Minimalism and luxury are at the forefront of these brands.
It's not just French skin care that's excellent - in fact, all French beauty brands, like French perfumes, are probably the best in the world.
Whether it's French Cara, minimalist skin care, or effortless masterful makeup, the French are the ultimate beauty inspiration.
Rich in history and experience, French beauty brands tend to put efficiency, sustainability and elegance at the core of their ethos.
The vibe of a Parisian pharmacy is unique.
Like the one of the cosmetics floors in the houses in the city of lights.
Beauty trends come and go, but the best products cross generations.
Beauty editors who test products for a living, as well as ChatGPT, agree that the ten French brands below are the best of the best in cosmetics in the land of baguettes and wine:
Klorane - Klorane
Cloren was founded in 1965 by a young pharmacist, Pierre Fabre, with a passion for plants and botanical ingredients.
Since the first product, a shampoo designed for blonde hair, the brand has made a habit of producing exceptional products.
Favorites include the dry shampoo (which always wins first place as the best dry shampoo among beauty editors) and the peony shampoo for sensitive scalps.
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Christophe Rubin (CR)
Christophe Rubin, the world's leading colorist, launched his first consumer products in 1999, and since then they have been a favorite among those seeking quality hair products.
Most of us know and love Christophe Rubin for its amazing scalp scrubs, but the brand also offers therapeutic mask formulas and dedicated masks for shade variations.
The brand formulates formulas with innovative and unique textures.
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La Bonne Brosse - La Bonne Brosse
Of course, a beautifully designed hairbrush from Le Bon Brossa is a desirable item, but its benefits go far beyond a seductive appearance.
The brand advocates an artistic and environmentally friendly approach when it comes to hair, and the results are amazing.
There is no doubt that this is a luxury addition to one's daily beauty routine.
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La Roche Posay - La Roche Posay
If you only had to use one skincare brand for the rest of your life, we would definitely recommend La Roche-Posay.
Since its founding in 1975, the brand has been producing epic and effective products at a reasonable price based on thermal spring water from the city of La Roche-Posay in central France, a spa town since around 1400.
The water from these springs is rich in minerals, salts, trace elements, and antioxidants that soothe the skin, soften it and contribute to its health by reducing irritations.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte, upon his return from Egypt, established a thermal hospital in La Roche-Posay to treat the skin diseases of his soldiers.
In 1897 the site was officially recognized by the French Academy of Medicine.
La Roche-Posay, as we know it today, was born, as mentioned, in 1975. Since then, the brand has set a high bar in the entire dermatological care industry.
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Caudalie - Caudalie
Kodali products are a joy to use;
It's a brand that's easy to fall in love with, and also gives love back.
He was born in Bordeaux, southwest France, in 1995, and has since become known for his expertise in using ingredients derived from grapes for his natural beauty products.
It combines science and nature to create quality skin care, and elevates the concept of Vinotherapy, grape-based beauty and spa treatments, to a particularly high place
Nuxe - Nuxe
Knox, a renowned French skincare and cosmetics brand known for its natural and luxury products, was founded by entrepreneur Aliza Jebes in 1990, starting out as a small Parisian brand, but has become a huge success in a very short period of time.
The innovative use of botanical ingredients, including honey and herbal extracts, has made Noxa a global beauty powerhouse, emphasizing a holistic approach to beauty.
Some of the iconic products, such as the Huile Prodigieuse dry oil, have become beloved staples in the beauty industry, celebrated for their effectiveness and sensual pleasure.
Aliza Javes' dedication to creating effective and environmentally conscious skin care has made the brand a symbol of excellence in the French beauty industry.
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Chanel - Chanel
Chanel needs no introduction, and it's clear that it's at the top of our list as a favorite French makeup brand (though, obviously, it's much more than that).
The makeup collection was first launched in 1924 and remains a favorite and has maintained a prestigious position 100 years later.
Today, we are big fans of the make-ups, powders, mascaras, and of course, the addictive lipsticks of Chanel, the house that never ceases to excite and impress us.
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Dior - Dior
Dior first launched makeup in 1953 with her lipstick, Rouge Dior.
Since then, the brand has created some of our most beloved makeup products.
Everything from the elegant mascara formulas, the innovative foundation products and the iconic lipsticks, it's always a good day with Dior makeup.
Of course, Diorshow mascara for dramatic eyelashes, the range of Rouge Dior lipsticks known for their vibrant colors and long-lasting formulas and the Dior Addict lip balm stand out.
These products embody elegance and innovation in the world of cosmetics.
Laura Mercier - Laura Mercier
She moved to New York in the 80s before launching the brand that bears her name, but don't forget that Laura Mercier, the makeup artist, is French.
She always had a passion for painting, but she chose to trade her canvas for skin when she switched art school to makeup school.
In 1996 she founded her brand together with businesswoman Janet Gurwich.
Since then, countless Laura Mercier products have become staples in the make-up bags of make-up artists, beauty editors, experts and make-up enthusiasts all over the world thanks to the formulas that give a natural glow.
Among the iconic products, Translucent Loose Setting Powder - a loose powder with a velvety finish, and the Secret Camouflage concealer which is admired for its covering capabilities.
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