As we entered our latest up to 1/3rd off French Pharmacy event this morning, we realised something pretty cool. We’ve stocked French Pharmacy skincare for as long as Escentual.com has been in existence… that’s 16 years and counting!

In that time we’ve become experts in all things dermo-cosmetics. It would definitely be our Mastermind subject (rivalled only by our knowledge of fragrance and macarons), because playing matchmaker and pairing people up with their perfect products is something that we really love to do.

And you’ve all fallen hard for French Pharmacy skincare, too. Targeted treatments like La Roche-Posay’s famous Effaclar Duo [+] are now household names, and we’ve all got a tube of a cult multi-purpose gem from la pharmacie in our handbags, be it Embryolisse or Cicalfate.

It’s safe to say that you have products that you know and love – now we want to introduce you to some under the radar French Pharmacy products that will perfectly complement those heroes. If you love those, you’ll adore these…

If you love Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse…

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil was Nuxe’s first product, and talk about a home run. The golden elixir was originally created with busy women in mind who needed their pampering regime to be efficient but still luxurious. The result was this botanical oil with a dry, non-sticky finish and an incredibly mouth-watering aroma. It graces both skin and hair with a goddess-like gleam  – it’s an icon for a reason!

…Try Nuxe Prodigieux Le Parfum!

For those die-hard fans of Huile Prodigieuse, Nuxe created a matching Eau de Parfum. The exotic fragrance blends suntan lotion-like accords with plush, sunny flowers, showcasing orange blossom, gardenia, vanilla and coconut. It’s summer, bottled. Check out the matching Shower Oil for a multi-layered fragrance experience that’ll last all day.

If you love La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]…

La Roche-Posay’s game changing global blemish treatment, Effaclar Duo [+], is right up there in the French Pharmacy hall of fame. If you suffer from blemishes, oiliness and residual marks, then it’s likely you’ll have already tried and loved this ultra-fluid moisturiser. It makes imperfection-prone skin feel so fresh, providing anti-inflammatory care with niacinamide, and light exfoliation with a combination of LHA and salicylic acid.

…Try La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur!

If you loved Effaclar Duo [+], the next step in your skin-perfecting mission should be La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur. This skincare-makeup hybrid has been described as a sort of liquid blotting paper, absorbing excess sebum with a seriously impressive NASA-approved ingredient, Perlite, which keeps skin looking matte all day. To top it off, its mousse-like texture instantly blurs pores, marks and scarring, while giving skin a boost of healthy-looking colour. Who says you have to go full coverage?

If you love the Avene Soothing Moisture Mask…

The Avene Soothing Moisture Mask is one of those workhorse staples that everyone needs in their stash, because everyone has a moisture off-day. Whether you’ve partied just that little bit too hard, or your skin has been sapped of moisture during your summer holiday, this simple but effective formula will bring it back from the brink. The mask is especially good for sensitive skin types who need that extra bit of care.

…Try the Avene Gentle Purifying Scrub!

Everyone knows that it’s counterproductive to wax a car that hasn’t been cleaned properly. The Avene Soothing Moisture Mask works so much better with a light bit of exfoliation first, and our favourite for the job is the Avene Gentle Purifying Scrub. Gentle by name, and gentle by nature, this mild exfoliator will buff away dead skin cells without disrupting the skin’s delicate balance, letting your mask do its job properly.

If you love the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum...

A beauty editors’ darling, and much-loved by dehydrated complexions everywhere. Part of the pleasure of the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Power Serum lies in the gorgeous gel-serum texture, which glides over skin with a lightweight touch. Another plus is its ability to sink in quickly, and the final piece in the puzzle is its power-packed performance. It quenches like nobody’s business!

…Try the Vichy Quenching Mineral Mask!

If you’re looking to amplify that moisture surge, this brand new mask from Vichy should be top of your list. The thick, cooling gel properly quenches your skin, offering 10 minutes of complete bliss as you wait for the mask to do its thing. A rich infusion of glycerin, vitamin B3 and Vichy’s mineralising thermal water provides instant gratification, and a thankfully soothed complexion. Keep it in the fridge for even more icy freshness.

If you love the Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm…

The Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm is a product that broke the mould for those with congested, blemish-prone skin. At first glance it seems like the sort of product that oily skin types would normally shy away from… but the devil is in the detail. Sure, this product is crafted from oils – but these oils are detoxing and purifying, working to balance skin and provide intensive care without stripping. It’s a Darphin classic.

…Try Darphin Niaouli Aromatic Care!

Darphin is well-known for their extensive oil wardrobe, and they believe that every skin type can benefit from their nourishing and repairing care. Niaouli Aromatic Care is Darphin’s offering for oily skin, working to banish impurities and balance shine with the purest niaouli, cypress, eucalyptus and lavender oils. If you maintain your skin with the Aromatic Purifying Balm once a week, this aromatic treatment will keep skin feeling wonderful in the interim.

If you love Mustela Dermo Cleansing...

Mustela has been France’s #1 French pharmacy baby brand for decades, offering gentle but effective skincare for mums-to-be and babies from top to toe. In that time they’ve chalked up more than a few cult products, including this one: Dermo Cleansing. This bath time essential is beautiful in its simplicity, working to cleanse your baby’s skin with a 90% natural formula and not a trace of harsh soap. Instead, it uses a very gentle coco glucoside cleansing base to rid skin of impurities, and an infusion of glycerin to moisturise and protect. The mild and powdery orange blossom aroma will have you hooked!

…Try the Mustela Physiobebe No Rinse Cleansing Fluid!

There will always be times when you need to refresh your baby’s skin but a full bath routine isn’t an option. That’s where this ultra-handy 98% natural cleansing fluid comes in. The easiest way to describe Mustela Physiobebe is as the baby-specific equivalent of a micellar solution, with a formula that glides across the skin to lift away impurities and leave skin feeling fresh without the need for water. Simply soak a cotton ball with the fluid and swipe it over the area that needs to be cleansed – its high tolerance for sensitive skin means that it can also be used on the face and the nappy area.

Over To You!

Wondering which French Pharmacy skincare product to try next? Give the @Escentual beauty team a tweet here, and we’ll help you to find a new love!