Bande: The French Beauty Edit

The moment I set foot in France, I’m already googling the nearest supermarkets and pharmacies. It’s an essential ritual of my trips, hunting down authentic French brands not available in the UK to take home with me.

The French have hugely influenced us here at Bande. From their minimalist approach to fashion and beauty to their effortlessly chic interiors. They don’t fear ageing because they have some of the best products on the market to support and protect their skin at every stage of life.

So grab your basket bag, button up that trench coat, paint those lips red, and head to your nearest French pharmacy. Here are our top five products to keep an eye out for.

1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

🇫🇷 Made in Aix-en-Provence

Why it works: It removes makeup, SPF, and pollution in one swipe; no rinse, no sting, no redness. It mimics the skin’s natural composition, so it’s instantly calming. They also do a fab lightweight tinted moisturiser.

Game-changer for: Sensitive skin. Post-workout clean-ups. Lazy nights.

2. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

🇫🇷 Made in France since 1950

Why it works: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, this multitasker hydrates, softens, and protects the skin barrier. Makeup artists swear by it as both primer and moisturiser.

Game-changer for: Dry skin. Skin prep. Cold-weather SOS.

3. Nuxe Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm

🇫🇷 Made in Laboratoire Nuxe, Paris

Why it works: This thick, matte balm is packed with honey, shea butter, and natural oils. It repairs cracked lips overnight, no gloss or gimmicks.

Game-changer for: Chapped lips. Overnight care. Winter.

 

4. A313 Vitamin A Pommade

🇫🇷 Made in France

Why it works: A modern take on the discontinued Avibon, A313 is a pharmacy-grade retinoid alternative (vitamin A derivative) that boosts cell turnover, smooths fine lines, and refines texture, without the harsh side effects of prescription retinoids.

Celebrity secret: Loved by beauty insiders and rumoured favourites of Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung, this little aluminium tube delivers results that feel like magic.

Game-changer for: Dull skin. First signs of ageing. Uneven texture.

5. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum

🇫🇷 Formulated in Bordeaux

Why it works: Powered by viniferine (from grapevine sap), this natural brightener is clinically proven to fade dark spots faster than vitamin C but without the sensitivity.

Game-changer for: Pigmentation. Dull skin. Pregnancy-safe glow.

 

Last Minute Supermarket Essentials

If you have any room left in your basket, head to a supermarket and stock up on these game changing skin care ranges. 

Les Petits Marseillais

A staple of every French supermarket shelf—and with good reason. This heritage brand offers everything from shower gels to shampoos, all beautifully scented and affordably priced. The packaging is cute (look for the little sailor!) and the formulas feel far more luxurious than the price tag.

Top pick: Their 72-hour moisturisers are a must. Lightweight, deeply hydrating, ideal for everyday 

Le Petit Olivier

Don’t let the price fool you, this olive oil-based skincare range is rich, nourishing, and leaves behind a soft, floral-fruity scent that lingers just enough. From hand creams to face washes, every product is gentle on skin and delicately fragranced.  

 

Happy Shopping!