Parisian Beauty Secrets: A Guide to the Best Paris Pharmacies and Skincare Products in France

I keep getting asked this in DM and email - here are some of the Products I bought when I went to the Paris Pharmacies & Beauty Boutiques.

More Paris Pharmacy Products I tried…

Skincare Links

1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

2. Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray

3. Caudalie Beauty Elixir Face Mist

4. Filorga NEF-Shot - ( I bought 3 bottles of this)

5. Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

6. Avène Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream

7. Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm

8. Embryolisse Lait Creme

9. Caudalie Vinoperfect 

10. Ialuset hyaluronic acid cream

Body care & Hair Care Links

1. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

2. Klorane Dry Shampoo

3. Lierac Body-Slim Anti-Cellulite Concentrate

4. Caudalie Vinosculpt Contouring Concentrate - (love this stuff)

5. Vichy Ideal Soleil Anti-Sand SPF 50 Sunscreen

6. Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel

7. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ Body Balm

8. Roger & Gallet Bois d'Orange Perfumed Soap

9. Uriage Eau Thermale Thermal Water Spray

→ Here are some of the Biologique Recherche products I learned about and bought while I was there as well .I really love this brand and being able to treat myself to a two-hour experience and skin assessment at their institute was something I had been wanting to do for myself for a while. You can watch the haul and vlog on that here. ↓

Here are some of the most famous pharmacies in Paris for skincare products, along with their website links and addresses:

1. Citypharma - 26 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris, France Website: https://www.citypharma.fr/

2. Pharmacie Monge - 74 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmacie-monge.fr/

3. Pharmacie Lafayette des Ternes - 77 Avenue des Ternes, 75017 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmacielafayettedesternes.fr/

4. Pharmacie de la Place Monge - 74 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmacieplacedmonge.fr/

5. Pharmacie de l'Opéra - 1 Avenue de l'Opéra, 75001 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmaciedelopera.com/

6. Pharmacie Saint Germain - 82 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmacie-saintgermain.fr/

7. Pharmacie de Paris - 4 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmaciedeparis.fr/

8. Pharmacie Victor Hugo - 14 Avenue Victor Hugo, 75116 Paris, France Website: https://www.pharmacievictorhugo.com/

Some of the popular products broken down by category that tourists buy when in Paris

Skincare:

1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Acne Treatment Cream

3. Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray

4. Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Moisturizer

5. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

6. Caudalie Beauty Elixir Face Mist

7. Filorga NCTF-Reverse Cream

8. Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

9. Avène Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream

10. Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm

Body care:

1. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

2. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

3. Topicrem Ultra Moisturizing Body Milk

4. Lierac Body-Slim Anti-Cellulite Concentrate

5. Caudalie Divine Oil

6. Vichy Ideal Soleil Anti-Sand SPF 50 Sunscreen

7. Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel

8. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ Body Balm

9. Roger & Gallet Bois d'Orange Perfumed Soap

10. Uriage Eau Thermale Thermal Water Spray

Hair care:

1. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

2. Phyto Phytopolleine Scalp Treatment

3. Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt

4. Rene Furterer Karité Nutri Intense Nourishing Mask

5. Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme Pre-Shampoo Treatment

6. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

7. Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Heat-Protective Leave-In Cream

8. L'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color A-OX Shampoo

9. Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Mask

10. Garnier Fructis Hair Food Papaya Repairing Mask

11. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+

12. Bioderma Photoderm Max Aquafluide SPF 50+

13. Avene Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+

14. Vichy Ideal Soleil Anti-Sand SPF 50+

15. Uriage Bariésun Fragrance-Free Cream SPF 50+

16. SVR Sun Secure Blur SPF 50+

17. Nuxe Sun Delicious Cream High Protection SPF 30

18. Filorga UV-Bronze Anti-Ageing Sun Fluid SPF 50+

19. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

20. Klorane Sun Radiance Protective Oil SPF 30

Here are some of the top Paris Skin Estheticians & Institutes :

