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I can’t believe we are coming up to a one year mark since we left our life in Germany and made our way back to the states. My family and I were stationed in Germany for 3 years, and during that time I had to rely on trying new products versus waiting long ship times for my American products. As an esthetician by trade, this was a really fun experience when it came down to walking into pharmacies throughout Europe and either using google translate or simply buying blindly but loving what I went home with.

With that being said, I get a ton of questions on European skincare or what to purchase if you happen to stop at a pharmacy in Europe. The best ones in my opinion are in France, by the way! The great thing is most of these products you can purchase on Amazon. There are only a few that will take you to the direct site for purchase. Here is my curated list of European skincare products I recommend. This is a big list so bear with me!

We are going to kick list off with a moisturizer I discovered when I popped into a Greek pharmacy in Athens, Greece. I was pleasantly surprised to realize the pharmacy workers spoke very good English and were able to guide me through the entire KORRES line. I ended up going with this Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Gel-Cream Moisturizer by KORRES. Wow- when I tell you this moisturizer is a Summer favorite, I mean it. It felt AMAZING to put it on at the end of a day at the beach or pool. It provides a cooling sensation when applied. My tip- keep the jar in the refrigerator and apply on a hot summer day.

You guys might be tired of me talking about Eau Thermale by now, but I will never not use it in my skincare routine. This is a must have and studies have shown the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of spraying Eau Thermale on your skin. They even recommend it for babies with sensitive skin. I spray the Uriage Eau Thermale on my face after cleansing, to lock in moisture and soothe. This brand in particular is the first one I tried in France, however La Roche Posay and Avene makes one as well.

Let’s talk about Cible Skin for a moment. I had the opportunity to visit their flagship location in Paris where I booked a diagnostic facial. Their flagship location is one of the most beautiful spas I have ever set foot in. The experience at Cible Skin alone deserves its own post and podcast episode. Cible Skin is considered a Parisian premier line of skincare, as they are considered a world renowned anti- aging skin clinic. After my diagnostic facial, my skin consultant provided me with a list of recommended products, and a routine. Their Moisturizing and Matifying Emulsion is a moisturizer I used for 6 months- yes it lasted me 6 months! Keep in mind, their pricing reflects their luxury brand. Girl math= you’re paying about $26 a month to have this primer moisturizer.

I know you may have seen me post about this Vinohydra Hyaluronic Serum before, however I promise it has become my absolute favorite when it comes to hyaluronic acid. Caudalie is a cult favorite and they have an expansive line of skincare. This hot pink bottle delivers the hydration you need.

Here’s another highly coveted product from Cible Skin Paris. Their Sérum Seconde-Peau is designed to regulate sebum production and soothe inflamed acneic skin.

When it comes to face masks, I’ve tried a ton of them. My friend who introduced me to Cible Skin Paris, also introduced me to their Le Masque Polyactifs sheet masks. These “post procedure” masks provide deep hydration along with their Microbiome repair technology.

If you are looking for one of the best toners/exfoliators, I would highly suggest the P50 Lotion by Biologique Recherche. I also had the pleasure of booking a facial at their flagship location (also in Paris) where I purchased this viral product. Also note- they call it lotion, however it is a liquid and has the consistency of a toner. I saw a huge difference in my complexion using this product. I linked the product to their direct website- beware of bootleg versions on Amazon.

Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir also known as Eau de Beauté is my favorite setting spray that I usually keep in my purse, whenever I need a refresh. I first found this at an airport pharmacy in Frankfurt, Germany. Although they make a larger size, I prefer the travel size to keep with me wherever I go.

Let’s chat French over the counter retinol… A313 has been around forever but recently went viral for Americans. I think what people love most about this, is you don’t need a prescription. Keep in mind this is a low grade retinol and consumers report acne prevention, wrinkle reduction and overall clarity in complexion. I’m going to be honest, the verdict for me on this one is 50/50. While it helped with hyperpigmentation, I did find myself breaking out (this could have been attributed to something else). I would say try it for yourself.

I’m very picky with eye creams, because I either get dark circles from them or I don’t see noticeable results. The Brightening Eye Cream by Caudalie is by far my favorite. The applicator tip makes it easy to smooth on the delicate eye area.

Sunscreen- I have 3 for you, but let’s start with my oldie but goody. I keep going back to this La Roche-Posay Anthelios for an everyday facial sunscreen. There are different variations of Anthelios, but honestly anything in the La Roche-Posay line is good for proper sun protection. I always aim for SPF 50 or above when it comes to the face.

Isdin is another favorite of mine. This Spanish line of sunscreen is in my top 3 of best sunscreens for the face. Lightweight and high SPF.

If you have kids you’ll love this Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen. I first bought this one in Greece, but was pleasantly surprised to find it on Amazon. I also use this for my body when I’m out on walks.

Have you ever tried a cleansing oil? If you have dry skin, this is a MUST. I was recommended this product by my skin consultant at Cible Skin Paris. This Cleansing Soothing Oil by Uriage is for the face and body and comes in a 1 liter bottle, and will last you about 6 months! It is great for shaving instead of using a shaving cream too. Also, if you want to compare this to the viral L’Occitane Shower Almond Oil… I think this Uriage one is better and keeps your skin much more hydrated after drying.

If you want an oil for the face, body and hair, this 3 in 1 Nourishing Oil by KORRES is incredible and smells amazing. I used it directly on my face for extra hydration a few times a week, and on my body nightly.

This Multi-Purpose Dry Oil by Nuxe is one of the best things I’ve found at a European pharmacy. It smells like a tropical exotic vacation and comes in this beautiful golden bronze shimmer and also a rose gold tone. I wear it as a body oil. The 90’s kid in me sees it as a modern day body glitter.

Another amazing product my Nuxe is their Rěve De Miel Honey Lip Balm. They have another honey lip product that has gone viral in a wand form, however I think this is the better product as it stays on longer.

Last but not least, one of my absolute favorite lip products that I found in Europe is this oldie but goodie Clarins Comfort Lip Oil. I know lip oils are hot right now but based on my research this is one of the first lip oils to hit the market. In my opinion, this beats the lip oils from competitor celebrity makeup lines- I said what I said! I’ve also noticed after multiple applications it provides a bit of a tint to your lips.

I hope you enjoyed this mega list of European skincare. I know there are some that I might be missing, and will try to revise this list when I remember. Also- if you happen to be in Europe, take this list with you. Most pharmacies will have someone that speaks English and if not, Google Translate works great. If purchased in Europe, the pricing will be significantly lower. However you don’t have to fly to Europe to enjoy these products!

Cheers and happy shopping.

Don’t forget to follow on Instagram @unapologetically_glam_podcast 

Stay Unapologetically Glam!

-Alyssa Adore

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