Before moving to Paris, I had to admit that I never paid too much attention to my skincare routine. While my skin isn’t perfect, I’m lucky to have avoided skin issues like adult acne or psoriasis.
Now that I’m getting older and living in a country renowned for its skincare solutions, I’ve started to follow a French skincare routine that I’m very happy with. Since adhering to this routine, I have fewer breakouts and my skin feels smoother and looks brighter. I hope it helps you figure out what works best for you and your skin!
Morning French Skincare Routine
Let’s start out with my everyday morning French skincare routine here in Paris.
Cleanse
The first step in my morning French skincare routine is to cleanse my face. I usually do this in the shower. I use the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser, which is an amazing French face wash for oily skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser, 13.52oz
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I have super puffy eyes in the morning, so I apply French eye cream to help de-puff them. I currently use the Avène RetrinAL Eyes cream. This cream uses retinaldehyde and hyaluronic acid to reduce dark circles and puffiness. I follow it up with a bit of SPF-moisturizer since retinol does not do well under the sun!
Avène Retrinal EYES Advanced 3-In-1 Eye Cream
Check Price on AmazonSerum
Next, I apply a thin layer of serum all over my face. I have a few different serums that I rotate but I usually use the Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum or the Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum.
VICHY Mineral 89 Booster, Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Skin Barrier Repair, 1.7oz
Check Price on AmazonFacial Moisturizer
Once my serum has dried, I follow up with a French facial moisturizer. I’m currently loving the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré because it also doubles as a makeup primer!
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Face Moisturizer and Makeup Primer, French Face Cream With Shea Butter & Aloe Vera, 2.54 Fl Oz
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I also use a French body lotion after showering as the Parisian water tends to strip my skin of oils, making it super dry. The La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Lotion is an ultra-hydrating lotion from France created for ultra-dry sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+Max Triple Repair Moisturizing Body Cream,13.52oz
Check Price on AmazonEvening French Skincare Routine
My nighttime French skincare routine involves removing the day’s makeup and pollutants and helping it regenerate as much as possible overnight.
Remove Makeup
The first step in my evening French skincare routine is to remove my makeup from the day. I try to do this first thing at night when I come home for the day. I use the Bioderma Sensibio H2O micellar water to do this. It’s great because it removes my makeup while gently cleansing my skin.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover Cleanser Sensitive Skin
Check Price on AmazonToner
Next, I apply toner using a small cotton pad. Toners get rid of any excess makeup on my face that the micellar water didn’t get. The Avène Eau Thermale Gentle Toning Lotion is great for this.
Avène Thermal Spring Water
Check Price on AmazonRetinol
A couple of minutes later, I apply a French retinol cream on my face in three areas: at the crow’s feet of my eyes, in between my eyebrows, and on either side of my lips where my smile creases the skin.
A313 Vitamin A Pommade (Ointment) 200,000 IU – French Dermatological Night Treatment – Rich Occlusive Formula, 50g
Check Price on AmazonRetinol is pretty harsh on the skin and makes it sensitive to sunlight, so use it sparingly and only at night! A313 is a very popular French pharmacy retinol cream.
Night Cream
If I don’t use a retinol cream that night, then I apply a French night cream to keep my face hydrated throughout the night.
Weekly French Skincare Routine
These are skincare steps that I complete less often – every few days or once a week maximum.
Exfoliate
I love exfoliating my face as it feels so smooth afterward. Unfortunately, exfoliating too often can be damaging to the skin, so I only do it once a week or so. I use the La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub or the Embryolisse Exfoliate Cream.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Facial Cleanser, Cream Cleanser & Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin & Acne Prone Skin to Minimize Look of Pores
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I also do a face mask once a week, on Sundays, generally when I have the time to really let it sit on my face during a bath. I love the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask, which tightens pores and leaves my skin without redness.
Caudalie Instant Detox Mask, Pore Minimizing Pink Clay Face Mask - 35 mL
Check Price on AmazonVoila! That’s my French skincare routine since moving to Paris!