1. Vinida Savant: considering skin as a fabric on which our emotions, our thoughts, but also our transgenerational memories, as well as our karmic structures. Her hands contain the energy she has managed to channel, and her gift is to return the inner light of every person so that the face can radiate it as a result of activating the cells. You can book https://www.vinidasavant.com/ and listen to my interview with Vinida here

2. Isabelle Bellis - A highly-regarded esthetician known for her customized facial treatments and holistic approach to skincare. https://www.isabellebellis.com/

3. Joelle Ciocco - A pioneer in the field of personalized skincare, Joelle Ciocco has been working as a facialist for over 30 years. She is known for her expertise in skin analysis and creating bespoke skincare regimens. https://www.joelle-ciocco.com/

4. Christine Clais - Christine Clais is a certified organic esthetician who uses only natural and organic products in her treatments. She specializes in anti-aging treatments . https://www.christineclais.com/

5. Anne Sémonin - Anne Sémonin is a skincare brand that also offers a range of personalized facial treatments at their flagship spa. Their treatments are designed to target specific skin concerns and use the brand's signature essential oils and marine extracts. https://www.annesemonin.com/fr/

6. Laure Quinty - Laure Quinty is an esthetician who offers a range of facial and body treatments using high-quality skincare products. She is known for her anti-aging facials and her studio is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. http://www.laurequinty.com/

7. Catherine Pez - Catherine Pez is a holistic esthetician who specializes in facial reflexology and energy work. Her treatments are designed to address both physical and emotional imbalances and are located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. http://www.catherinepez.com/

8. Spa Nuxe Montorgueil - This spa is part of the popular Nuxe skincare brand and offers a range of facials, massages, and body treatments and is known for its luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. https://www.nuxe.com/en/spa

9. Biologique Recherche - Biologique Recherche is a French skincare brand that also offers a range of facial treatments at their flagship spa in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Their facials are known for their high-quality products and customized approach to skincare - this is where I went to have their signature facial with their Remodeling Face Machine . https://www.biologique-recherche.com/

10. Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa - Located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, this spa offers a range of facial and body treatments that incorporate the brand's signature grape-based products. The spa is known for its unique, vineyard-inspired atmosphere and its use of natural ingredients. https://www.caudalie.com/en-us/les-spa

11. Dermalogica Skin Treatment Center - This skincare brand offers a range of facials and other skincare treatments at their Paris location in the 1st arrondissement. Their treatments are designed to address specific skin concerns and are personalized to each individual client. https://www.dermalogica.fr/fr-fr/dermalogica-skin-treatment-center

12. L'Institut Darphin - Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, this spa offers a range of facial and body treatments using the Darphin skincare line. Their treatments are known for their high-quality products and relaxing atmosphere. https://www.darphin.com/

13. La Mer Spa - This luxury spa is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris and offers a range of facials, massages, and body treatments using La Mer's signature products. The spa is known for its elegant decor and indulgent treatments. https://www.lamer.eu/spa-boutiques/paris-spa.html

14. Oh My Cream Le Studio - The (clean) beauty concept store & skincare studio that gives you access to what is best for your skin. https://en.ohmycream.com/

Get Ready to Shift: Your Ultimate Guide to Rest, Reset, and Renewal

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and overwhelm of daily life. No one feels like they have been duped more by “wanting to be an adult” than me 😅. Running from one thing to the next, trying to keep up, secretly just wanting everything on the to-do list to be done so I can sit on my couch, in my clean home, in silence, with a soft breeze caressing me, my glowing skin and freshly manicured toes, while reading that book I’ve brought on three vacations. Yup that book has been to 3 countries😩

Well, I am here to tell you that’s never gonna happen unless you hit pause on this movie that is your life, and make some room for you in the chaos of this dumpsterfire we are in. Now I’m not talking as “Nurse Donna” right now (though I can go on about how all this impacts your health)… I’m speaking as “Donna The Real Life Person” who has had more than her fair share of burnout and is COMMITTED in 2024 to keeping it out of her life like a bad ex.

The "Shift" is more than just a series of sessions—it's a commitment to yourself, a reminder that you are worthy of care and attention.

