara, and hydrating face-masks in Japanese pharmacies. Also, make sure to pick up a Shu Uemura eyelash curler, the best curler you’ll ever use and no longer carried in the U.S.
Italy
In Florence, visit the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Aside from the gorgeous interiors, you’ll be wowed at the vast product selection. While in Italy, look for Fred Farrugiamakeup and Davines hair care (pictured right).
Germany
Makeup line Astor creates nail polish, lipstick and eyeshadow in wild shades you won’t find elsewhere. Look for skincare by Lamarin, eye shadow from cosmetic line Catrice, and highly pigmented lipsticks and lip gloss from makeup brand P2.
Iceland
The Blue Lagoon Spa is one of the most-visited attractions in Iceland. The spa’s mineral rich water is in each of their remarkable products and is known to heal severe skin ailments, like psoriasis. All of Blue Lagoon’s products are only available in Iceland.
