French Pharmacy Top Picks: Review #2

As a continuation to the first review I posted, here is the second product on my french favourites list. It's called Homeoplasmine, and it's a multi-use homeopathic ointment loved my many top make-up artists. According to Gwyneth Paltrow: "Meant for skin irritations, it's also a life-saver when it comes to dry, winter-ravaged skin."   I don't know about you, but my skin takes a beating during the harsh Canadian winters, and is as dry as sandpaper if I don't care for it properly.  Other reviews sounded convincing, so I added to my growing list of things to pick up on my Parisian vacation.  I figured that at about 6 euros a pop, I couldn't afford not to try the stuff that everyone was talking about. 

I'm glad I picked up the extra large tube, and the only regret I have is not grabbing a few more. Formulated with plant extracts and emollients, Homeoplasmine delivers on its promise to moisturize and hydrate. The ingredients are gentle enough for sensitive skin, and in fact, Parisians swear by it to help heal diaper rash. Lately, I've been applying this to my face in the mornings and it really protects my skin against the blowing wind and sub-zero temperatures.  I also really like that it mattifies and gives my skin a smooth appearance, without making it look greasy. It absorbs quickly, and the results last for hours - no more flaky, dry skin, which is amazing. 

But it doesn't end there.  The ointment also makes an excellent lip primer, so I usually slather it on before I leave the house, and then reapply my Ciafine balm as necessary when I'm out (I prefer the glossiness and transportable size of the Ciafine for daytime). Since Homeoplasmine is also mildy antiseptic, it may be used to treat irritations like mild burns and acne.  From what I understand, it's the equivalent of our Polysporin over here.

Similar to Avibon, Homesplasmine is impossible to find in Toronto, at least that's what I've found so far.  It sells for around $30 on Amazon for a 40g tube, which is expensive when you compare that to how much it sells for in Paris.  However, if it came down to either running out or paying extra online, I would definitely suck it up and order it.  Would not want to be without this product, that is for sure!

If you have ever used or heard of this product, I would love to hear your comments :). Until next time! xo

French Pharmacy Top Picks: Review #1

If you've ever been to Paris, maybe you were like me and stared at the French women in awe. My first trip there, I admired their natural beauty and promised myself that I would discover their beauty secrets. Luckily, my friend lives over there, and she's a wonderful source of information.  After talking to her, and reading other people's blogs, I found some wonderful products that no woman should be without! During my most recent visit to the City of Light, I stocked up on all the essentials.  Now that I have tried them for myself, I am ready to reveal what I believe are the best french beauty products ever.  This is the first post in a series of detailed reviews....here we go!

This first product is definitely at the top of the list. It's called Avibon, and to say I'm impressed at its effectiveness would be the biggest understatement ever. Although it's widely available at any French pharmacy, you'll have to ask the pharmacist to grab it for you since they don't stock it over-the-counter. I'm just guessing, but the reason could be that Avibon has a high Vitamin A, or retinoic acid, content. Vitamin A, as you may already know, is used for anti-aging, fighting wrinkles, erasing scars, and clearing acne. It looks and feels a lot like vaseline, but the similarities end there. Massage a pea-sized amount on your face before you go to bed (you can warm it up in your hands first to soften it), and you'll wake up with incredibly soft and glowing skin.  I have suffered from hormonal acne for years, mostly around my chin and jawline, and after about two months of regular use my skin has never looked and felt this good. Even after using it once, I noticed a difference in my scars. It's safe to say that my search for that one magical elixir is over, and that I can bid farewell to my harsh prescription acne medications forever.

Avibon sells for around 7 euros in France (holy, affordable), and like I said before, you can find it at any French pharmacy. On the other hand, it's almost impossible to find in Canada and the States. Amazon and Ebay sell it occasionally, but it's awfully expensive, and that's not including the shipping charges.  There's also a pharmacy in NYC that carries it, but other than that, I can't seem to find it anywhere.  Luckily, you only need to use this product sparingly, so a tube should last about six months or so, or maybe even longer.  I've used mine daily since I returned from Paris in January, and I am not even halfway through.

So, if you ever have the opportunity to visit Paris, do yourself a favour and stock up on this amazing pommade. Trust me, you won't regret it! :)