Our very first up to 1/3rd off French Pharmacy skincare promotion was in 2012 – can you believe it? Even though I’d been aware of the marvels of the French pharmacy for a few years before that, I credit that first promotion as being the one that transformed my skincare stash. All of a sudden, I had access to high tech, effective skincare that didn’t cost the earth! Since that first exposure, I’ve made it my mission to explore the finest products that our French pharmacy brands have to offer.

Hyped up products, under the radar products, products for babies, SOS products, multi-purpose must-haves… I’ve approached French Pharmacy skincare from every possible angle. And like all extensive trialling there’ve been some errors and plenty of successes – but there are only a special few that have the status of being repurchased time and time again.

Here’s what’s currently making up my skincare stash, an edit of daily wins that I can always rely on. May they serve you as well as they’ve served me…

1) The Parched Skin Essential

Avene Tolerance Extreme Mask (25% off)
A lengthy ingredients list isn’t a prerequisite to fantastic skincare. Case in point: the Avene Tolerance Extreme Mask. This mask has a very, very lean formula. As in, 7 ingredients in total lean. It’s designed for those whose skin is so intolerant that it can only manage the bare minimum of ingredients, but everyone can use it if they’re looking for a hit of honest to goodness moisture. My skin really loves this stuff. The mask consistently makes my skin feel balanced and healthy with no dry patches or breakouts to speak of. It’s just simple, good old fashioned moisture and I couldn’t love it more.

2) The Instant Eye Reviver

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Eye (1/3rd off)
As a contact lens wearer I’m hyper-aware of dehydration around my eye area. I tend to rub my eyes when they get dry or I’ve been sat at a computer all day (naughty, I know), so I look for eye gels rather than creams, which I find provide a cooling effect as well as giving skin a big whack of moisture. My favourite is La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Eye, which is created with hyaluronic acid fragments, sodium hyaluronate and glycerin – in other words, lots and lots of lovely hydration. This lightweight gel never fails to make my eyes feel fresher and brighter. It even softens the pesky dehydration lines under my eyes, meaning less concealer.

3) The Body Beautiful Icon

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse (1/3rd off)
The skin on my arms and legs is prone to bouts of dryness. You know that patchy sort of dryness that you don’t know whether to exfoliate off, or to moisturise and hope for the best? That. My solution to this problem isn’t a cream, but rather a golden oil that pretty much completely transforms my skin every time I use it: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse. This iconic dry oil won’t be news to many of you, but its specialness bears repeating. The distinctive combination of plant oils leaves my skin feeling ultra-supple and plumped for a good 24 hours, which I find is far longer than a cream. Use it on your legs for an easy, skin-perfecting gleam that’ll give you a confidence boost even in the winter months.

4) The Sunday Night Treat

Darphin Aromatic Renewing Balm (1/3rd off)
For me, Sunday evenings are reserved for recharging my batteries with an at-home facial – and the Darphin Aromatic Renewing Balm is the jewel in the crown of that routine. The Aromatic Renewing Balm is a dense treatment balm infused with a veritable buffet of essential oils. The line-up includes chamomile, rose, tangerine, grapefruit, neroli and lavender (and more!), which work together to intensely nourish, reduce inflammation, purify, add radiance and give skin a whole host of other benefits. You won’t find a more indulgent way to prep for the week ahead. Skip out on your usual night moisturiser and reach for this gem instead.

5) The Icon

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water (1/3rd off)
Your French Pharmacy stash isn’t complete without the iconic Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water – I know mine isn’t! Sensibio H2O is the original micellar water and still the best, offering a tug-free, gentle glide across the skin that picks up makeup, oil and daily debris with minimum effort. It’s perfect as the first step in your evening skincare routine, a makeup mistake remover, a travel cleanser and everything in between. If you’re looking for a good entry point into French Pharmacy skincare, here’s the product to get you started on your journey.

6) The Undoer Of Skincare Sins

Vichy Idealia Life Serum (1/3rd off)
I credit this supercharged formula with getting me through my awkward early twenties. Late nights, a poor diet, city living – nothing is too much for the Vichy Idealia Life Serum to tackle. Now that I’m in the latter part of my twenties, I still like to keep a bottle close to hand for times when I need to push the reset button on my skin. It’s a bit of a magic potion for my normal-to-dry complexion. The Idealia Life Serum works to even everything out by lightly exfoliating, brightening and repairing the skin. Use the creamy fluid alone, or use it as a serum before your moisturiser to give your skin a boost.

7) The Unexpected Saviour

Mustela Barrier Skin Discomfort 1-2-3 (1/3rd off)
I know what you’re thinking. And yes, you’re right: Mustela Barrier Skin Discomfort 1-2-3 is indeed a nappy cream. But if it’s good enough for a baby’s bum, it’s good enough for me! This cocooning barrier cream doesn’t just moisturise skin, it also creates a protective layer to prevent further moisture getting out, and irritants from getting in. It’s optimised for healing skin with its infusion of inflammation-reducing alcacea oxeoline and healing zinc oxide. It also has a travel-friendly compact size and easy, squeezy tube, which are just the icing on the cake of a really great product. Chapped elbows don’t stand a chance.

Over To You!

Which French Pharmacy gems can’t you live without? Comment below or come have a chat with me on Twitter, I’m @EscentualEmma!