Every time I'm in Paris, I can't help but hotfoot it over to my favorite French pharmacie, City Pharma. (It's at 26 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris, just in case you're headed that way in the near future.) And call me a creature of habit if you must, but I always, always, always have to purchase several of these two items while I'm there. (I even leave room in my suitcase when packing to go over—that's how dedicated I am to this cosmetic cause!):
BioDerma Crealine H20 Ultra-Mild Non-Rinse Face and Eyes Cleanser, $29.50, amazon.com
This is pretty much the absolute best makeup remover I've ever encountered. You can't take two steps backstage during Fashion Week without running into a makeup artist who doesn't have a bottle on the table or a model who doesn't have a backup packed in her day bag.
And while it may seem a bit pricey, trust me when I tell you that it's worth every single penny. Soak one cotton pad through and use both sides to remove every stitch of makeup, including waterproof mascara. It's gentle enough to be used on super-sensitive skin, but it's a great standalone cleanser as well. I even use it to quickly wash my face on weekends or after Spin class. It removes dirt, oil, and sweat just as well as my go-to face wash does; I even used it for 30 days straight last year in place of my daily cleanser!
Homeoplasmine, $28, amazon.com
Another backstage staple, another favorite among beauty insiders the world over. Much like Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream, this multipurpose ointment is great at hydrating winter-weary skin and soothing flaky, chapped lips. Swipe a bit on your pout, heels, and elbows before you go to sleep and prepare to be ah-mazed at how soft they feel come morning.
Have you ever used either of these items before? And tell me, what are some of your favorite French beauty products? Anything I absolutely must pick up when I go back?