What is it about French pharmacies? Well, there's just something more appealing about a shop that's stocked with creams, oils and lipsticks, in beautiful clean, crisp packaging with words such as 'nourrissant' and 'naturel' written on them. Then there's the not-so-small matter of the products themselves.
The French have been making brilliant skin and haircare products for decades and although best-selling brands such as Eau Thermale Avene sound glamorous, there's more to them than just the name. The history, technique and ingredients used in Avene's skincare range makes it one of the most loved in France and the UK.
As well as producing effective beauty products, more often than not, they are also very reasonably priced. A day cream made especially for spot-prone skin, for under £15? You'll find it at La Roche Posay. The secret to glossy hair? Phyto has got a mask for every type of tresses, and they won't cost you a small fortune.
So - still yet to discover these brands? Here's where to buy them, along with a few more French pharmacy favourites (that you can shop for without trekking it across the Channel):