It took me time—lots of time—to build a skincare routine perfectly suited to my skin. Finding the right products, understanding what truly works for me, putting together the right combination, the ideal layering… It all requires patience and plenty of trial and error :). But here we are! I think I’ve finally found the perfect balance.
After sharing my summer skincare routine with you last year to tackle my little skin concerns, I believe I’ve finally reached the holy grail: a French skincare routine that works beautifully for me. For the past few months, my skin has been radiant, even-toned, and free of noticeable imperfections. So much so that I often just wear a bit of concealer and blush—no need for foundation anymore! Over the years, I’ve tested countless products, explored different brands, and refined my routine again and again. And today, I want to share with you what truly works for me—my French skincare routine, my go-to products, and the ones I wholeheartedly recommend.
I’m 33, with combination skin prone to redness and occasional breakouts—sensitive, reactive, and not a big fan of the sun. The first fine lines are starting to make an appearance. And to be completely transparent, I’ve never had any cosmetic procedures, botox, or hyaluronic acid injections. I won’t say “never,” but it’s not something I’m considering at the moment. Of course, we may not have the same age or skin type, and what works for me may not necessarily be the perfect fit for you. But I hope this article gives you a clearer idea of how I build my French skincare routine, the brands I love, and perhaps introduces you to a few hidden gems that could suit your skin and beauty concerns.
As always, feel free to share your favorite products and brands in the comments—I love discovering new ones to try! I hope it inspires you to build your own French skincare routine ;).
Skincare Myths I Had to Unlearn
For the longest time, I made the mistake of choosing skincare products based on their sensorial appeal—texture, scent—without really taking the time to analyze their ingredients. That was until I started experiencing some skin issues. So, I decided to wipe the slate clean—not only with the products I had been using but also with all the misconceptions I had about skincare.
For example, I used to think my skin was too sensitive for chemical exfoliants with acids and that exfoliation wasn’t really necessary. I also believed that micellar water alone was enough to remove makeup. That a toner wasn’t an essential step. That active ingredients should only be in serums, not in moisturizers, so there was no real need to invest in a high-quality face cream—a basic one would do. I was also convinced that my skin required only moisturizers specifically formulated for combination or blemish-prone skin, without ever considering that a richer or more soothing formula could actually work wonders for me.
Over time, through research and testing, I dismantled these skincare myths one by one—and my skin has never been better. Now, my skincare routine consists of only a handful of carefully selected products—each one delivering visible results. A minimalist yet highly effective approach, deeply rooted in the French less is more beauty philosophy. I hope this article helps you in some way and that, as you read, you’ll discover a few hidden gems along the way :)!
Independent and unsponsored, this article is written with curiosity and discernment. Some links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, always at no cost to you.
1. The Cleanser That Changed My Routine
I adjust my cleansing routine depending on whether I’ve worn makeup during the day or not. In the morning—and in the evening when I haven’t worn makeup—I reach for Bioderma’s H2O Micellar Water, a cult favorite I’ve been using for over a decade (back when it was still called Créaline—who remembers?). I love how it cleanses my skin without stripping or irritating it, making it perfect for sensitive skin. I use it in the morning to refresh my face before applying my skincare, and in the evening only when I haven’t worn any makeup.
However, when I do wear makeup, I always opt for a double cleanse in the evening. I love Caudalie’s Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil, a beautifully textured oil infused with grape seed, sweet almond, and castor oils—and as a bonus, it smells absolutely divine with its soft almond scent! To complete my cleansing routine, I follow up with Caudalie’s Vinoclean Gentle Foam Cleanser, a soap-free, airy foam with an ultra-gentle cleansing base that purifies my skin without drying it out. This duo is a favorite of mine: effective, sensorial, and reasonably priced.
For a similar approach, I also recommend pairing The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser—a balm-to-oil formula that effortlessly melts away makeup and impurities—with their Glucoside Foaming Cleanser or Cerave’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser for a gentle second cleanse. Two excellent products that deliver great results without breaking the bank ;)!
2. The Toner That Changed Everything
I’ve always used a hydrating toner or rose water as the final step in my cleansing routine—to refresh my skin, give it an extra boost of hydration, and prepare it for my treatments. Then one day, out of curiosity, I decided to try an exfoliating toner just to see if it would make a difference… and I have to say, I wasn’t disappointed!
I first tested Caudalie’s Vinopure Purifying Toner, formulated with natural salicylic acid (non-photosensitizing), organic grape water, and six purifying essential oils. Almost immediately, I noticed my skin looked clearer, my pores appeared smaller, and imperfections seemed less noticeable.
But the real turning point came when I started using SVR’s Sebiaclear Micro-Peel Lotion (a French pharmacy brand) every evening. With lactobionic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, and zinc, this toner completely transformed my skin texture—smoother, fewer blemishes, visibly tighter pores… It completely changed my perception of acid-based exfoliating toners, which I had always assumed—wrongly—would be too harsh for my skin.
However, THE toner that truly revolutionized my routine, the one I credit for so many of the benefits I see today, is Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50W (shop it here if you’re in the UK). I was able to gauge its effectiveness by introducing it into my routine without changing anything else—same creams, same serums… The only difference? This toner. Formulated with a blend of exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, PHA), hydrating agents, purifying and rebalancing actives (niacinamide, vinegar), and botanical extracts with soothing properties, this lotion has completely transformed my skin.
