While enjoying a coffee with a Parisian friend last week, I started to admire her complexion rather enviously. Despite being in her late thirties, I couldn’t detect a single fine line. There was no sun damage, no flaky patches, and no blemishes. Put simply, her skin was perfect…

And while she nattered on with tales of her latest dinner party (I envy her cooking ability, too), I started to drift off as my thoughts turned to French skincare. Lets face it – they all have fabulous skin over the English Channel. They have better relationships with their dermatologists than most of us have with our doctors. Of course, I am stereotyping rather flippantly here – but generally speaking, these ladies know how to look after their skin.

So I made a pact that day, as I sipped my skinny macchiato, to try and test as many French skincare products as I could cram into my twice-daily regime. Here is my wish list – and I’d love you to join in too. After all, our skin will thank us for it – of that, I am very sure…

1 – Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream, £45.47. I’ve heard amazing things about this product – which is deemed so good that it comes in a shiny gold tube. When applied twice a day, it promises to smooth wrinkles, firm the upper eyelid, and make peepers appear brighter and softer. It sounds like a miracle in a tube and I can’t wait to give it a try.

2 – L’Occitane Shea Butter 24 Hour Ultra Rich Face Cream, £27.72. L’Occitane is my Parisian friend’s favourite brand – so this thick, intensive moisturiser definitely makes my wish list. It contains a whopping 25% Shea Butter, which helps to protect skin against harsh environmental conditions (a must if you live in the big city like me). It promises to leave skin soft, supple and radiant – and my friend’s perfect complexion is proof that the brand delivers.

3 – Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum, £16.52. This French brand is designed for sensitive skin; a camp that I definitely fall into. Boosting the power of your moisturiser to keep skin plumped and hydrated, this silky serum helps to keep skin feeling soft and balanced. And it contains Avene thermal water, which is scientifically proven to provide an immediate calming effect on skin. What’s not to like?

4 – Nuxe Micellar Foam Cleanser, £13.92. Leaving aside the fact that it smells of roses (which makes it a clear winner in my books before I’ve even cracked open the lid), this refreshing foam cleanser promises to remove every trace of makeup, leaving the complexion perfectly cleansed and toned. It’s suitable for every skin type – from the most sensitive, to mature, to greasy, to dry. I can’t wait to try it.

5. La Roche Posay Effaclar Astringent Micro-Exfoliant Lotion, £11. If you suffer from enlarged pores, oily skin, and the occasional blemish (I am guessing a lot of people will have their hands up at this point, including me), this product promises to make a big difference. It’s easy to apply – simply swipe it over the face on a saturated cotton pad – and promises to instantly unblock and reduce pore size. It’s far gentler than a face scrub, but just as efficient.

So there we have it – the perfect French skincare regime… I’ll let you know how I get on!