I know personally that I only keep committed to something when there are other people involved. I know that I have to consciously set out time for self-care and reflection. I also know things don’t happen overnight and small acts create larger shifts in our lives through compounding effects. I have spent a lot of time “working on myself” only to find out that the work just doesn’t end. I’m a constant work in progress and sort of like my city of NY always under construction.

I will be honest this sort of got me super down at one point - I’m like where’s the trophy? How come there aren’t more commas in my checking account? Why don’t I have a Rolex? But there is no end game in this…well until you die…so I gotta “play” the game of life. Instead of waiting for the final win, I have to enjoy the moments and the process in all of it. Just like someone who has a garden..they enjoy their beautiful flowers, plants, and even the actual fruits of their labor…but they enjoy the process more. The shifting of seasons, planting seeds, tending to their work, the harvest, and even the repetition of it all. A lot of them will even say gardening “Relaxes Them”…How does all that work relax you? Because it lightens mood, and lowers cortisol, and stress levels. It’s very gratifying to plant, tend to, harvest, and share your own food. Once relaxed, you're present and intentional in the entire process. Honestly, that’s what I need to do with my life.

The truth is that myself and my friends are in a shift…. physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. While I have no “instruction manual” for this shift, I spent the better part of last year creating routines for it. I saw firsthand how doing this previously in my life with my Moon Circles added to my overall well-being. By having a little moment of sanctuary for rest, reset, and renewal in my own living room kept me more grounded and focused. I need something I could do every month to prioritize my well—being and support myself on my journey of self—discovery. I also needed like-minded people - And I’m encouraging you to do the same, regardless of whether you want to join us or not.

**What to Expect**

"The Shift" is a monthly gathering for you to be with you. A little oasis where you can kick back, relax, and dive deep into some serious self-care. A safe and nurturing space where you can pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Each session will feature a carefully curated blend of activities, including guided meditation, intention-setting exercises, and transformative discussions. Drawing inspiration from the rhythms of nature and honoring celestial monthly themes we'll explore rituals of self-care, personal growth, and intentional living. Whether you're seeking clarity, inspiration, or simply a moment of pause this is the space…you might even have a breakthrough or two along the way.

**Don’t Stress**

You can join us live or catch up on your own time. These monthly sessions will be a unique blend of collective experience with individual focus. While we gather as a community to support each other, the focus remains on your personal journey. It's all about you, babe—your journey, your growth, you being the main character of your movie.

**Why "The Shift" Matters**

Whether you're craving clarity, peace, or just a little TLC - "The Shift" sessions offer a gentle reminder of the importance of slowing down and tuning into ourselves. It’s a moment where you can just BE. By taking intentional time for rest, reset, and renewal, we can cultivate greater resilience, clarity, and joy in our lives. Each session is an opportunity to honor your inner wisdom and release what no longer serves you. It's your permission slip to slow down, tune in, and be a friend to yourself for once.

**Ready to Shift?**

Registration is now open for upcoming sessions. Simply visit this link to snag your spot today. Sessions will be held monthly with limited spaces , but recordings will be available in case you miss it. I cannot wait to join you in this space.

**Or Take The First Step on Your Terms**

As we navigate these times together, it's essential to prioritize our inner well-being. "The Shift" offers a unique opportunity to slow down, tune in, and befriend ourselves. However, if you're not ready to join us just yet, I encourage you to start incorporating regular routines and rituals into your life that prioritize your overall well-being. In case you need some ideas on how to start creating wellness rituals for yourself, you can check out “Monthly Self-Care Crash Course: A Step-by-Step Guide to Prioritizing You”.

As always thank you for being a part of this community ❤❤ Donna

Self-Care Crash Course: A Guide to Prioritizing You

Sometimes things need to go beyond skincare routines and bubble baths to embrace the essence of who you are and who you aspire to be. I have learned that the journey of self-love, self-discovery, and self-empowerment is sacred and personal. It should honor your truth, celebrate your worth, and nourish your soul from within. Sure no one is going to turn down glowing skin, a warm bath, and a glass of natural wine but if you’re here you know this is all much deeper than that.

