The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps
Are you heading to Bangkok to shop? Or shopping elsewhere in Thailand? Regardless, most goods and services in Thailand have a 7% Value Added Tax (VAT). I will share how you can save some money by getting a VAT tax refund in Bangkok or Thailand …
Paris is the world’s fashion capital. Many are also familiar with major French fashion brands, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. So clothes, accessories, bags, and even vintage clothes are some of the things to buy in Paris. Of course, there are other things …
The French beauty routine. The French women’s natural beauty. You have heard about them and want to age gracefully too. Is the transforming magic in French skincare products? Since you are in France, it’s your chance to find out if these products do wonders for your face (at a lower price tag). Search out these beauty products in French Pharmacies
Moreover, if you love to scour through Japan’s drugstores for beauty products, you can find a similar experience at these pharmacies. However, it is harder to spot these pharmacies with beauty products in France than the drugstores in Japan. So do your research and plan your route in advance!
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There are many pharmacies in France, easily spotted with their neon green crosses sticking out to illuminate the streets. I went on a wild goose search for La Roche-Posay and Clarins, only to find out that not all pharmacies carry beauty products.
There is the traditional “pharmacie” where people get medical advice and prescriptions and even take ART tests. Then there is the “para-pharmacie” where you find dermatology products to help one maintain healthy skin. So this is the pharmacy to go to if your purpose is to score some affordable beauty products. Apparently, most Parisians head here instead of beauty counters for the wide range of brands, prices and advice from well-trained pharmacists.
Citypharma and Pharmacie Monge are the two big para-pharmacies to check out. An article on myfrenchlife.org has good information on these two shops. Other shops/pharmacies to buy French beauty products include Galeries Lafayette, Pharmacie des Archives, and Grande Pharmacie Bailly (not the one in 16th arrondissement).
The one I went to and had good buys is Citypharma near Saint Germain des Près metro.
Pharmacy Monge Notre Dame is smaller and less crowded than Citypharma but has longer opening hours on the days it is opened. Apparently, it’s popular among Koreans because of a blogger’s recommendation.
Pharmacies might overwhelm you with its myraid of brands and crowd. Hence, it’s best to go in knowing what you want. Do you your research in advance instead of googling them at the shop.
To help you kickstart the process, read on for the list and introduction of the more popular brands of beauty products in French Pharmacies, such as Caudalie, La Roch-Posay, and Avène. Most of the brands are surprisingly also available in Singapore’s pharmacies – Guardian and Watsons. I only knew that about La Roch-Posay and Avène because of their prominent presence on the shelves.
Also to help you navigate through the French descriptions, you can refer to this sheet of common skincare vocabulary from insidr.co — English and Mandarin.
Avène thermal spring water comes from the Sainte-Odile Spring, South of France. By 1847, this water is known for its soothing properties to treat skin concerns. It is thus declared by the French government to be a “public benefit” and the French Healthcare System reimbursed Avène Hydrotherapy Center. In 1966, this center was purchased by Pierre Fabre Laboratories, the second largest private pharmaceutical company in France today. (Source: www.aveneusa.com/history)
Avène Thermal Spring Water then became the key natural ingredient in the products of Avène (Singapore).
Popular Product: Thermal Spring Water Spray
Bioderma Laboratories, according to Wikipedia, is a privately owned French pharmaceutical company that specialises in medication for dermatological and hair or scalp conditions among others. It is founded in 1977, in Aix en Provence (France) where its headquarters still resides.
Popular Product: Micellar water
Caudalie was founded in 1995 by Mathilde Thomas. It is a cult brand known for using vinotherapy techniques in its skincare products. Wikipedia describes Vinotherapy as a beauty therapy process where the residue of wine making (the pips and pulp) are rubbed into the skin. The pulp is claimed to have exfoliating qualities and reduce signs of ageing.
