January signals the start of a new year and, of course, Escentual’s French Pharmacy month: from now until January 31st, there’s an incredible ⅓ off your favourite French skincare brands. And, we can honestly say that Team Escentual are just as excited as you are whenever this promotion comes around; we love to snag our skincare staples at one-third of the price just as much as you do (who wouldn’t, right?)
We know there’s a lot of choice on-site, but don’t worry; as experts in all things French skincare, the Escentual team are the best people to ask – think of us as ‘the friend’ to go to for honest recommendations! To help you out, we’ve put an edit together to share a few of our trusty favourites, which range from body moisturisers, acne treatments to plumping essences infused with real petals. Keep reading to find out our top French picks…
1. The Spot-Fighting Concealer
Kate
Product Pick Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Cover Stick
Why is this your French Pharmacy favourite?
I’ll be honest, I have a lot of French Pharmacy favourites, but this one is my little secret weapon. I’ve always struggled with breakouts and – before trying out the DermoPURIFYER Cover Stick – I would apply a treatment and then a concealer on top when I wanted to mask my spots a little. But this creamy stick concealer combines both of those steps. It suits those with fair skin and blends really easily to hide spots without looking noticeable. But it’s also packed with blemish-banishing salicylic acid to actually fight the spot, while antioxidant licochalcone A calms the redness and irritation associated with breakouts.
What’s something special about this product that makes it different
The thing that sets this non-comedogenic concealer apart is the fact it goes one step further to target the spot itself, and not to just hide it. Yes, there are some days when I let my spots show in all their glory, but when I do want to cover them, I feel more confident using this concealer as I don’t feel worried that my makeup is going to make my spots worse than before. Plus, its slim design is great for popping into my wash bag before a trip away.
2. The Cleansing Toner
Darcey
Product Pick PAYOT Hydra 24+ Essence Plumping Priming Infusion
Why is this your French Pharmacy favourite?
During the last French Pharmacy promotion, I discovered the PAYOT Hydra 24+ Essence, and I haven’t looked back since; I saw the beautiful floating cornflowers amongst the aqua blue liquid, and I was sold! After using it, I fell in love with its water-gel texture which cools and softens my tight winter skin. If like me, you’re suffering with a dull, tired complexion this January, PAYOT’s glow-giving toner is the product I recommend you try!
What’s something special about this product that makes it different
I often find toners extremely drying for my skin, but that’s not the case with the PAYOT Hydra 24+ Essence; it works as a great alternative to more drying toners. I also love the delicious blend of watermelon and fig, which helps to prevent water loss; it’s a godsend for my dehydrated skin, especially during the winter.
3. The Cult Body Moisturiser
Keavy
Product Pick Embryolisse Lait-Creme Fluide
Why is this your French Pharmacy favourite?
I already adore the cult Embryolisse Lait-Creme, so, as this is a lighter version of that – but for the body – I knew I was going to absolutely love it. The rich and creamy formula is made with the same nourishing ingredients as the original, featuring shea butter, beeswax, soy and aloe vera to soothe and plump the skin. I just love how the fluid is so easy to pump out to use all over – and I have to say I’m impressed by how long it lasts (forever)!
What’s something special about this product that makes it different
I’m a sucker for all branded skincare routines because I always think they work better together – anyone else feel the same? As I said, I already use Embryolisse Lait-Creme and I have recently fallen for Embryolisse Artist Secret Radiant Eye, but my routine was missing a body moisturiser, so this was a no-brainer for me!
4. The Breakout Banishing Toner
Jade
Product Pick Bioderma Sebium Lotion
Why is this your French Pharmacy favourite?
Since this launched in April 2021, it has saved my skin from extreme breakouts, which has always been my main struggle. I had tried so many products before this and was hitting a brick wall as no other product would make a slight difference – until this came along. While targeting pores and skin texture, the lotion reduces oil production and hydrates your skin for up to 8 hours. What more would you want for someone with oily skin?
What’s something special about this product that makes it different
The formula and scent! My skin feels so hydrated and fresh after using this lotion, which is a dream if you are tired of breakouts every single day.
5. The Oil-Busting Dry Shampoo
Hannah
Product Pick Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle for Oily Hair
Why is this your French Pharmacy favourite?
For the first time in my adult life, I can go three days between hair washes and my hair still looks the same as on wash day – so fresh and clean; a total life changer! I have fine hair that is very quick to get greasy, especially around my face as I also have oily skin. The dry shampoo is lightweight and doesn’t irritate my scalp with consecutive uses and it has a fresh scent that makes my hair feel cleaner.
What’s something special about this product that makes it different
The nettle extract helps to regulate the oil-producing sebaceous glands as well as absorb the existing sebum to keep grease at bay for longer. Some dry shampoos leave a grey cast and totally matte look but this one still leaves a slight healthy sheen so your hair looks bouncy and naturally fresh. The powder in the spray fully absorbs, so it’s invisible after you brush it through your hair. You can style your hair as usual without having to worry about which parts still look greasy – none of it does.
6. The Innovative Acne Moisturiser
Ceryn
Product Pick Avene Comedomed
Why is this your French Pharmacy favourite?
Comedomed is my secret potion when I get a spot. It’s not a product I use daily, but when a blemish pops up, it’s the first thing I reach for. It’s a treatment that targets the root of a spot, which means it works before a blemish even surfaces. It doesn’t smell the best, I’ll admit, but it works quickly and with only 11 ingredients in its formula.
What’s something special about this product that makes it different
I’d never found a spot treatment that my eczema-prone skin liked until I tried this one. It has 25% Comedoclastin to prevent blemishes from forming and 65% Avene Thermal Spring Water to calm and moisturise skin.
7. The Sensitive Skin Balm
Eleni
Product Pick Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Why is this your French Pharmacy favourite?
I was always a big fan of the Avene Skin Recovery Cream, so naturally, I had to try theTolerance Skin Recovery Balm. I have sensitive dry skin and this is the perfect solution for when my skin feels hot, tight, itchy or uncomfortable; it calms my irritated skin in just 30 seconds! The rich balm is great for using a thin layer in the morning and a bit more at night. Or even better, sometimes I use the Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream in the morning and the Balm at night!
What’s something special about this product that makes it different
What I love the most about the new version is the Sterile cosmetics tube and the pump. It’s a perfectly designed airtight system that helps preserve a completely intact sterile formula, preventing bacteria and germs from contaminating the formula.
