12 Must-Try French Beauty Products
by TEEN VOGUE
Bonjour, beauté!
In Teen Vogue’s latest issue—if you haven’t gotten your hands on a copy, you’ll want to get on that, stat!—beauty and health director Elaine Welteroth speaks of a full-circle beauty moment. Chloé, the brand behind her mother’s go-to powder, invited her to celebrate the launch of their latest fragrance, Love Story, during Paris Fashion Week. Elaine’s nostalgic review of the scent prompted us to start dreaming of our own French beauty faves and of course, we had to share them with you. Read on to find out what’s on the vanities of editors who know best—no passport required.
Tina Ferraro, Beauty Assistant
"Guerlain Maxi Lash has become a permanent fixture in my makeup bag. I tried it for the first time this past summer and haven’t swapped it out for another one since. It lengthens and adds tons of volume. What more could you ask of a mascara?”
Emily Gaynor, Assistant Beauty Editor
"Every time I ask models what their go-to products are, they always mention Embryolisse. I stocked up on the French staple and now use it all the time. It’s seriously hydrating and you can apply it anywhere. Now I can’t live without it! Does that make me a model?"
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Karen Hibbert, Deputy Art Director
"I use Homeoplasmine cream as a lip balm or salve and it’s great for my dry skin in the winter. I always pick up one of these whenever I’m in Paris."
Drew Elovitz, Social Media Manager
"I cannot travel without Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Spray it on your face after a long flight and you’ll feel like a new person—seriously, it’s worth the splurge (and smells amazing)."
Courtney Lindstrand, Web Producer
This Avène Soothing Moisture Mask is my saving grace when harsh winter temperatures wreak havoc on my skin. It’s so rich, but still manages to sink into my skin, leaving it soft and supple without a flake in sight. I actually like to leave it on overnight as a deep moisture treatment. I also don’t limit its magical effects to just my face—I apply it anywhere that feels particularly parched, and in the morning, my skin thanks me for it.”
Kirby Marzec, Assistant Accessories Editor
"It doesn’t get much better than A.P.C’s Bougie No. 5 Feuille de Figuier Candle. The scent is light and fresh and totally perfect to burn on a lazy morning scrolling through Tumblr or a night in watching Netflix. Actually, it’s pretty much perfect for whenever."
Kaitlin Menza, Senior Features Editor/Online Deputy Editor
"I bet everyone has some history with Chanel No. 5, but I’m partial to the iconic scent because it’s what my impossibly elegant grandmother wears—but only for special occasions. Just a whiff of the fragrance anywhere (even on the subway) reminds me of her, and her romance with my grandfather. He bought her a bottle every single Christmas."
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Wesley Johnson, Freelance Web Graphic Designer
"L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream is hands-down the best hand cream I’ve ever used. I use it obsessively in the winter and never get dry or cracked hands (nor do my hands get slippery when I put it on!). Diptyque’s Philosykos Eau de Toilette is also one of my favorites because it’s super unique and instantly recognizable. It’s fresh without being floral or citrusy, and natural and green without being too earthy. I carry around a travel size to spruce up my classic base scents throughout the day."
Esther Adams Achara, Fashion News Director
"The French just get beauty. I use a lot of French products because they smell amazing and are usually without all the parabens and chemicals that can be loaded up in other brands. Some favorites are: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, Mango Butter Shampoo, and Leave-in Cream with Mango Butter.”
Lyndsay Green, Online Beauty Editor
"A former editor of mine introduced me to Le Couvent Des Minimes Smile Lip Balm in Honeyas her midnight snack and I quickly learned why. The stuff literally tastes like a packet of honey and has equally nourishing products. For a girl that carries packets of honey in her purse—you know, just in case—this little luxury was practically made for me."
Dan Koday, Digital Director
"I tried everything—literally everything—for my dandruff before I was introduced to this product by my boyfriend (who happens to be French!). You can use it more intensely (read: daily) until dandruff is eradicated and then move to weekly use for maintenance. I’ve even noticed that it’s not harmful to my color-treated hair.”
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4 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Facial
10 Quick Ways to Pump Up Your Ponytail
Katy Perry’s Best Hair Moments
photos: Courtesy of vendors