Popular Products: Vinoperfect Serum, Beauty Elixir (Face Mist)
Embryolisse was founded in 1950 by a dermatologist in Saint Louis hospital, Paris. They use natural ingredients in their products — shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera and soy proteins, expertly extracted from organic flora and fauna. Lait-Crème Concentré can be used as a daily moisturiser for face and body, make up primer or make up remover, or aftershave to soothe irritated skin. Good for all skin types and the whole family – man, woman, and children.
For those in Singapore, you can sign up for a trial kit.
Popular Product: Lait-Crème Concentré (all-purpose cream)
Klorane was created in 1965 by the founder’s passion for plants and his belief in their health and beauty benefits. Later in 1971, Klorane developed the first dry shampoo on the market and it has since been a popular product. It was intended for new mothers who just gave birth.
Popular Product: Dry Shampoo
La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique is founded in 1975 to develop skincare products using thermal spring water from the town of La Roche-Posay. Later the company is acquired by L’Oréal in 2018.
Back in 2006, the company revolutionized the sunscreen market with Mexoryl SX™, the only sun filter in a sunscreen formula to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Two years later, the company combined sun filters with antioxidants which protect the skin from free radicals caused by the sun and known to accelerate skin aging.
A beautician recommended me La Roch Posay products, specifically the serums, for my dry skin. It’s quite an affordable range especially when there are discounts in Guardian and Watsons. So when I found out it’s a French brand, I searched for it in Paris, along with Clarins.
I was excited to see the racks of La Roche-Posay products at CityPharma, especially when the serums sold at the the pharmacy are so much cheaper than those in Singapore. I also bought sunscreens and Eau Thermal spray for myself and the girls. Yeap, the spray is children-friendly. Perhaps I should try its strong competitor, Avène, the next time.
Popular Product: Thermal Spring Water Spray, Serums and Sunscreen
Nuxe is a French brand founded by Aliza Jabès and a pioneer in natural-origin cosmetology. Each skincare product is formulated and manufactured in France to meet pharmaceutical quality requirements. Its popular Huile Prodigieuse® is a botanical oil that can nourish and repair the face, body and hair in a single step. It’s lightly fragranced too. Other than Watsons, you can find it at Tangs Singapore too.
Popular Product: Huile Prodigieuse
Vichy Laboratoires was founded in 1931 by Dr Haller, the first medical practitioner to make the link between health and beauty, laying the foundations of French dermo-cosmetics. The brand is currently owned by L’Oréal. Vichy Mineralizing Water is from the preserved region of Auvergne volcanoes in France, and is the key ingredient in Vichy skincare products.
Popular Product: Daily hyaluronic acid serum
I prefer buying brands I can find in Singapore, so if I like them, I can continue using them. Of course with the world as a shopping mall, you can probably get them online too. So if you like to try products that’s hard to find in Singapore, here are a few suggestions: Biotherm, Darphin, Payot and Filorga.
There’s one particular product that came up quite often in my research for this post, and I believe it’s worth a buy in France: Biafine Emulsion tube cream (93g/186g) .
The cream heals burns, sunburns, cuts, abrasions and even mosquito bites! It can also soothe irritated skin, just not to be used every day as a moisturiser. I’ve read that this tube is a pharmacy staple for many French households and rumoured to heal the skin in half the time. The big tube is about €5 in a French pharmacy, while highly marked up elsewhere in the world.
This French Skincare brand was founded by Jacques Courtin-Clarins in Paris during the 1950s. In 1968, Clarins was the first brand to begin selling 100% pure plant extracts, like its Tonic Body Treatment Oil, in perfume stores. More of Clarins history on their website.
I first tried Clarins products during my first pregnancy. I like putting their Tonic Body Treatment Oil on my pregnant body but I am not sure how effective it is though. It just made me feel good. Thereafter, I tried other products of Clarins. I love their sunscreen that comes with a pink tint. It doubles up as a foundation and made my face glow during my run-errands-without-make-up days. Another product I was on the lookout for is Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser. Nice smell, though slightly drying. Based on online reviews, this is either a hit or a miss.
Btw, this is not a paid review!
I’m trying to convince you to purchase a Clarins product or two since you are in the brand’s homeland, Paris. Like how I bought Hydra-Essentiel Cream to try because of a good deal in Paris. I like it, although some may find it thick.