I had known about Biologique Recherche for years. In fact, I had even bought this toner back when I lived in London—at a time when it wasn’t available online and could only be found in select beauty institutes or at Liberty. Back then, acid-based skincare wasn’t as widely used as it is today. But recently, I was reminded of how cult this lotion was, and I decided to give it another try. So, I swapped SVR’s Sebiaclear Micro-Peel for Lotion P50W… and I can confidently say my skin has never looked better.
From the very first uses, my skin felt smoother, firmer, completely clear, with reduced redness, visibly tightened pores, and a brighter, more luminous complexion. It now absorbs and tolerates richer anti-aging creams, deeply hydrating treatments, and nourishing serums far better than before.
I use it 2 to 3 times a week, only in the evening, after cleansing and before my creams, and I don’t include any other exfoliating treatments in my routine (no retinol, acids, or scrubs). I also never expose my skin to the sun and always apply SPF50 sunscreen when I’m outside. If you’re using this lotion, daily sun protection is essential to prevent irritation and hyperpigmentation. And if your skin is sensitive or reactive, it’s best to introduce it gradually into your routine.
3. The Moisturizer That Locks It All In
Lately, there’s one moisturizer I’ve been absolutely loving: Violette_FR’s C’est la Cream. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and hyaluronic acid, but also contains provitamin B5 (soothing), vitamin E, and a stable derivative of vitamin C for a brightening and anti-aging effect. Plus, it’s infused with botanical extracts (mallow, buckwheat, and alpinia) known for their soothing and protective properties. The texture is lightweight yet ultra-hydrating, making it an excellent makeup base—it doesn’t pill, oxidize foundation, or interfere with tinted creams or powders. The finish is non-greasy, and I love how it gives my skin a natural glow, that effortless healthy-skin look.
My Hydration Layering Routine
I apply it over a few spritzes of Boum-Boum Milk, an ultra-hydrating and nourishing spray lotion packed with fermented birch sap, glycerin, squalane, and sunflower oil. I use it almost like a serum since it’s also enriched with antioxidant and soothing botanical extracts (green tea, calendula, olive, spirulina, and horse chestnut).
At Night, I Go for Richer Creams
In the evening, I like using a richer moisturizer, especially after applying Biologique Recherche’s P50W Lotion. Right now, I’m using La Crème by Doré (Garance Doré’s skincare brand, if you’re familiar with it). It delivers deep hydration and rich nourishment, thanks to glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and sunflower oil.
That said, I’d love to find a cream with more anti-aging and antioxidant ingredients, like ceramides, vitamin C, polyphenols, resveratrol, and peptides. After doing some research, here’s a list of moisturizers I’m planning to try over the next few months (and if you’ve already tested any of them, let me know in the comments):
- The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum, paired with Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (which I already have but don’t find nourishing enough for nighttime), mixed with a few drops of 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil.
- Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer, featuring advanced peptides to boost collagen and elastin production for firmer skin.
- Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide, a ceramide-rich night cream with antioxidants, designed to strengthen the skin barrier and combat signs of aging.
- Paula’s Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer, formulated with ceramides, squalane, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, and adenosine, which help stimulate collagen production. I’m especially curious about Paula’s Choice products, as they seem to offer great quality at a reasonable price.
- Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream, enriched with antioxidant-rich plant oils (grape, sesame, olive, shea) and Palmitoyl Grapevine Shoot Extract, as well as magnolia bark extract, both known for their anti-aging and soothing properties.
4. The Treatments That Take It to the Next Level
When it comes to face masks, there are only two that I absolutely love, with spot-on formulations, and that I keep repurchasing year after year:
- Antipodes Aura Manuka Mask – A Manuka honey-based mask, packed with hydrating, antibacterial, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It leaves my skin nourished, soothed, and visibly more radiant. I first discovered it years ago while living in London, during a visit to Whole Foods, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
- Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer – A game-changer I stumbled upon during a trip to Paris last year, and I’ve been obsessed ever since! This mask is all about deep hydration, repairing the skin barrier, and soothing the skin, thanks to a combination of ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and calming botanical extracts. It also works beautifully as an overnight mask, leaving my skin plump and refreshed by morning.
Face Masks on My Wishlist
Here are a few masks I’m eyeing right now and planning to try in the coming months (if you’ve already tested any of them, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!)
- Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask – A deeply hydrating formula designed to restore the skin barrier with a blend of oils, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
- Paula’s Choice Rehydrating Moisture Mask – A mix of emollients, plant oils, antioxidants, and skin-repairing ingredients, perfect for intense hydration, nourishment, and antioxidant protection. Ideal for dry, dehydrated, or mature skin.
My Current Eye Care Routine
For eye creams, there’s really only one I use right now: Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream – A luxurious formula that hydrates, nourishes, and brightens the under-eye area while providing antioxidant protection. I love using it during the day, as its light-reflecting effect instantly brightens my dark circles and gives a refreshed look.
At night, however, I’ve been testing a few different products, and so far, I’m really enjoying these:
- The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum – A lightweight serum that hydrates, brightens, and smooths the under-eye area, thanks to a mix of peptides, niacinamide, caffeine, and antioxidants.
- Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum – A hydrating, soothing, and anti-aging overnight treatment formulated with retinol, ceramides, antioxidants, and botanical extracts.
