With summer holidays just around the corner, shopping list preparation is in full swing, especially for those traveling to the trendsetting continent of Europe. While most people associate Europe with the best of fashion, a highly underrated shopping experience is that of the local Pharmacy beauty shopping. French pharmacy products are known for their high-quality and effective results and formulations. A “Pharmacy” with all of its spelling variations according to which part of Europe you’re in, looks like any other medical store on the exterior but the inside is a treasure trove of beauty and skincare products. You can find a variety of popular brands that have originated from Europe, whether it’s Eucerin from Germany, La Roche Posay from France, Elemis from the United Kingdom, or ISDIN from Spain, the list is endless.
Pharmacy beauty brands offer a variety of skincare, hair care, and cosmetic products that are safe and show results. While some of these brands are available in India, they lack the immediate availability after launch, range of products, price point, and discounts that can only be found in Europe. My years of experience shopping in European pharmacies have led me to discover a variety of underrated brands that are a staple in my skincare routine, today. Many people have the uninformed opinion that pharmacies in Europe are cheaply priced, when in fact the products sold have a wide price point.
PHARMACY VS BEAUTY STORES
A common question that comes to mind is what differentiates a pharmacy or pharmacy brands from an average beauty store. Firstly, beauty stores like Sephora, Douglas and Ulta Beauty are chains that house various perfumes, makeup, skincare, haircare, beauty appliances and products—many of which are brands from across the globe and these beauty stores tend to sell a larger proportion of cosmetics and makeup as compared to the rest.
On the other hand, a pharmacy or pharmacy brands usually isn’t a name chain and is uniform and homogenous—true to its name it also sells medicines, medical tools etc. In terms of the beauty products it has to offer, there is a mix of well-known and underrated brands that lay an emphasis on the formulation and tackle specific concerns. The products available here are from brands that are from the region and from the country—seldom will you find products that do not originate from Europe. At pharmacies, there’s a wider variety of skincare, body care and haircare products with a potent formulation as compared to makeup products and perfumes.
ADD THESE TO YOUR SHOPPING CHECKLIST
In my opinion, the more residential and upmarket the area, the larger the variety of quality products sold and the more touristy the area, the product range is essential and basic. The rationale behind this is that the upmarket residential areas have a higher demand for beauty products from the residents all year round. From my own personal experience shopping in London, the collection at the Boots pharmacy at Piccadilly Circus left much to be desired when compared to the extensive collection at Boots Chelsea or Knightsbridge. The same was reiterated during my travels to Barcelona, where the bustling La Ramblas pharmacies were small in size and collection while the posh localities of Eixample and Passeig De Gracia had one of the best collections of beauty products.
Here are some product recommendations that I have split into 2 categories—products which I use and recommend and products that are on my shopping list this year.
TRIED & TESTED PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Pharmacy Brands
- Soi Vre Cosmetics Flash Roll On- Bolsas Y Ojeras
A Vitamin C-based eye roll-on that instantly depuffs, cools, and brightens the under-eye area. One of my non-negotiable travel essentials.
- Caudalie Beauty Elixir Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist
A hydrating and glow-inducing spray that doubles as a remarkable primer. It seamlessly gets absorbed into the skin within seconds thus it is a summer must-have.
- Decubal Dry Scalp Treatment
A Nordic brand that is relatively difficult to find even in pharmacies, if you find Decubal don’t let this product slip away especially for people who have dandruff and a flaky scalp seasonally and not out of any condition, this product soothes the scalp and works wonders.
- Eucerin 10% Urea Lotion
A fuss-free hydrating lotion that will keep you hydrated throughout India’s moderate winters and has no rash-inducing ingredients like fragrance.
- Klorane Detox Dry Shampoo with Organic Aquatic Mint for all hair types
An organic dry shampoo that does not clog the hair follicle and instead reduces the existing oils present.
PRODUCTS ON MY WISHLIST:
Pharmacy beauty products
- ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50
This sunscreen is ultra-light in texture with immediate absorption.
- Avène Hydrance RICH Hydrating Cream
A cream charged with Avène’s thermal spring water that moisturizes for 24 hours.
- La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum
This serum helps achieve and sustain a natural glow that permeates from within the skin.
- ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
A nourishing balm that easily removes makeup as a cleansing oil and hydrates as a cleansing milk.
- Nuxe Prodigious Oil
A multi-purpose dry oil for the hair, body, and face that penetrates deep into the skin to get rid of dryness.
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