The 11 Best French Beauty Staples to Stock Up on in Paris

After a year and a half of lockdown, Paris is finally opening back up to travelers from the U.S. as of June 9. And if you're anything like us, you're probably already planning your future trip to the sorely missed City of Lights. When the time comes, packing for Paris means leaving room in your suitcase. After all, the city’s legendary pharmacies and perfumeries beckon. And who better to recommend the best beauty products to stock up on while there than the Vogue staffers who have made the trip several times before? One colleague waxes on about a natural, floral-scented deodorant that can withstand a fluke heat wave; another raves about a miracle, anti-frizz blowdry balm that extends a smooth look for longer. That’s not even counting the personal discoveries to be made, which on my visit, in 2016, included a sulfate-free shampoo by the texture-friendly line Hapsatou Sy; the mineral-rich tonic Plasmarine; and a box of immune-boosting Influ-Zinc lozenges so chic (blush pink, gold foil) I couldn’t bear to open it, never mind my cold.

Here, 11 Vogue staffers offer up their Parisian beauty favorites, from an ace hangover cure to bar soaps so exquisite, they might just inspire a voyage of your own.

Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches

“In my obsession with French pharmacies, I stumbled upon these eye patches several years ago. They help sleep deprived tired eyes.” –Virginia Smith, global head of fashion network

Nuxe Paris Après Soleil

“Nuxe Après-Soleil! I bought it on a whim last time I was in Paris and have since been asking every friend who visits to bring me back some. Unfortunately, it seems most pharmacies stock it only in the spring and summer months. I use it after a day at the beach and am convinced that it helps prolong my tan. And just like Nuxe’s Huile Prodigieuse (which is available in the U.S.), it smells incredible.” –Zoe Ruffner, contributing writer

Sylvain le Hain Barrette 077

“Genuine made-in-France barrettes. My hair is as thick as a horse’s mane, and it’s next to impossible to find clips that really hold. You can’t go wrong with the classic tortoise style.” –Laird Borrelli-Persson, archive editor

Klorane Shampoo With Chamomile

“Klorane dry shampoo. It’s so much cheaper there! And in the summer, Klorane’s chamomile shampoo because it helps bring out sun streaks—the lazy man’s highlights. And Mixa hand cream: It’s just a cheap drugstore brand, but I love it and it’s hard to find hand cream that is rich but not greasy, gooey.” –Chloe Malle, contributing editor

Phytodefrisant Anti-Frizz Blow-Dry Balm

“There is really nothing on the market that compares to Phyto's anti-frizz blow-dry balm. I picked it up once while with my mother at CityPharma a couple of years ago and remain a devoted fan. I used to schedule at least two (2) keratin treatments a year due to my frizz but this blow-dry balm has eliminated any need for that!” – Carolina Gonzalez, assistant to the editor in chief

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum

“You can get Caudalie's Vinoperfect serum in the United States, but it's about 50% less expensive in Paris—and stocked at Monoprix. I've never experienced a serum quite like it, that could brighten and even out my skin in a matter of days.” –Steff Yotka, senior fashion news editor

Sanoflore Nuage de Fraîcheur Roll-On Deodorant

��I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: no trip to Paris is complete without stocking up on Sanaflore natural, aluminum-free deodorant. As the natural deodorant market heats up, this tried and true mainstay is still a personal favorite. It has a soft floral scent and, most importantly, it works—some very good Intel if you do in fact find yourself in the city of light, a.k.a the city that air conditioning forgot, this summer.” –Celia Ellenberg, beauty director

Le Petit Marseillais Nourishing Chap Stick

“I came for the packaging, but stayed for the actually soothing hydration. Definitely a step-up from a regular chapstick, and now you can buy it on Amazon!” –Jill Weiskopf, VP of communications

Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask

“After letting my roots grow out for way too long, my holy grail colorist, Juliana Ohlmeyer, recently worked her magic on refreshing my dirty blonde locks with golden highlights. To maintain my brightness and neutralize brassiness, she recommended Christophe Robin's Baby Blonde hair mask, and I'm totally hooked. The hydrating purple potion revitalizes my fine hair and simultaneously revamps my color, a double-duty product that will keep my blondeness in check all summer long. Merci beaucoup!” –Eliseé Browchuk, Experiences production and marketing manager

Clarins SOS Primer

“The Clarins SOS Primer is truly a godsend. Not only does it smell divine, but two pea-sized dollops leaves my skin looking smooth and polished. I have worn it every single day for the last two years and I don't see that stopping any time soon!” –Charlotte Diamond, associate fashion editor

Nuxe Paris Huile Prodigieuse

“This lovely body oil by Nuxe is such a treat for my skin. It is an instant hydrator and never feels too heavy, so you can put on clothes immediately after application. I also use a bit on the ends of my hair for sealing in moisture after a hot shower.” –Alexandra Michler, director of fashion initiatives