CityPharma Paris // The French Skin Care Haul that Saved me $450

When I was in Paris 2 years ago, I wrote a post about my top tips for visiting CityPharma. It included information about how to save the most money, what time to go and what you can expect, and it quickly became one of my most popular articles on this site. As a makeup artist, CityPharma used to be a well kept industry secret. Well, the secret’s out, and the cheapest pharmacy in Paris is packed with tourists (and locals) snatching up the best deals on French skin care.


RELATED POST: 6 TIPS FOR VISITING CITYPHARMA AND HOW TO SAVE THE MOST MONEY WHILE YOU’RE THERE


I recently found myself perusing the crowded aisles of CityPharma once again (and doing a little more $ damage than I intended). I repurchased a few products but I also decided to try some new stuff as well. Keep reading for pics and info about the skin care products I bought, and check out the price comparisons to see how I saved almost $450 by shopping at my favorite French pharmacy in Paris.

Citypharma Haul

AVENE

ANTIROUGEURS CALM SOOTHING REPAIR MASK

CityPharma Price $10.95 | Price in US $34 

I’ve never seen a mask like this but it had my name written all over it. Sometimes my face randomly lights up and my cheeks become bright red.

This mask is said to immediately relieve the warmth, redness and irritation in sensitive skin. It’s also supposed to be good for those who have just undergone laser treatments or other irritating facial procedures.

To learn more about, or to purchase Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Repair Mask Online, click here

TRIXERA NUTRITION NUTRI-FLUID CLEANSER

CityPharma Price $7.99 |  Price in US $29 

Is anyone else annoyed by how expensive face wash is? Even a basic Neutrogena cleanser in the States costs $7 USD for a small bottle. I bought Avene’s Trixera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Cleanser because the bottle is huge and it was only $8 USD.

The cleanser is created for dry skin and it contains Avene’s famous magical Thermal Spring Water. It’s also formulated for sensitive skin.

Update: So… I can’t read French and I thought this was face wash but it is actually body wash?.. haha. I used the entire bottle on my face and honestly, I loved it! It didn’t irritate or dry me out. I was 100% intending on repurchasing it before I figured it out. It also removed my makeup very well. Take from that what you will..

To learn more about, or to purchase Trixera Cleanser online, click here

Avene Frenchy Pharmacy, Citypharma
YSTHEAL ANTI-WRINKLE EMULSION

CityPharma Price $18.49 |  Price in US $42

Avene’s YstheAL Emulsion is a light, fast absorbing moisturizer. I wanted the night creme but I since I can’t read French I guessed, and I guessed wrong. Apparently that was a theme this of this trip.

This product contains Retinaldehyde, an anti-aging ingredient which to boosts cellular activity, G.G.O, an anti-aging lipopeptide that protects skin elastin, Pre-Tocopheryl, a cell antioxidant and of course, Avene’s Thermal Spring Water, for soothing and anti-irritation.

To learn more about, or to purchase Ystheal Anti Wrinkle Emulsion online, click here.

YSTHEAL ANTI-WRINKLE CONCENTRATE

CityPharma Price $25.89 |  Not Available in the US 

A highly concentrated version of the YstheAL Anti-Wrinkle cream made into a serum. It’s said to match the wrinkle efficacy comparable to 3 peeling sessions.

Update: I used the entire bottle and I liked it, but didn’t notice major results. I don’t have a ton of wrinkles yet though so maybe I am not the right demographic.

CLEANANCE GEL – TRAVEL SIZE

CityPharma Price $3.99 |  Price in US $20 

A basic, travel sized face wash. The Cleanance Gel has a neutral PH of 7.2. It’s super gentle and contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Update: I loved this face wash and will repurchase a full size next time I’m in Paris. I like simple face washes and this was exactly that. It was very gentle and effective at removing makeup.

To learn more about, or to purchase the travel sized Cleanance online, click here.

LA ROCHE POSAY

La Roche Posay Citypharma
HYDRAPHASE INTENSE EYES

CityPharma Price $9.95 |  Price in US $33.99

I needed a new eye cream and this was only $10. It contains hyaluronic acid which absorbs 1,000 it’s weight in water and aids in a plumped up, hydrated appearance. The caffeine also reduces the appearance of under-eye bags.

Update: I really liked this and would buy again in Paris because the price was good. I would not spend imported prices though. You can find similar products in the States for less.

To learn more about, or to purchase Hydraphase Intense Eyes online, click here.

REDERMIC R RETINOL WRINKLE CREAM

CityPharma Price $21.99 (on sale) | Price in US $56.99 

I purchased this last time I was at CityPharma and loved it. It contains the highest concentration of pure retinol but with no irritation.

To learn more about, or to purchase Redermic R online, click here.

REDERMIC C MOISTURIZER

CityPharma Price $18.99 (on sale) | Price in US $54.99 

A daytime moisturizer containing fragmented hyaluronic acid which plumps and hydrates the skin. Antioxidant Vitamin C helps visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Mannose hydrates to visibly smooth the appearance of wrinkles, and Neurosensine helps reduce the signs of skin sensitivity.

