Our team recently travelled to Europe to visit our office in Milan and attend the Maison&Objet brand exhibition in Paris. We spent time meeting Europe customers, visiting our retailers and enjoyed train rides through the French countryside. But of course, no trip to France would be complete without a visit to the local pharmacy.
French cosmetics are famous for using quality ingredients, gentle formulations, also featuring native botanical plants. European cosmetic regulations are far more rigourous than that of Australia and the US. As a result, the skincare products you find in Europe are held to much higher safety standards.
Here is a round-up of the BW team's favourite French pharmacy finds. The good news is that you can also purchase all of them in Australia or online. While they're not all as natural as we aim for (99%+ from natural origin), they are cleaner than the majority available in pharmacies.
La Rosee 3-in-1 Regenerating Mask Stick
Just a really great exfoliant. It's made with 99% natural ingredients and white clay. Clay is a natural detoxifier that brings impurities and toxins to the surface. It leaves my skin feeling clean and purified but not stripped of moisture. - Jemma, Marketing Specialist
Darphin Wrinkle Corrective Eye Contour Cream
One of the few products I can’t do without is the Darphin Eye Contour Cream. It smooths fine lines and restores suppleness. Darphin is one of the more natural French cosmetics brands and I notice a distinct difference if I don’t use it. - Belinda, Founder
Mason & Pearson Pocket Hairbrush
I’ve been using Mason & Pearson Hairbrushes since I discovered them while working in London (they’re handmade in the UK). It leaves your hair bouncier, smoother and shinier than any other brush I’ve tried. I have a full size and a handbag size and I have given one to each of my three kids. While it’s definitely a splurge, if you take care it, it will last you for years. - Belinda, Founder
Marvis Toothpaste
Seriously chic-looking toothpaste that makes brushing your teeth feel a little luxurious. Made in Florence, Italy, it has the most sensational range of flavours including even an osmanthus flavour. - Steph, Retail Manager
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
I’m not normally a fan of face mists but this one is an exception. It’s made from a blend of plant extracts and essential oils that smell divine (no synthetic fragrance which we love!). I use it throughout the day to refresh and hydrate my skin, but it also helps to tone and tighten pores. - Maddie, Content Specialist
Nuxe Body Oil
A cult-classic, made from a blend of luxurious botanical oils. While it does contain a small amount of synthetic fragrance (which I tend to avoid), it’s much cleaner than a lot of body oils with at least 98% natural ingredients. It absorbs beautifully into the skin and leaves a lovely glowy finish to the body. - Erin, Sales Specialist
A313 Vitamin-A Retinol Cream
A topical retinol cream that many swear by for its anti-aging properties. I’ve been using it a couple of times a week for the past 2 years and swear my skin is smoother in texture and looks brighter. It contains a very low percentage of vitamin A that helps to firm skin and even skin-tone. While the ingredients aren’t fully clean (contains PEGs), it’s one of the few synthetic products that I trust to be gentle and safe enough. - Sylvanna, Operations Manager
