Cult French Pharmacy
So, last week we talked about what’s new and exciting on the French Pharmacy circuit. This week, I’d like to revert your attention back to the well-loved, much-lauded favourites in the category, which have built up a real following over time. If you’re new to French skincare, right here is a fantastic place to start!
Endorsed by beauty writers, customers, celebrities, and little old us at Escentual HQ, here’re the ‘cult’ products that everyone’s talking about. And what’s more, you can shop all of these brands with up to 1/3rd off RRP all March long right here. Skincare heaven.
Its inevitable that Effaclar Duo + would be included in this cult French Pharmacy compilation. It’s the original word-of-mouth hit, loved by beauty writers and skincare aficionados alike, and renowned for its gentle yet effective treatment of blemish-prone skin. It’s been updated recently to include even more efficacy in the form of Procerad, a patented ceramide that prevents the marks left behind by acne – and Effaclar Duo + is more popular than ever. If you suffer with oily, blemish-prone, clogged and uneven skin, it’s a must-try.
“To say this changed my life may sound like an exaduration
Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation
I’ve waxed lyrical about this high performance, high coverage foundation many a time. It’s such an easy, no-fuss way to a cheat a flawless complexion no matter what condition your skin is in, and it lasts all day with minimum need for touch-ups. It has a fantastic oil-free, sensorial texture that really does feel like a second skin, something I only tend to experience with light coverage foundations – and yet after use, every imperfection has vanished. It’s like magic. Intrigued by the range? Find the swatches here.
“I am a foundation junkie, I have been known to try new foundations every two weeks. The fact I have been using this product and not bought any new ones in over 2 months says something! The best thing about these products are the fact they are so high coverage but in no way cakey, they feel light on the skin! I have normal to oily skin and don’t find myself getting greasy at all. I find the colour Nude matches my skin seamlessly.” – TEE89, Customer Review
Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Sensitivity is a skin concern that is very well represented by French Pharmacy brands, particularly Avene, so it’s little wonder that this ultra gentle cleansing cream-gel is so popular. When skin is hyper sensitive, cleansing can feel like it’s doing more harm than good. Lightweight, oil-free, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, the Extremely Gentle Cleanser effectively removes impurities and light make-up without making skin feel tight and comfortable, and it can be tissued off by those who are reactive to water.
“This cleaner removes makeup (and all the other dirt collected throughout the day) perfectly without having to rub, it really does a good job of cleansing your skin. I only apply it before bed and not in the morning like suggested yet it still works wonders. The best thing has to be that its oil free!! which is exactly what suits my skin best, leaving me refreshed before my beauty sleep. Amazing product!” – Peachsoup, Customer Review
This multi-purpose facial spritz is a real beauty editor fave. It also has a pretty impressive celebrity following, citing Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry and Liv Tyler among its bevy of fresh-faced fans. The reason why the Beauty Elixir is so well regarded is its beautiful blend of essential oils, including radiance-enhancing grape, toning rose, softening orange flower and pore minimising mint. Simply shake it up and spritz it on as a toner, a make-up setter or a mid-day refresher, and indulge in the addictively zingy fragrance. It can even be used by men after shaving.
“This is the best pick-me-up for the face that I’ve ever come across. Sure, it’s pricey but if you feel like a treat, definitely pick this up. It smells lovely and is a nice addition to the “toner” phase of your skincare routine.” – CookiesForMe, Customer Review
You may have expected the Oatmilk Dry Shampoo to snatch the top spot as Klorane’s cult product, but no – the last 12 months have truly belonged to the Klorane Quinine B6 Shampoo. The energy-boosting lather has been a real hit with our customers, producing a vitamin enriched foam that reinforces and put some life back into thinning hair. The formula is packed with invigorating quinine from Ecuadorian tree bark, which stimulates the scalp and make locks feel much healthier. If your hair has become unresponsive and lacklustre of late, this may be the answer.
“Even after first application there was a noticable difference to the look and feel of my hair. It was shinier, the colour was brighter and more natural looking there was less static and in general looked and felt thicker and stronger.” – MissFixIt, Customer Review
Is there another lip balm out there as instantly appealing as this creamy whip? Even the name is gorgeous (Reve de Miel translates as “Dream Honey”)! Presented in a reassuringly weighty glass pot, Reve de Miel offers dry and chapped lips instant relief with nourishing shea butter and soothing essential oils. For me, its the texture that’s the real revelation: it’s thick and indulgent… and yet it applies completely matte. There’s no uncomfortable greasy feeling here, just a compensating dose of soft moisture that provides the perfect base for lipstick, and is especially good as a night-time lip mask.
“I would say it is definitely the best one I have tried. I look for lip balms that actually sink into the skin, are not too shiny and have good staying power. Nuxe Reve de Miel certainly delivered – I use a little bit every night (and have done for about 2-3 weeks so can vouch for its longevity) and I’m not kidding when I say I can still feel a little bit of the balm the next morning – it’s that moisturising!” – Hebejeebie, Customer Review
A-Derma Exomega Emollient Cream with Oat Milk & Omega
Although it’s perhaps the least well known of all of the products featured, this skin-loving emollient cream has one of the most ardent followings. For many years customers have been telling us how much they adore this product, with its rich, compensating texture and essential fatty acid. The cream is particularly good for soothing the eczema prone skin of the entire family. It’s also available in a large 400ml pump bottle, ensuring long-lasting relief from itchy, dry and inflamed skin. If you suffer with atopic and very dry skin, this is the one for you.
“I have used A-Derma products for a long time now. My skin allergies that I struggled with have never been a problem since I started using these products. As a matter of fact, family and friends with different skin types that I have introduced A-Derma to are all using these products. Highly recommended!” – Nenne, Customer Review
Rene Furterer Forticea Stimulating Shampoo
Another well-loved product for the hair, and this time it’s one for those who experience hair loss. The Rene Furterer Forticea Stimulating Shampoo makes hair feel immediately thicker with its volumising qualities, while working to reduce hair loss over time with its blend of potent, nourishing ingredients. The jelly-like formula contains spheres of essential oils and peptides to really stimulate the scalp – it’s almost like an exfoliator!
“This shampoo may be expensive but worth every penny. It makes my hair look fuller and makes it easier to style. My hair has lost a lot of its youthful thickness but Forticea really works to restore some of this fullness. It foams very well and cleans great so you don’t have to use a lot.” – LeeLee, Customer Review
Which of these well-loved products have you tried?