Everyone’s got one product that they’d never be without.  So we decided to ask our in-house experts to divulge which one skincare item they swear by. Wondering what they picked? With some cult-favourites and a few surprises in tow, discover 8 of our most-purchased below…

#1 The Thermal Water Spray

Avene Thermale Spring Water Spray

As a young teen, my goal was to become a model. I was obsessed with the TV show America’s Next Top Model, and I’d spend hours reading magazine interviews with all my favourite supermodels. I’d scour them for ‘how to make it’ tips, plus I’d note down all the beauty products they used, and that’s precisely how the Avene Thermal Spring Water popped up on my radar. I forget which model it was, or what magazine I was reading, but I remember thinking: wow, that’s in my price range, I need it!

Over ten years later, I may not want to be a model anymore, but I’m still using the water spray.
I know what you’re thinking: you had Escentual’s entire French Pharmacy catalogue to choose from, and you chose a face mist? But trust me, this is an icon; the thermal water spray has a low mineral content and silica, which soothes and hydrates irritated complexions – a must-have for eczema-prone skin like mine! In summer, I keep one in the fridge to cool me down, and in winter, I keep one at my desk to stop central heating drying out my skin.

Discover the true story behind Avene’s Thermal Water Spray and its miracle-working spritz here.

#2 The Magic Moisturiser

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

I like to feel comfortable with my own skin, and I rarely use foundation as part of my beauty routine. In consequence, my skin normally feels tight and looks tired.

To fight dry and dull skin, I want a light cream that can provide what my skin needs. And I found it, Embryolisse is the perfect moisturiser. With ingredients of natural origin like aloe vera, shea butter, beeswax and soy it provides all the essentials for radiant skin. This is a multipurpose product that can be used as a makeup remover, aftersun or as a mask. It can do it all, that’s why it has been recommended by literally everyone who has tried it since the 1950s.

#3 The Dry Skin Quencher

Eucerin AQUAporin Active for Dry and Sensitive Skin

I have always suffered from incredibly dry and sensitive skin, so finding a suitable moisturiser has always been a chore. I admit, higher price points have always lead me to believe I’ll get faster results, but I never found my holy grail, until now.

On discovering Eucerin’s Aquaporin Day Cream, I found that even at a really approachable price point, it actually does what it says it will (unlike a lot of expensive moisturisers out there).

Some creams that explicitly target dry skin can be too rich and overburdening, but this one feels lovely to apply and is easily absorbed. Its kind-to-skin and fragrance-free formula ensures that my sensitive skin is happy too, with no reaction in site! Finally, a moisturiser that quenches my dry, thirsty skin.

My face now feels hydrated and soothed, enabling me to feel comfortable in my own skin. It will always be the moisturiser I can count on and I will continue to re-purchase it every French Pharmacy promotion.

#4 The Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

Klorane Eye Makeup Remover Lotion

I remember when I was younger, I used to make it my mission to buy every single beauty product that featured in the Instyle Beauty Awards. Back in 2013, when French pharmacy products were a little more challenging to get hold of in the UK, I turned to Escentual to get a bottle of this soothing eye makeup remover. Little did I know I’d be working for Escentual several years later!

I can’t even tell you how many bottles of this stuff I’ve gone through. I have very sensitive eyes, but I also like to wear bottom lash mascara, so whatever I’m using to remove eye makeup needs to be pretty effective, without being harsh. Klorane’s Eye Makeup Remover contains French cornflower extract, so its softening, and anti-inflammatory but makes light work of removing eye products, leaving my skin and eyes feeling fresh and soothed.

#5 The Hair Body Builder

Klorane Quinine Keratin Strength Fortifying Spray

Ever since I wore hair extensions back in the day, my hair has become very thin and short. I have tried everything possible to grow and thicken it for years.

I heard amazing things about this strengthening spray, and to be honest, I was in two minds before I made my purchase; I thought it would be another product to add to my ‘didn’t work’ list. I thought wrong!

This product has improved my hair in such a short space of time.
I have been using it for just over a month, and my hair has grown in length and has never been thicker. I have always disliked how my hair looks and feels; now I can honestly and confidently say I love my hair.

Intrigued about how this could work for you? We asked 10 bloggers try it for 3 months. Find out what they thought.

#6 The Purifying Astringent

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Micro-Exfoliant Lotion

Breakouts come in all different shapes and sizes, but I swear, La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Astringent is the one product that gets rid of bumpy texture and my ‘angriest’ spots.

I’ve always used the Effaclar face wash (always for at least 60 seconds), but as soon I introduced this chemical exfoliator into my routine, my results were supercharged; gone were the hormonal lumps and sporadic breakouts. I could definitely notice a difference in the clarity of my skin and the way my makeup sat.

For anyone with acne-prone skin, this exfoliating lotion will change the way you feel about your skin. Clarity is closer than you think. When you use this two or three times a week, its clarifying toner cleans out your pores with its secret weapon ingredient, salicylic acid; a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that detaches dead skin cells from the upper layers of the skin. This skincare step is essential for oily skin with blemishes.

Get to know the rest of the La Roche-Posay Effaclar range in our Effaclar Edit.

#7 The Baby Bag Essential

Mustela Skin Freshener

I got my first bottle of Mustela’s Skin Freshener after my little one was born and it’s fantastic. Even though I’ve only been using this for a couple of months, this freshening mist has quickly become part of our daily cleaning/playing routine.

The skin freshener can be used anywhere and everywhere, which has won it an essential spot in my baby bag. It’s my go-to for freshening milky muslins, and after changing nappies, as it’s so gentle. Plus, it makes his skin feel lovely and soft, and it smells delightful – I am definitely buying another bottle this month!

#8 The Redness Remedy

PAYOT Creme N°2 Nuage Anti-Redness Soothing Care

I’ve been searching for a while to find a one-stop product to ease my dry, sensitive and redness-prone skin. That is until I was introduced to the Crème N°2 Nuage daily moisturiser.

It has been quite the task to find a product which really hydrates my skin, without it feeling heavy or greasy afterwards. Being lightweight and full of probiotics to really soothe, repair and rebalance your skin, this certainly ticks all the boxes. Not only does Nuage calm your skin, but it also provides protection against external factors which can cause premature ageing. I choose to apply before bed so I can really see the effects ahead of make-up application in the morning, meaning there’s no need to use additional products. I get to save time and money while protecting my skin – winning!

Discover More:

• What’s New: French Pharmacy Skincare
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