8 Products Chic French Women Actually Use

Darphin Skin Care

Celine Kaplan, a French publicist in New York, grew up using Darphin. “My mother used it—it’s classic three-step routine adapts to your skin needs after years; my favorite products are the Intral Serum (starts at $88) and the Hydraskin Light Gel Cream ($62),” she says. She also swears by the Darphin SPF 30 sun care, which is not even available in the U.S.

Christophe Robin Hair Products

According to Kaplan, Christophe Robin beauty products, particularly the ones available at his new salon, are seriously trending in France right now. “I wash my hair with the salt scrub by Christophe ($52) for years,” and she finishes with his Instant Volumizing Mist with Rose Water ($39) for an added bounce. She even turns to Christophe Robin for body treatments—her go-to is the Christophe Robin Regenerating Balm ($38), which she uses especially on her feet. “I apply it before going running,” she says.

Le Beau Parfum by Francis Kurkdjian ($163)

To celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the French department store Printemps Haussman, Kurkdjian created this lovely sweet and floral scent. “I am addicted to it,” says Kaplan. “I also spray my clothes inside my luggage before closing it so it smells divine when I open it again.”

Durance Bath Salts ($20)

“French women love baths, this is a ritual that no one has given up,” says Marie-Laure Fournier, a New York beauty publicist who grew up in France. Every time she visits her native country, Fournier stocks up on Durance bath salts. “Linden and Verbena are also two must-haves in our bathrooms.”

Le Petit Savon Marseillais

Marseille has been a major producer of soap for hundreds of years, but in 1668, a French edict was passed that established the rules for manufacturing what could be declared true savon de Marseille. Although centuries have since passed, Le Petit Savon Marseillais continues to adhere to this old-time method for producing such a luxurious product. “So many people have tried to copy it, but no one does it like the original,” says Fournier. “This soap is truly a staple in any French home.”

Talika Face Masks

“French women prefer the natural look, so therefore we are more into preventing than repairing, which is why we are obsessed with masks—any mask,” Fournier says. While her favorite are by Talika, she also loves the Orlane Absolute Skin Recovery Anti-Fatigue Masque ($59).

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse ($29)

This cult dry oil repairs and softens skin and hair, and according to Fournier, this is the one product you see in everyone’s bathrooms today. “I remembered the gold one, everyone was using it on the Riviera. It not only smells delicious, but also feels delicious. You have to remember, French women like sensual products when it comes to their beauty routine, so it needs to feel good, smell good and have long-term results.”

Votre Vu Eyeliner ($23)

As Fournier emphasizes, French women are experts when it comes to their eye makeup. “We love our Brigitte Bardot look at night; eye liner is a milestone in a French woman’s life. I got grounded by my mother when I was stealing hers.” When she was younger, Fournier used Bourjois, but now Votre Vu is her eyeliner top choice.