I can’t lie; I’m a sucker for amazing skincare. So when I had the chance to ask my favourite skincare experts what their ultimate beauty keepsakes were, I knew couldn’t keep these answers to myself. I’m not one to keep a skincare secret!
From an expert dermatologist that you may have recently seen on the BBC’s The Truth About Looking Good, to our in-house beauty buff who’s worked in the industry for 12 years, here are the 5 essentials you need to try this French Pharmacy month, as recommended by those who know best…
The Staple SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Invisible Fresh Mist Spray SPF50+
“I encourage my patients to wear their sunscreen every day, regardless of how bright and sunny it appears outside. It is important to remember that UVA, the main cause of skin ageing, is present all year round, even on dull days. With the broad range of textures and formulations now available, it has never been easier to incorporate a sunscreen into your daily skincare routine. Anthelios Antishine Fresh Mist SPF50+ can be applied over makeup to allow convenient topping-up during the day without disturbing your makeup.” – Dr. Hiva Fassihi
A small investment to the overall health of your skin, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Invisible Fresh Mist Spray SPF50+ is essential for protecting your face and body from daily aggressors such as pollution and premature ageing. Its ease of application, high SPF level and non-greasy texture make this face mist a complete daily essential for every and any skin type.
The Must-Have Eye Cream
Avène PhysioLift Eyes
“My favourite Avene product has to be Physiolift Eyes. The eye area is delicate and unable to absorb heavy creams, however this particular area can become dehydrated easily and show the very first signs of ageing. Avene‘s Physiolift has a light texture which is easily absorbed but contains proven ingredients to reverse the ageing process. My favourite of these is something called retinaldehyde, which is a derivative of Vitamin A, a proven hit among dermatologists, which increases cell turnover resulting in a youthful fresh look. The range also includes a night cream, day cream and targeted filler pen.” – Selene Daly
Even sensitive eyes can now reap the benefits of a radiant eye contour with the Avène PhysioLift Eyes. This line-smoothing eye cream uses a derivative of Vitamin A, retinaldehyde, and fragments of hyaluronic acid to plump skin, fade brown spots and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
The Glow-Boosting Face Mask
Decléor Hydra Floral White Petal Sleeping Mask
“I am in love with our Hydra Floral White Petal Sleeping Mask which is rich in Vitamin B3. One of the most effective vitamins in the market is Vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide. There is so much research showing why this powerful little vitamin should be part of your skincare arsenal. The skin is our largest organ, but it is also the last to receive nutrients as our body takes the majority of the vitamins to function. This is why it is imperative to apply vitamins topically. Vitamin B3 also has the ability to increase the production of ceramides (building blocks of the skin) and fatty acids, which are both essential for building our skins first line of defence. With a reinforced barrier the skin is able to stop water evaporation; a strengthened skin barrier is a healthier skin. It can also help with sun damage by improving tissue regeneration through the rapid increase of collagen. It also increases the rate of skin healing which helps smooth out wrinkles, reduce free radical damage and shrink open pores.” – Fiona Brackenbury
With minimal effort, the Decléor Hydra Floral White Petal Hydrating Sleeping Mask uses the powers of vitamins and essential oils to diffuse the appearance of fatigue and dark spots. This glow-boosting treatment works overnight to refine your skin’s texture; letting you wake up to radiant results.
The Essential Oil
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil Spray
“My most-repurchased, most-recommended and most-loved French pharmacy product has to be Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse. It’s the product that finally made me accept an oil as a regular part of my skincare regime (a fact that seems incredible now that I’m an avid oil user). What sets Huile Prodigieuse apart is its texture; it’s a dry oil, so it has a barely-there finish and a lightweight feel whilst still packing a nourishing punch. Its 30% concentration of pampering plant oils will give an instant boost to your daily care routine, whether you’re using Huile Prodigieuse on your face, your body or in your hair – (it’s excellent for all three! My top tip for drier skins is to mix a drop with your foundation. Your skin will glow like never before, and the result is so smooth and soft.” – Emma Lynham
Regardless of your skin type, the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil Spray will make you an oil convert for life. A daily dose of moisture, antioxidant protection and nourishment, this 98.1% natural hydrator will repair and soften your skin, hair and body at times when you need it most.
The Confidence Booster
Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation
“I have seen firsthand the Dermablend range allow people to feel confident in their own skin. Areas of skin that have created embarrassment or social anxiety can be covered up with good results using the avaialble range of products and I have no hesitation in recommending it to my patients or clients.” – Dr Anjali Mahto
If high coverage is what you want from a foundation then the Vichy Dermablend Foundation was made specifically for you. This camouflaging canvas caters to the needs of imperfection based concerns, diffusing the appearance of dark spots, acne and pigmentation without looking cakey or overdone. I’ve included a selected swatch of the most popular Dermablend Fluid Foundation shades above, please note that there are other shades in the range that haven’t been swatched.
