Léonce’s Favorite French Skincare Brands & Products

Opening my bathroom cabinet the other day, I noticed something interesting: most of the skincare products I keep reaching for come from just a handful of brands. I guess I’m pretty loyal; when I find something that works wonders for me, I stick with it for years! That’s why you’ll find my beauty cabinet packed with favorites I’ve fallen in love with over the years, ones I keep buying over and over. Plus, some of these products hold a special place in my heart, having been favorites of my grandmother and continuing to be used by my mother.

So, for today’s post, I’m going to switch things up a bit. Instead of listing every French skincare brand I know (and there are a lot!), I thought it would be more interesting to share only those brands to which I’ve remained dedicated, plus the skincare products I truly love and always recommend. I hope you’ll enjoy discovering my top picks as much as I love using them!

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This post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. I only feature products I truly love and personally select. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!

1. Clarins

Clarins holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of my grandparents, who adored the Eau Dynamisante, transporting me back to them with every spritz. My mother, a lifelong Clarins enthusiast now in her mid-60s, swears by their Super Restorative range. What truly stands out to me about Clarins is their thoughtful product range, catering to each age group, ensuring you always find exactly what your skin needs without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the scents of their products are divine yet never overpowering, making every use a lovely and relaxing moment.

Among my favorites are the iconic Double Serum, adaptable for combination skin with its lighter version; the Beauty Flash Balm, a miraculous blend of day cream and primer that instantly brightens my skin; and of course, the Eau Dynamisante, an uplifting fragrance enriched with essential oils.

Currently, my beauty cabinet also houses the Multi-Active Day and Night creams, ideal for those in their thirties like myself, along with the Purifying Toning Face Lotion, Gentle Foaming Cleanser, and Lotus Face Treatment Oil, my go-to solutions for managing combination/oily skin.

2. Caudalie

I’m a big fan of Caudalie, particularly because they cater to every skincare need, from dark spots and aging signs to acne and dryness. Lately, I’ve been dealing with oily skin and acne (more on that in a future post!), and I’ve explored many of their acne-targeting products. If you’re navigating oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, I highly recommend their Vinopure line. The Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum is a must-have; I love its non-photosensitizing formula. Also, the Vinopure Color Correcting Spot Solution does a great job of reducing breakouts. I would say it’s no miracle worker, though, but it’s definitely a better solution than picking at your acne.

Some of my other Caudalie favorites include the Vinotherapist Hand & Nail Cream—easily one of the best hand creams I’ve ever used. The Premier Cru Anti-Aging Eye Cream works wonders, especially under my Chanel concealer. For an instant glow, I turn to the Vinergetic C+ Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask, which brightens my skin in just 10 minutes. And I can’t forget about the Thé des Vignes Fresh Fragrance, an all-time favorite scent.

3. Avène & La Roche-Posay

I love Avène and La Roche-Posay, two iconic French pharmacy brands that share a lot in common. Both are celebrated for incorporating thermal spring water into their products, offering an extensive range tailored to a variety of skin issues like acne, eczema, and aging, all while focusing on sensitive skin types and earning dermatologists’ recommendations. My journey with Avène began in my twenties, thanks to a French dermatologist who suggested the Cleanance Expert Soin Emulsion. Since then, I’ve fallen for many of their products, including the indispensable Avène Thermal Spring Water—which I always have in my bag when I travel or in summer, and the Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for all sorts of skin irritations (from sunburns to cuts and eczema), and the Hydrance Light Hydrating Emulsion, my go-to moisturizer for sensitive skin days.

As for La Roche-Posay, their Effaclar line is cult, especially the Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment and the Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum—both dermatologist-recommended and incredibly effective on my skin. The Anthelios Ultra-Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF60 is another favorite, offering top-notch sun protection in a wonderfully light, matte formula.

4. Sisley Paris

I’m a huge fan of Sisley Paris. Founded in 1976 by Hubert d’Ornano and his wife, Isabelle, Sisley has remained a family-owned company, with their children Philippe and Christine taking the helm. There’s something about Countess Isabelle d’Ornano that deeply resonates with me—perhaps it’s her elegance, reminding me of my own grandmother. I was captivated by the video “A Morning With Isabella d’Ornado,” which showcases her vibrant and artistic flair within her eclectic Parisian home by the Seine.

Sisley Paris’ skincare, makeup, and unique fragrances never disappoint. Despite the premium pricing, I find their products truly worth the investment. Every now and then, treating myself to Sisley’s luxuries, be it their skincare, makeup, or a new fragrance, feels like a special gift to me.

There are staples in their range I return to time and again: the Nutritive Lip Balm is unmatched, the Floral Toning Lotion is my morning ritual for a refreshed complexion, and the combination of the Black Rose Cream Mask with the Eye Contour Mask is my go-to for instant hydration and reducing signs of tiredness, especially after long flights. In makeup, the Phyto-Teint Nude foundation offers a flawless, natural finish, and the L’Orchidée highlighter blush in Corail adds the perfect touch of radiance for that healthy, glowing look.

Et voilà! I hope my recommendations inspire you to enhance your beauty routine with some new skincare finds. Feel free to share your own favorite products in the comments below. Merci!