We all love thriving and living in abundance - but the moments of life are like a wave - you catch a good one for a minute or maybe a little longer and other times you’re crashing, trying to come up for air, and feeling like you’re in a rip tide. It ebbs and it flows. Somedays are great and other days I don’t want to get out of bed. One thing is for sure though - if I stick to some type of loose routine, even when it gets rough…I can navigate a bit better.

This share is for those who have fallen off from their regular routines, have gotten too caught up in the responsibilities of adulting, and need some quick simple steps they can take to feel present and start to get back on track. These are some of the points we address in The Shift sessions but in case you cannot make it or want to do things on your own, or are too overwhelmed, I thought I’d lay out a foundation of steps you can build on. The entire aspect of self-care that I think is lost upon us is the word SELF…you gotta figure out what works for YOU.

Setting An Intention

When things seem out of control, it's essential to start with intention. Setting clear intentions allows us to align our actions with our values and aspirations, guiding us toward a life filled with purpose and meaning. The intention can be around self-care, taking a break, having some fun, getting rest, or just dumping out all the thoughts swirling in your brain. Regardless, it’s the first step in action and tells your brain, we are moving out of this current mindset so pay attention.

Creating Ritual

It’s best to start with one or two that you can do for the next thirty days. I’m not telling you to overhaul your entire life that honestly is the worst idea when you’re overwhelmed or have fallen off. I’m saying start small. Honestly, go and do something fun. Stop doing. Create a ritual around a daily break - even if it’s 10 minutes. Start with little rituals that make you feel good - maybe sitting and being present when you drink your morning coffee and not scrolling on your phone, or a break from social media, even reading 15 minutes a day. Rituals are the cornerstone of wellness, providing us with moments of pause, reflection, and rejuvenation in our busy lives. From morning routines to bedtime rituals, you need to set a foundation for creating personalized self-care rituals that align with your needs and preferences.

Ask yourself are you craving stillness or seeking adventure? What do you do for yourself that makes you feel amazing? Is it a10-minute morning dance party with yourself or the children before school (if you have them) or bedtime affirmations, or laying out your clothes for the next day?

Further Reading & Watching → How To Date Yourself

Nurturing Mind, Body, and Soul

We need to nurture our entire being, mind, body, and soul. What practices support your overall well-being? Is it mindfulness meditation, intentional movement, or nourishing food? By prioritizing well-rounded care, we can cultivate resilience, vitality, and joy in our lives. It also helps us move out of “crisis self-care” and into preventative self-care…so when a crisis does hit we know how to move through it and have systems of support. True wellness and health starts from within.

Watch ↘ Questions for Becoming The Best Version of You

Cultivating Gratitude

I am the first person to tell you that when the shit hits the fan the hardest thing to do is be grateful. When you’re feeling down, brokenhearted, or stressed this is probably the last thing you want to do. However, studies have shown that it is essential to find gratitude in moments of crisis and not after so we do not “hardwire the brain for bad”. Gratitude doesn’t ask you to ignore the serious issues and tragedies - instead, it tells you that too much attention to what’s bad, is bad for you. Taking a moment to pause for gratitude in other areas of your life can bring your awareness to difficulties you have overcome previously and it can help identify your support systems in the moment.

Wellness & Self Care Are Not A Destination

Remember that self-care is not a destination or outcome, but a process and journey. If you take this approach it becomes a series of events in self-discovery, self-love, and self-compassion. Prioritizing your well-being is essential now in our collective shift - you will only be able to show up for community and family if you show up for yourself. No one can pour from an empty cup. I am continuing to explore additional resources, routines, modalities, and support - I encourage you to do the same. I will continue to share what I learn and collect on this site, my YouTube, and my social channels. Whether you choose to join us for "The Shift" sessions or embark on your journey independently, know that you are worthy of care and deserving of love. If you have any additional ideas for moving through please reach out.

