Your Guide To Buying European Skincare In The U.S.
Get ready to revamp your summer skincare routine with the same products that everyone is talking about on vacation.
With this summer shaping up to be the ultimate European summer vacation for many, our TikTok and Instagram feeds are full of hauls of amazing skincare products that can be found in European pharmacies. Countries like France and Italy are known for their pharmacies full of high quality skincare products for a fraction of the price that we expect in the U.S. Part of the fun of going on vacation, especially in Europe, is exploring the local pharmacies and shops to see what kinds of products are popular an ocean away from home. Luckily, the serums, spot treatments and body oils that are all the rage this year are still accessible and relatively easy to find in the U.S. if you don't see yourself getting on a flight to Paris any time soon.
Where to Shop For Euro Skincare in the U.S.
Though European pharmacies have quite the reputation for their skincare selection, there are plenty of pharmacies in the U.S. that offer the same products. For example, New York is home to America's oldest apothecary, C.O. Bigelow. The apothecary carries a wide array of products from popular French brands like Nuxe Paris, Bioderma and Caudalie. The store itself is warm and inviting, offering everything you could hope to find on a trip to Paris in the heart of the West Village. The company website features an entire directory of brands that they sell. C.O. Bigelow also has its own popular brand of skincare, well known for its body lotion.
Besides C.O. Bigelow, the Upper East Side is home to another iconic pharmacy: Zitomer. This multi-floor luxury pharmacy has everything on your self-care bucketlist, from Mason Pearson hairbrushes, Byredo perfume, Augustinus Bader skincare and more. The extensive offerings of this store make it easy to check off your full list of European skincare must-haves. Plus, the staff will happily help you find a round up of products best suited to achieve your skincare goals.
Bluemercury also makes skincare shopping in-person feel luxurious. A large chain with over 170 store locations across the United States, it offers iconic luxury European brands like Acqua di Parma, Maison Louis Marie, Sisley-Paris and more.
Another great option for a pharmacy to shop at for all of your European skincare needs is Cedra pharmacy. With two locations in Manhattan (and two in Texas), the pharmacy boasts not just a wide array of popular products but also benefits like in-house nutritionists and personal trainers on call. Cedra takes the typical pharmacy experience to the next level, and a visit there will feel like you're on a European vacation.
Where To Shop For Euro Skincare Online
For many, shopping online for skincare may seem a bit risky if you don't have someone by your side to walk you through the benefits of every product, but it can be the easier option if you're on the hunt for specific products. It's an easy and quick way to secure your new summer routine without going on a scavenger hunt through multiple stores. To shop European skincare online, there are a few stores that make the journey easy with their curated guides.
The website French Pharmacy describes itself as "the only U.S. based French pharmacy," and it functions like an encyclopedia for French skincare products. Every product is listed with thorough breakdowns about the ingredients of each product, the benefits, and how to use it. Plus, everything ships from within the U.S. so you don't need to worry about paying for international shipping. Dermstore is another great online hub for high quality skincare. It offers a number of brands like Avène to choose from, all while providing a simple shipping process. Other websites to curate your European skincare goals from easily include Care to Beauty and Bluemercury's online shop.
Must-Have Euro Skincare Products
As different products like setting sprays, moisturizers, face masks and lip balms continue to trend after being spotted in famous pharmacies like Paris's Citypharma, it's clear that a revamped summer skincare routine is a must. Luckily, most of the products that you see your favorite celebrities and influencers raving about in the south of France can be easily found in the U.S. as well. Here's a roundup of some of the best European skincare products that are coming home in everyone's suitcases, and where to buy them if you're still at home.
Nuxe Paris is known for their luxurious body oils. A favorite among French women, the oil comes in a number of different varieties, like different scents or shines. The multi-purpose body oil can be used on the body, face or hair for moisturizing and enriching the skin.
Multipurpose Dry Oil, $42.90, Nuxe
This Italian sunscreen brand is both chic and beneficial. The invisible mineral formula makes it an easy step to add to your daily routine, offering protection for your skin. Plus, the brand is sustainably made and features other hydrating products like hyaluronic acid.
Everyday Sunscreen SPF 30, $48.00, Le Rub
Another iconic French skincare brand, Caudalie is well known for its "vinoperfect" line of products, which help reduce the appearance of dark spots. This serum effectively brightens and evens the complexion of skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots and making it a fan favorite for many.
Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum, $82.00, Caudalie
The Umbria, Italy-based brand Skin & Co is harnessing the benefits of the antioxidant-rich Black Winter Truffle to create a trend of truffle-based skincare. Their age-defense serum targets fine lines and dark spots.
Truffle Therapy Age-Defense Serum, $70.00, Skin & Co
By now a well-known skincare brand in the U.S., the french skincare company La Roche Posay offers high-quality products at an appealing price. Their cleansers work well for sensitive skin and cater to a number of different skin types, from dry to oily.
Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser, $17.99, La Roche Posay
For fighting acne and breakouts, the classic French brand Embryolisse offers an anti-blemish serum that helps rebalance the skin by targeting redness and excess oil.
Anti-Blemish Serum, $35.00, Embryolisse.