To learn more about, or to purchase Redermic C online, click here.

PIGMENTCLAR SERUM FOR DARK SPOTS

CityPharma Price  $25.75 | Price in US $52.99

I got this for Nick because I’ve been pushing him to up his skincare game. The Pigmentclar Serum contains Phe-Resorcinol and Ferulic Acid which reduce the appearance of dark spots. Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA) provides micro-exfoliation to smooth the skin’s surface and brighten the complexion.

He’s only been using this for a week (in combination with the Avene YstheAL Anti-Wrinkle Lotion) and I can already see pretty major results. I wish I would’ve bought one for myself.

To learn more about, or to purchase Pigmentclar Serum online, click here.

La Roche Posay City Pharma
ANTHELIOS 50+ XL

CityPharma Price $12.90 |  Price in US $24.99

La Roche Posay makes one of my favorite face sunscreens. Since I’m almost out of my favorite (Tatcha Pore Perfecting Sunscreen), I grabbed an XL version of Anthelios 50+ (for $55 USD less than the Tatcha..).

To learn more about, or to purchase Anthelios 50+ online, click here.

CICAPLAST BAUME B5

City Pharma Price $8.99 |  Price in US $14.99 

I bought this last time I was in Paris and I fell in love with it. My cheeks gets irritated and this calms down the redness so much. I also use it as a night moisturizer sometimes when I’m feeling really dry.

The Cicaplast Baume is super thick but not greasy and you can use it on all areas of your body where you have dry, irritated skin.

To learn more about, or to purchase Cicaplast Baume B5, click here.

CICAPLAST BAUME B5 – TRAVEL SIZE

CityPharma Price $3.99 |  Not Available in US 

I got a travel sized version to keep in my kit. If someone has an allergic reaction to something, I use this to calm it down.

CAUDALIE

Last time I was at CityPharma, I picked up Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir but it was all I could get a hold of from this brand. The Caudalie aisle is usually the most packed in the store, so it makes it impossible to browse. This time, I went in knowing exactly what I needed.

Caudalie CityPharma
VINOSOURCE MOISTURIZING SORBET

City Pharma Price $18.49|  Price in US $39 

Vinosource Moisturizing gel-cream moisturizer is said to be suited for all skin types. I was in desperate need for a new daytime moisturizer so we’ll see how this does.

Update: I liked the moisturizer a lot. It was very light and perfect for daytime. It also didn’t affect the wear of my makeup. I would repurchase it in Paris, but I don’t think I’d pay the imported price.

To learn more about, or to purchase Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet online, click here.

MOISTURIZING MASK

City Pharma Price $18.30|  Price in US $39 

This moisturizing mask is said to “restore moisture levels to relieve tightness, reduce redness, and increase softness for a hydrated, dewy glow.” It makes your skin feel so smooth and hydrated. One of my new favorites.

To learn more about, or to purchase the Moisturizing Mask online, click here.

VINOSOURCE RADIANCE SERUM

City Pharma Price $37.90|  Price in US $79  

This was the most expensive product I bought at CityPharma but I’ve heard such rave reviews about this serum, I decided to take the plunge. I also saved 1/2 the money by buying in France! It is said to improve the appearance of dark spots, even your skintone, and boost radiance.

Update: I finished the entire bottle and while I liked it a lot, I don’t know if I would pay that much money to buy it again (in France or in the US!). While the product did boost my skin’s overall radiance, I did not notice an evening in my skintone. It was hydrating and felt nice on my face but I think there are similar products out there for less.

To learn more about, or to purchase the Radiance Serum online, click here.

BIODERMA

Bioderma Crealine Citypharma
BIODERMA CREALINE

City Pharma Price 2 for $15.49 |  Price in US 1 for $20

Truth be told, I don’t actually need 2 more bottles of this right now but it’s kind of impossible to pass up this deal (review here on my beauty blog). This is my holy grail makeup remover. I love it so much.

To learn more about, or to purchase Bioderma Crealine online, click here.

BIODERMA CREALINE – TRAVEL SIZE

City Pharma Price $2.49 | Price in US $6.90 

Unfortunately these are really hard to re-fill (not very eco conscious, Bioderma.. ) so I always grab a travel size or two.

To purchase the travel sized Bioderma Crealine online, click here.


RELATED POST: HOW TO REFILL YOUR TRAVEL SIZED BIODERMA BOTTLE 


RENE FURTERER

Rene Furterer City Pharma Paris
RENE FURTERER VEGETAL HAIRSPRAY

City Pharma Price 2 for $14.89 |  Price in US $29 for 1 

The Rene Furterer hairspray came highly recommended from a hairstylist friend.  I was pleasantly surprised to find this two pack for less than $15, 4x cheaper than if you were to buy two bottles in the States!

To learn more about, or to purchase Vegetal Hairspray online, click here.