→ Futher Reading : Donna’s Journal - Living with Intention in 2024 & Embracing Purpose

Self Care hard ™️

We’ve been told “Work Hard…Play Hard” . but we have never been told to tend & take care of ourselves HARD.

Or maybe we did but I was too busy working & playing hard that I didn’t get the memo ↓

That seems to be a running theme for me sometimes “not getting the memo” whether it’s at work cause I got too overwhelmed by the amount of emails in my inbox and flipped to social media instead. Or me not realizing for close to 2 years when I was in grade school that I was the butt of the inside joke and I was not laughing with people but they were instead laughing at me. OOhhf. Or continue to keep relationships, connections, projects, or even wild nights on life support when they are long overdue on their expiration because I have this thing with nostalgia. Nostalgia and I go way back…like old lovers. So maybe I’m just late to this or exactly on time…who knows? But here we are.

I think sometimes the hardest part is knowing how & where to start.

Here we all are after two years of being in a Global Pandemic and all things it brought, ended, or finally made us aware of. Two years of being in The Dumpster Fire, turning Forty Years Old on a Zoom birthday, Times Square looking like that scene from “Eyes Wide Shut”, people running out of the city and me being given an “official letter” by the Governor that I can stay out past “curfew”. All while having my “ lil project” mirror “lil donna” and just do what it wanted to do regardless of my plans for it.

Two years of starting a podcast, hosting moon circles, running on fumes, starting a small business, feeling good & feeling like I failed all at the same time. Two years of actual “Survival Mode”.

I had a lot of ups and downs and also had very few reserves left. I was leaning into unhealthy habits again, old “stuff” was coming up, and I felt isolated and disconnected from friends, family, and myself. But also none of the “things” that used to bring me joy…were. So I couldn’t “fix” it….even temporarily.

The things that I used to like or look forward to didn’t hit for me anymore. I felt like I fell off. & I was pissed at myself for letting this happen…AGAIN.

And this pissed me off - I had spent the previous few years really working on my mental health, “unpacking”, pushing myself out of my comfort zones, paying down my debt, finding a community, creating community, and this project on the internet. On paper, I should be thriving. But in reality, I wasn’t. How the hell did I find myself back at square one and slipping again?

This time I surrendered.

Mostly because…I was too tired to resist. I couldn’t go another round. So I called myself out on my shit…AGAIN but this time made podcast episodes about it. I did things like Hygge, addressed my social media addiction, practiced staying present, dealt with my shadow resentment, and saved a dude’s life on a plane. I evaluated and reestablished my relationship with booze, myself, “fixing” and codependency.

After almost a year of being in my feelings, eating whatever I wanted (I gained almost 20 pounds), and holding space for myself, ya girl was ready. I decided the first step was to finally clean out the basement and attic of my mental and emotional health and dust the cobwebs of the things that crept back. From there, my physical health would follow. Oh yeah and this time would give me some grace and consideration for all the stress we had been under the last 2 years, I accepted that my nervous system was wildly overwhelmed and needed to recoup.

I accepted that this didn’t happen overnight & I probably wasn’t going to “bounceback” like I used to.

For one Im not 22 anymore. But also we have really been through it. So… I have spent over a year working on this in therapy and workshops and reading science articles and studies. also Reddit boards and memes.

I tried to figure out the best balance for my dopamine-loving, checking-off, and list-making self, and I came up with Self Care Hard.

During the time I was figuring out how to get my shit together again, I sat next to my co-worker and said I out loud “I just wish I had a mom who would like tell me what to do and plan it all out” and she said, “I just wish there was this guide on how to do it..”

How could two nurses be sitting there wanting someone to guide them and hold their hands in taking care of themselves?

How could we not know how?? We ARE NURSES, it is in fact what we do. But hey..I wasn’t alone.

So I got to work and created this plan I could follow that would set the foundation for “the next chapter of Me” - I laid it all out on post-its and notebook pages on my walls and living room floor. It was a real scene lol. But I thought you know what? this might be worth sharing.