Ok, I’ll be honest. The first time I entered a French pharmacie, I was overwhelmed and truly out of my element. I consider myself an experienced shopper, but mon dieu. No idea what I was doing, what I was looking for, where to start or how to ask for it even if I knew. Sensory overload. Packed with women who clearly knew exactly what they needed. I spent about 10 minutes trying to get my bearings and then promptly walked out. It was not unlike the feelings I had when I visited my first thrift store with Clara, where items were sold by the kilo and “arranged” in giant boxes by type, overflowing with pieces to wade through. These kinds of spaces would require a whole different shopping strategy.
When I returned home, part of my research included figuring out how to navigate the French pharmacie landscape. I read everything I could get my hands and eyes on. This was a skill I wanted to learn. Skin care is one the ingredients for cultivating a Parisienne attitude – they take it very seriously. So, I investigated and made lists of anything that seemed cool and useful for my skin type, concerns, and desired improvements.
I soon realized that CityPharma in the 6th was perhaps not a great choice for my first Pharmacie visit. Since it’s often heralded as “the” best, it’s probably no coincidence that it’s one of the busiest. I asked Clara, my go-to for my questions about Paris, and she recommended one in the 9th, right next to Galeries Lafayette. Perfect!
Location selected. My list included small pics of the items I wanted, just in case my non-existent French got in the way. I came back with a small arsenal of skin care, make-up, sunscreen, and…toothpaste. The toothpaste was an impulse purchase, but I loved it. An inexpensive way to remind me of Paris every morning.
Now, I keep a list of pharmacie items to grab every time I find myself in Paris. While some are available here in the States, the formulas are not always the same. This is especially true for the cult-classic A313 Vitamin A Pommade, although you can now order through Ulta, who has partnered with the brand directly, and you won’t have to worry about unauthorized versions that sometimes pop up on other sites. I love A313. It’s thick and sticky, so be ready for that. But it leaves my skin beautifully smooth and soft.
Other favorites include Boiron Homeoplasmine Ointment, Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, Manucurist nail polish, Botot Toothpaste, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Shimmering Dry Oil, and SkinCeuticals products (yes, they say the formula is the same in the States, but I have found the French versions more effective).
And, in case you need affirmation that French pharmacies are just better, check out Marisa Meltzer’s Drugstore Cowgirl article in a recent issue of Vanity Fair. She listed several of my favorites, and gave me a few ideas about items to pick up this time around.
In terms of locations, I’ll definitely go back to the one in the 9th, but then I’ve added Pharmacie Monge in the 5th and Pharmacie OneHealth in the 6th. After I come back, I’ll let you know what I think of each location and what I bought!
Au revoir until next time,
~Valerie’s Granddaughter