French skincare brands have always had a certain aura around them. A lot of them are pharmacy-based brands that dermatologists prescribe. If you happen to love your skincare routine, you may have chanced upon these products. If not, I’ve got you covered!
La Roche Posay
The products are based on selenium (a natural antioxidant), which is found in thermal springwater in France (particularly in La Roche Posay). They are aimed at sensitive skin, and address almost all skin concerns. The Effaclar Duo (₹1,350) and the Serozinc Mattifying Mist (₹800) for Oily Skin are great for acne-prone skin. The Toleraine Range is for sensitive skin — Sensiwhite aims at pigmentation and Cicaplast repairs damaged skin. A definite must-have is the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Fluid (SPF 50 PA) which is a good sunscreen if you have oily and sensitive skin. La Roche Posay is available at nykaa.com .
Bioderma
Be it protection from the sun for your hair or for your kids, Bioderma has it all. Their most well-known product is the Bioderma Sensibo H2O (₹945), the perfect make-up remover. Sensibo is essentially water with oil droplets suspended in it, which makes for easy and pain-free removal of waterproof makeup. Then there is ABCDerm for pediactric skincare, AtoDerm for sensitive and dry, eczema-prone skin, Node for hair and scalp, Sebium for oily and blemished skin. Bioderma is available on nykaa.com.
Nuxe
If you’ve heard of Nuxe, chances are that the Reve de Miel Lip Balm is what has caught your attention. But the brand is well-known not just for its lip care but also for its range of products using honey. The Huile Prodigieuse (₹1,430) is a unique dry oil that can be used on your face, body and hair: it also has a shimmering version which looks beautiful on the body. The Crème Fraiche de Beaute (₹2,100) is a facial moisturiser that keeps your skin feeling super soft and hydrated. If your skin is super-sensitive, then the Cleansing Gel Dry Skin Reve De Miel (₹1,600) is what you should opt for. Nuxe Skincare is available on feelinique.com.
Embryolisse
Embryolisse Laboratories was started in the 50’s, when they first created their Lait Crème Concentrate (₹1,508), which is till date their biggest seller and the reason why the brand is so well-known. It’s a staple in most makeup artists’ kits, and people swear by it. As a user, I can vouch for the fact that it is moisturising without being oily. Another bestseller from the brand is Eclat du Regard (₹1,510), a cooling and hydrating cream for tired eyes. Embryolisse Products are available at cultbeauty.com.
Caudalie
An ethical and natural skincare brand, Caudalie means ‘the haunting scent of wine’. It is so named because of its use of grapevine in its products. The Beauty Elixir (₹2,350 for 100 ml), the most talked about product from their range, is a hydrating facial mist which is said to give the skin a boost of vitamins and moisture.
The Divine Oil (₹2,350 for 100 ml) is wonderful on damaged and dry skin. If you happen to love hydrating serums but don’t like the heaviness of oil, the VinoSource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum (₹2,500) is a great lightweight serum, perfect for everyday use. However, if you happen to be sensitive to smell, I would suggest that you sample the products first as they can be very heavily scented. Caudalie is available on cultbeauty.com.
If you do your research, you will always find something for your skin type, whichever part of the world you go to. Unlike makeup, skincare doesn’t differentiate on the basis of undertone or melanin. So give it a go — if your face doesn’t love it, your elbows and knees might!
This column is your fortnightly dose of products, brands and how-tos from the world of beauty
