Paris is meant to be wandered. That said, there’s no harm in having a handful of destinations in mind—especially if those purposeful pauses to channel your best French girl beauty at some through some shopping. The City of Light is associated with easy chic, a come-as-you-are approach to style and beauty that inspires envy and attempts at recreation around the world. As Paris Fashion Week begins, we suggest channeling the city’s je ne sais quoi through attention to detail, a less-is-more-approach to glamour, and a shared commitment to tracking down the city’s most swoon-worthy beauty products.
Here, seven of the best beauty stores in Paris to help translate your routine to one worthy of the mythic French girl.
Natural beauty zealots are encouraged to head straight to Aroma Zone. The store features a collection of in-the-raw options, ideal for those who prefer to DIY hair and skin products or make use of minimalist ingredients. A selection of vegan, organic, and plant-based products are available in recycled and recyclable packaging at reasonable prices, making the store a worthwhile addition to your Parisian beauty spree.
Le Bon Marché’s historic (its the oldest department store on the Left Bank) and designer (it’s owned by LVMH) statuses combine to guarantee an elevated experience that extends to the beauty department. The luxury retailer showcases beauty brands big and small—plus, a stop-off there is basically the same as scheduling a tour of a cultural site.
This must-visit pharmacy may be located in a mall, but it’s well worth the detour from your idealized Parisian aesthetic. The retailer stocks cultish products alongside coveted and lesser-know brands at affordable prices. Stock up on Avène, La Roche-Posay, Nuxe, Ialuset, and more.
Founded by Anne-Marie Mendy in 2009, Colorful Black specialized serving the Black and mixed-race communities, with their offerings ranging from complexion to texture. In addition to well-loved U.S. brands, you’ll find selection of French brands like Les Secrets de Loly, Kalia Nature, and more. Along with quality products designed with inclusion in mind, Colorful Black’s team is available to chat and advise. “Because what would be the need of selling a full routine if our customers do not know how to use it?” says Mendy.
In 2021, La Samaritaine opened the doors to the largest retail beauty space in Europe, one the constitutes the entire basement level of the beloved store. The reimagined retailer (another gem in LVMH’s crown) featured beauty and wellness section spans 3,400 square meters—nearly an acre of product—along with sections devoted to sustainable beauty, K-beauty products, and more.
It’s common knowledge that Parisian pharmacies are beauty goldmines, and among the most well-known is CityPharma. The status comes from its discounted price points and impressively enormous selection. To assuage any feelings of overwhelm, do some research ahead of time and show up with a list, one that includes the likes of Embryolisse, Caudalie, and Klorane.
For clean beauty that retains the luxe qualities one desires from a product purchased in Paris, visit Oh My Cream! The French retailer houses a number of well-known brands (think Violette_Fr, Herbivore, and Tata Harper) alongside its own line of skincare products. And with 22 brick and mortar spaces and a recent foray into the UK, it’s safe to say that Oh My Cream! has all of the necessary ingredients for an idyllic shopping experience.