8 Beauty Products the French Swear By for a Très Chic Look
By Alexus Mosley
French beauty has never been about excess, but choosing products that quietly do the work so you don’t have to. Rather than chasing every new launch, French women tend to keep a tight edit of trusted essentials. Often discovered at the neighborhood pharmacy and used religiously for years. The result is beauty that feels effortless, considered, and unmistakably chic.
Ahead, the eight beauty products the French swear by for achieving that unmistakable je ne sais quoi glow.
The French believe in consistency, confidence, and letting great products do the heavy lifting. Master that, and the très chic look follows naturally.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
The original micellar water that is still the gold standard. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, effective enough to remove even stubborn makeup, and famously used backstage at Paris Fashion Week.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
A makeup artist favorite and a French bathroom staple. This multi-purpose moisturizer doubles as a primer, mask, and emergency skin fixer when things feel off.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse
Dry oil, but make it sensual. Used on hair, skin, and décolletage, it delivers a subtle sheen that reads more effortless glow than sparkle.
Avène Thermal Spring Water
A calming facial mist straight from the French Alps. Spritzed post-cleansing, after makeup, or anytime skin feels irritated—this is quiet skincare at its best.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
French women don’t over-treat breakouts. They spot-treat. This cult classic targets blemishes without stripping the skin or causing drama.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
rt toner, part mist, part instant refresh. It tightens, brightens, and wakes up tired skin, especially beloved before stepping out the door.
Vichy Minéral 89
A minimalist hyaluronic acid serum fortified with mineral-rich thermal water. Lightweight, strengthening, and ideal for layering. Very French in philosophy.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation
A drugstore classic in France, loved for its natural finish and skin-like coverage. It evens things out without ever looking like you tried too hard.
The French believe in consistency, confidence, and letting great products do the heavy lifting. Master that, and the très chic look follows naturally.