5 French skin care brands you need to know about

French beauty is known for it's minimalist approach, think a striking red lip and 'I woke up like this' hair.  But before a striking makeup look comes high-quality skin care. Here are a few of France's best kept secrets in skin care. Say hello to hard working and luxurious formulas, the French will have your skin glowing in no time. 

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Avene

Formulated with Avene's famous thermal spring water, this French beauty brand is known for it's soothing and anti-irritating properties (perfect for sensitive skin). With cult-products such as the Thermal Spring Water Spray and anti-ageing hero Physiolift,  it's no wonder it's a staple brand for beauty buffs all over the world.

bh loves: Avene Day Protector Tinted

Bioderma

With a strong dermatological history, Bioderma products work to imitate the skin's natural function in order to restore a healthy balance. In typical French style, the brand has a minimalist attitude, only including ingredients it believes are 'strictly necessary'. 

bh loves: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

La Roche-Posay

Utilizing the benefits of spring water and specifically formulating products for sensitive skin - La Roche-Posay is known for it's broad range of products, combatting skin issues from eczema to rosacea to allergies. The brand is most well-known for the cult sunscreen Anthelios Ultra Cream SPF50+, which is not only super light weight and hydrating, making it perfect for wear under makeup, but it also protects from UVA, UVB rays and free radicals. However, the brand's latest serum launch is fast on it's way to cult status in our books. 

bh loves: La Roche-Posay HyaluB5 Serum

Caudalie

Hailing from Bordeaux, Caudalie is one of France's best kept skin care secrets. Being founded on a vineyard, the brand utilises naturally derived resveratrol (which can be found in the grapevine)  to protect the skin from environmental stressors, while smoothing fine lines and improving skin tone.

bh loves: Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($24, sephora.com.au)

Embryolisse

With a huge focus on simplicity; a combination of plant extracts, essential fatty acids and vitamins work to combat ageing while gently nourishing skin. The brand's cult-moisturiser is famous for it's many uses - try it out as a mask, on legs as a post-shave balm or on other parts of the body for a little extra nourishment. 

bh loves: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre ($35, embryolisse.com.au) 

Main image credit @harperandharley

Have you tried any of these products? What are your favourite French skin care brands?