September, the season of la rentrée, has always carried a certain air of renewal. For some, it’s a moment to begin again; for others, a chance to set new intentions or simply invite a touch of freshness into the everyday. After reflecting on the French art of reimagining a wardrobe, I wanted to turn to something more tangible: the products currently shaping my routine. Each one tested, trusted, and genuinely used; a curated selection of skincare, makeup, and haircare, distilled to only what feels essential and exceptional.
Consider it a small méli-mélo (one of my favorite French words) of treasures for the season ahead. Perfumes, however, I’ve kept aside, they deserve a piece of their own. And given how often you’ve been searching for autumn fragrances on the site, I promise those discoveries are coming soon. Until then, I hope this edit offers inspiration, perhaps even the delight of an unexpected find. And, as always, I’d love to know the products you hold dear, I’m forever curious to discover what others consider indispensable.
This article includes items kindly gifted by AIME and Dieux, and select links include compensation from Christophe Robin. It is not a sponsored article, and the receipt of a gift never guarantees a feature. The writing and selections remain entirely my own; guided by independence, curiosity, and discernment. Some links are affiliate, meaning I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, always at no cost to you.
Skincare
Purito Seoul From Green Cleansing Oil — A cleansing oil I return to with pleasure. Its formula blends only nourishing natural oils: olive, sunflower, jojoba, sweet almond, and grape. The texture is slightly thicker than most, which makes it a joy to use. It melts away makeup without ever leaving the skin dry.
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser — My favorite daily cleanser: creamy, gentle, and never stripping. I use it in the evening after my cleansing oil, and often again in the morning. In a similar spirit, I can also recommend Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Foam Cleanser.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50W — I’ve just ordered my second bottle of this exfoliating lotion. It is the only exfoliant in my routine, one that suits my combination, sensitive skin perfectly.
Round Lab Mugwort Calming Toner — A soothing, antioxidant-rich toner, with mugwort extract and madecassoside. I reach for it every morning, and in the evening whenever I skip Lotion P50W. Since using it, redness has become a rare occurrence.
Violette_FR Boum Boum Milk — By now, this product hardly needs an introduction. I think of it as more of an essence, layered after cleansing and toner. Rich in plant actives and antioxidants, it hydrates, soothes, and quietly strengthens the skin barrier.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence — My second favorite essence: a richer, reparative emulsion compared to Boum Boum Milk. I use it in the evening after Lotion P50W. With ceramides, cholesterol, and phytosphingosine, it feels like a complete barrier treatment.
Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Cream — My day cream of the moment, enriched with Centella Asiatica, Ceramide NP, and Squalane. With the Mugwort toner, it makes a calming duo I recommend for sensitive, redness-prone skin.
Dieux Air Angel Gel Cream — The cream I reached for every day this summer. A modern formula of lipids, ceramides, peptides, and antioxidants, designed for hydration, barrier support, and first signs of aging. It leaves skin luminous and balanced. For drier or more mature skin, their Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Cream is a richer alternative (too heavy for me, but beautifully made).
Benton Ceramide Cream 10000ppm — A slightly richer cream I use at night, after either an exfoliating or hydrating toner. In the evening I always look for ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, to quietly strengthen the barrier. With this one, mornings arrive with no shine, no breakouts, only calm skin.
Aime The Daily SPF — A sunscreen I love for its texture, closer to a day cream than a traditional SPF. With niacinamide, repairing enzymes, and probiotic ferments, it protects while caring for the barrier and addressing dark spots. I wore it all summer, on holiday and now each day in Amsterdam when the sun appears. I apply it as the final step before makeup. A more affordable alternative is Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh from Beauty of Joseon; a hybrid, skincare-forward formula that hydrates, protects, and repairs in equal measure.
Body
L’Occitane Citrus Verbena Roll-On Deodorant — I first discovered this deodorant (free of aluminum salts, alcohol, and parabens) during my recent holidays in Greece. I love picking up new beauty finds at duty-free, small indulgences that often become lasting favorites. The fragrance is beautifully balanced, and for someone like me who tends to perspire easily, it delivers on every promise.
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil — The almond range at L’Occitane has long been a favorite, but this shower oil feels especially indulgent. Each use is a quiet pleasure, a moment of comfort. It doesn’t lather quite like a classic shower gel, but perhaps that’s part of its charm.
Nuxe Rêve de Miel Face and Body Ultra-Rich Cleansing Gel — This cleansing gel is a revelation: it cleanses thoroughly without drying, while its honeyed fragrance transforms a simple shower into a small ritual. I first discovered it in a Parisian hotel during a short stay, and it has remained in my routine ever since.
Makeup
Merit The Minimalist — My current favorite complexion product. I keep two shades on hand (Bisque and Ecru) and blend them to match my skin tone. The finish is soft and matte, slightly blurring yet imperceptible, leaving the complexion even and natural. It melts seamlessly into the skin, layering beautifully over every day cream I’ve tried, and applies just as well with fingers as with a brush. A truly elegant base product I wholeheartedly recommend.
RMS UnCoverup Concealer — I love this concealer in shade 11.5, with just a hint of peach to counteract the blue of under-eye circles. I apply it generously with my fingers, letting it set while I work on my base with The Minimalist. Afterwards, I gently tap away the excess with my fingertips. The result is natural and luminous, never drying; instead, it feels nourishing, with its rich, emollient texture.
RMS Lip2Cheek in Spell — My favorite blush shade; a beautiful dusty rose that, I find, suits my complexion perfectly (fair with yellow undertones). It brightens the face with a natural, fresh glow, never overpowering, always refined.
AIME Mascara Lash Care Tubing Mascara — The mascara I’ve reached for ever since I discovered it a few years ago. Effortless to apply, it gives a natural effect, never smudges, and removes in seconds with warm water, which means less stress on lashes. Simple, elegant, reliable.
Haircare
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt — A product I’ve loved for years. I use it once a week to deeply cleanse my scalp and hair, removing oil and product build-up that can weigh strands down. It purifies without drying, leaving roots lifted and luminous, with volume that lasts for days. I pair it with the Regenerating Mask with Prickly Pear Oil, which I leave on the lengths and ends for ten minutes to nourish and detangle.
Leonor Greyl Shampooing au Miel — My current favorite shampoo. A small amount lathers beautifully, cleansing the hair gently yet thoroughly. Its formulation respects both fiber and scalp, and it’s the only shampoo I’ve found I can use regularly with consistently beautiful results: volume, lightness, and, most importantly, longer intervals between washes.
L’Huile de Leonor Greyl — A purchase from last year that I still treasure. The scent alone is divine, but I also love its versatility. I use it as a pre-shampoo mask on the lengths (leaving it on for at least 30 minutes), or applied every few days to dry ends as a finishing touch of nourishment.
Rahua Hydration Detangler and UV Barrier — A recent addition to my routine and a welcome one. Applied to damp hair, it hydrates, nourishes, and helps detangle, protecting strands from breakage. A simple step, yet one that makes a noticeable difference.