However, be sure to compare the product prices with Clarins Singapore. Surprisingly, prices in France are not necessarily cheaper than the promotional prices of Clarins Singapore. Perhaps, there weren’t any good deals when I was in Paris. Of course, if the prices are comparable, a tax refund will make the buys in France more enticing.
I searched all around Paris, even pharmacies, and finally found “discounted” Clarins at Nocibé. It is a chain shop which carries big perfume and cosmetic brands. Otherwise, you can visit Clarin’s outlet shop at La Vallee Village (near Disney and our Airbnb). Or look out for seasonal promotions in Clarins boutiques found at shopping malls and the airport.
My hubby retraced his steps back to Citypharma after I realised we could get a tax refund and needed to process it at the shop on the same day. So remember to fill up the tax refund form before you leave the shop. And bring your passport out on shopping days!
Who is eligible for Tax-Free Shopping?
What should you do to get a tax refund?
For more information: www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/eligibility-vat-refunds-pablo and www.globalblue.com/tax-free-shopping/france/#refund-points
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Disclaimer: JoogoStyle and Christina accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any use, misuse, inaccuracy or omission of the information or other contents published on this website.
Our trip to Phuket was planned to be a relaxing one, one that doubled up as a birthday trip for Grace. So it was–we mainly hung around, used the facilities and swam at Avani+ Maikhao and its sister resorts. The two girls are water babies …
Paris was okay, my friend said, I like (insert another European country) better. Other lukewarm responses came from family and friends who had visited Paris. We heard things about the French people too, especially their attitude towards the Chinese race. According to a friend who …
Family and friends generously dish out tips on being safe in Paris, such as how to spot suspicious characters, or how to guard our belongings against pickpockets. Over the years, I have also heard a fair share of horror stories about Europe.
So before a trip to France, it’s always good to read up and be aware of the tactics of pickpocketers and scammers. Read on for some good tips or jump to the section you prefer:
As the Chinese saying goes, 知己知彼 百战不殆 (translated as “Know yourself and your enemy, and you will win every war.”). Here are some articles for you to understand the tactics of the “enemies”: pilotplans.com/blog/is-paris-safe, fr.usembassy.gov, www.tripsavvy.com, bonjourparis.com.
I’ve summarised some of the travel tips from the articles. Though the list below is not comprehensive, it will help to make your trip to France safer and more enjoyable.
If you have unfortunately become a victim of crime,
I was always looking behind my back. “Stay close to me”, I kept telling Grace. The many warnings and safety tips about Paris had made me hyper-vigilant. In contrast, we were more relaxed when we went to Belgium previously with two-year-old Grace. We were nonchalant about the city being famous for pickpockets, but thank God nothing happened to us. Perhaps ignorance is bliss because this time I was on such high alert that Grace picked up my fear. She felt Paris was a dangerous place filled with many bad guys. Oops, my bad.
My takeaway, be cautious, but don’t be too focused on the “enemies” that you take the joy out of your holiday. Enjoy the beauty of the city and not the potential ugliness of it.
“Hello, miss”, I turned to the voice and jolted. A face was at a palm’s length distance from mine. The man was of a medium build, with ruffled hair and rugged clothes. We were surrounded by train passengers making their way to the platform, yet I felt unsafe. A red alert flashed in my mind, “So fast?! We just arrived in Paris and– what does he want?” Alone with my two girls, I was attempting to carry a small rolling suitcase up the stairs and follow my husband who was lugging up our heavy luggage.
“Do you need help with the luggage?” he asked and I heaved a slight relief inside of me. I thought he had wanted something from me. I had mistaken a kind man for wanting to help. Then again, in hindsight, I was not sure if it was genuine help, or if it was a distraction attempt to pickpocket. I hate to doubt but it’s hard not to with all that I’ve heard about Paris.
Another time, I was standing alone with the girls on the streets. We were waiting for my hubby. “Excuse me,” a couple who looked like tourists approached us for directions. “Yes? I am not sure where it is, sorry,” I replied and turned to walk away with my girls.