RENE FURTERER VEGETAL HAIRSPRAY – TRAVEL SIZE

City Pharma Price $5.99 |  Price in US $16

MISC ITEMS

City Pharma Paris Haul
MARVIS TOOTHPASTE

City Pharma Price $4.99 |  Price in US $10.50

A classic.

To learn more about, or to purchase Marvis Toothpaste online, click here.

KLORANE DRY SHAMPOO

City Pharma Price  2 for $12.99 |  Price in US 1 for $20

This is another repurchase from last time. I like this dry shampoo a lot, it doesn’t weigh down my hair and it does a really great job at soaking up the oil so I can go a few extra days without washing. The price is great in Paris but I would not spend $20USD at home for it.

To learn more about, or to purchase Klorane Dry Shampoo online, click here.

EMBRYOLISSE LAIT CREME CONCENTRATE

City Pharma Price $11.99 |  Price in US $28

Obviously. A staple in my kit (review here on my beauty blog). I can’t live without this on set, and I use it personally during nights out when I want my makeup and skin to photograph well.

To learn more about, or to purchase Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate online, click here.

LIP BALMS

Nuxe and Homeostick from French Pharmacy, CityPharma
NUXE REV MIEL LIP BALM STICK

City Pharma Price $5.49 for 2 |  Price in US $9 for 1 

I purchased the pot version of Nuxe’s famous lip balm last time, so this time I picked up the stick. After only a few uses, I can already tell I like the pot much more.

To learn more about, or to purchase Nuxe Rev Miel Lip Balm Stick online, click here.

HOMEOSTICK BAUME

City Pharma Price $3.90 for 2 |  Price in US $16.38 for 2

I’m obsessed with Homeoplasmine, I keep a tube in my kit and in my set bag so that I’m never without it. Unfortunately the tube is hard to carry around for personal use so I picked up a stick version for my purse. The stick is nothing like the creme from the tube but I really like it a lot. It’s super slippery and pretty hydrating. I’d definitely buy again.

To learn more about, or to purchase Homeostick Baume online, click here.

BIAFINE

Biafine French Pharmacy

I purchased 2 tubes of Biafine last time I was in Paris and I’ve already almost finished both of them. I find myself reaching for it all the time and it really has become a go-to in my medicine cabinet.

Biafine is an all purpose, plant-based cream used to stimulate cell regrowth. It’s widely used to repair skin after sunburns but it can also be used on minor wounds, skin inflammations, or dry skin. Biafine is also popular as a post-procedure cream for those undergoing cosmetic facial treatments or plastic surgery.

BIAFINE XL

CityPharma Price $3.99 |  Not available in the US

BIAFINE REGULAR

CityPharma Price $3.49|  Price in the US $21

To learn more about, or to purchase Biafine online, click here.

CITYPHARMA TOTAL SAVINGS:  $443

CITY PHARMA VISITOR INFORMATION

HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:30AM-8PM
Saturday: 9AM-8PM
Sunday: Closed
ADDRESS
26 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris, France
HOW TO GET TO CITY PHARMA
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4) orMabillon (Line 10)are the closest metro stops. It’s a 2 minute walk from each station and City Pharma is on the corner of Rue Bonaparte and Rue du Four.

A massive skin care haul from the best French pharmacy in Paris, CityPharma.

PIN IT: CITYPHARMA: A PARIS SKINCARE HAUL

   

What are your CityPharma favorites?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click them and buy something, I receive a small commission (at no cost to you!). 

11 thoughts on “CityPharma Paris // The French Skin Care Haul that Saved me $450”

  1. Hey Lindsey!
    Love you post – I’m going to Paris in a month and can’t wait to shop this pharmacy. Do they only have 1 branch?
    Do you know if they sell Burt’s Bees anywhere in Paris?

    Thank you xx

    Reply
  2. I just got back from Paris yesterday. I used your post as a guide on what to do, and you were spot on with the tips. I had my list, and I was good to go! There were so many people in there looking stuff up on their phones and asking for help from the associates, who looked like they were not really interested in helping anybody.

    I was able to go two days in a row. The crowds weren’t really as bad as I thought, but having the list and seeing what you purchased was super helpful. Thanks for the great post 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi Nicole! Sorry it took me so long to respond to this.

      I’m so happy the post was helpful! I’m kind jealous you got to go 🙂 I could spend hours there.

      Thanks for the feedback!

      Reply
  3. Hi! Love these posts! We are headed to Paris with my newly minted teen daughter this fall and are planning a trip to City Pharma. I see though that there are two locations listed on Google. The second one is in the 12th arr. Do you know if it is the same as the main location? Thank you for your help!

    Reply
  4. I’m from Paris and always go there when I need to stock up on some products but the experience has become so frustrating as it’s always always crowded. The prices are unbeatable. They also have an online boutique

    Reply
  5. Was there just today. Soooooo crowded, seems everyone in the world knows about this place already. Some prices are good, some not so much, so you need to know what is a good price generally around the town, to make an educated choice. Bought a couple of itmes, but generally felt the plan was ‘overhyped’. It was recommended to me by someone else before.

    Reply

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