#7: All the Things I Didn't Buy in France
And one really important update 🇫🇷
This is not a de-influencing post, just an admission of poor time management while in Europe. I bought 3 things at the French pharmacy, all of which were out of necessity and supposed to be the amuse-bouche to a proper, leisurely browse at a later date.
Well, I spent too many hours roaming Le Bon Marche buying shoes instead, and the rest of my time was dedicated to cavorting with friends and attending a legendary wedding. Skincare was not the priority on this trip (rightfully so), but had I come home with a few more products to slot into my routine, maybe it could’ve prolonged the freewheeling spirit of wine at noon, espressos at night, just one cig too (!) that I cherish about the version of myself I get to live in Paris. All the more reason to go back for more, which is not in our near future but fun to dream about. Let’s start with what I did get:
Nuxe sunscreen: WOW—what I lacked in quantity of spoils, I made up for in quality. This is sunscreen for people who hate the smell of sunscreen. It took the place of my perfume for days, which is shocking as someone who is very methodical and particular about fragrance. It’s the same scent as the brand’s beloved oil (orange blossom heaven!), and I can’t get enough of it. I might’ve found it on Amazon, though the packaging and description are slightly different—when I need to restock, I’ll order and validate. But next time you’re abroad, I beg you to put this on your list.
Homeoplasmine: Yes, drag me for this highly predictable and unoriginal purchase, but it was essential. I woke up one morning to a big mosquito bite ON MY FACE, so this and a fresh tube of hydrocortisone (purchase #3) were my quick fixes. Ever since, I’ve been using it on my lips, around my nose (the post-vacay cold is inevitable), and as an occasional eye cream (no idea if this is advisable). It’s basically a homeopathic Aquaphor, and if you can get over the sterile, Vagisil-y packaging, it’s a nice, Swiss-army-knife balm to have in your bag.
Cue the flop track, that’s it folks. On to the things I intended on purchasing, should you need inspo for your own Euro-summer haul:
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5: Easily available and still affordable in the States, but thought I could get an even better deal abroad. It’s a rich, super soothing balm perfect for Little Miss Sensitive.
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre: A really good, classic moisturizer, beloved by backstage makeup artists and cool girls everywhere. Usually I would avoid something this fragranced, but it’s never caused me problems, and I’m reminded of its excellence every time I return to it.
Laluset Hyaluronic Acid Cream: I’m still intrigued by this niche find I read about forever ago. Seems like a juiced-up HA serum in cream form for max hydration and fine line-smoothing. It’s available on Amazon but I’m not sure I trust that.
Avene Cicalfate+ Cream: An impossibly thick solution for irritated skin. Have used and loved, great to have on hand for winter, not so necessary for the everyday.
Last thing—the burning question on everyone’s (one person’s) mind:
IT'S HERE and was worth the wait. I didn’t love the applicator at first (prefer that of the Merit and Make), but the color and texture are perfect. For $9—try it.