I took being able to blend in like a local as a compliment and was basking in joy when suddenly it dawned on me. That could have been a distraction and an attempt to pickpocket. I suspected even though there was no one else besides us and the couple. Now you see, I became highly suspicious of strangers in Paris talking to me.
On another occasion, I was alone with Grace and the sky had turned dark. We went ahead of hubby and Joy because we had wanted to take photos with the Centre Pompidou lighted up in red. Taking it from different angles, we somehow ended up in a shadowy corner of a tree. It was not a deserted corner, but one beside a pavement of pedestrians and with shops lining the side. An unkempt man walked towards us, staggering occasionally, muttering something. I couldn’t hear and didn’t want to know. I grabbed Grace’s hands and whisked us away from him.
The above three incidents happened when I was alone with my children, but nothing really quite happen to my hubby in Paris. So if you are a lady (with or without children), be cautious!
Somehow it’s amazing to see characters mentioned in stories and warnings coming to life in our travels. They are real. We were approached by people to do surveys. Ignore them, someone had cautioned me, or tell them you don’t know how to speak English. We saw them near major attractions such as Arc de Triomphe.
Be careful of the Gypsy mother and her children. This warning flashed in my mind when we crossed paths with this exact combination in Strasbourg (France). A woman was sitting at the side of the road and two young children squatted in front of her and blocked our view on what was on the floor — were they counting money in a bowl, or playing with something else?
We were walking toward them and wanted to see what they were doing. We got close enough and right before we could glance at what was on the floor, the two children jumped and ran away from the lady right before us. It caught us by surprise, and all of us stopped in our tracks. Naturally, we would watch on with curiosity and let our guards. My children were especially curious and easily distracted too.
Good thing, a warning of such an incident came to mind and I, firmly or rather fiercely, shouted at my children in Mandarin to move on and keep walking. My shout scared my children and the other two children. I did that on purpose to throw any pickpockets off guard with my unexpected response. The timing of the children running away felt so calculated. So I rather look like a crazy mother and be safe than sorry.
A police officer patrolling the platform of Châtelet station came to us and said, “Excuse me, tourists? Keep your belongings in your pocket, there are many pickpockets in this station.” Ironic though, shouldn’t I then not put them in my pockets? We walked away and I thought of how much we stood out as tourists that a police officer had to approach us.
A day later, I was back at the same station (Châtelet) by myself. I alighted the train with the crowd and noticed this group of tall guys standing in the middle of the platform and blocking the way. I walked past them and climbed the stairs behind this elderly man with his cabin luggage. Another man caught up with him and walked near like they knew each other, father and son perhaps. The son looked like he wanted to talk to his father, but soon he turned around and signalled “nothing” to someone far behind him. He continued his way and walk ahead of the elderly man.
Did I just witness a pickpocketing attempt? Did I see his hand near the elderly man’s pocket? Did it go in? Was he signalling to that group of tall guys at the bottom of the stairs? Then I remembered that this was the station that the police officer warned us about. Good thing I was cautious and had my hands in my coat’s pocket, holding on to my handphone.
Although there were brushes with suspicious characters, thank God we didn’t lose anything or were hurt in any way during our trip to France, especially in the extremely crowded Christmas market at Strasbourg. Phew!
Looking for more tips on travel, home, and baby? Subscribe to my mailing list and be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube! If you like what you read here, keep it going with a small support too. :)
Disclaimer: JoogoStyle and Christina accept no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any use, misuse, inaccuracy or omission of the information or other contents published on this website.
“What’s your favourite food in Paris?” I asked the family. My husband and I voted Falafelat L’As du Fallafel unanimously. The runner-up for me is the burger we had at Alfred (Chessy Val D’Europe), it’s good, but we can find such quality in Singapore too. …
A year after my Review of Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa (Family Staycation), here’s the post on the yummy food we ate during our staycation. I forgot to follow up until a friend’s request, so here goes! Hope it gives you some ideas on …