Maybe you’ve heard about how the European pharmacies are overflowing with cheap lip ointments and heavenly smelling body oils that will turn you into that stylishly effortless French woman. Or maybe you’ve been to said pharmacies and know first hand the magic inside those four walls! Well, prepare yourself for the magic that is the world wide web and Amazon. Now, you too can horde these cultish beauty editor faves! Below is a run down of the best beauty products you’ve probably never heard of but you definitely need to know about.
The original BiaFine (which I use in the winter, on my face, for wind chapped or just dry irritated skin) is a rich emollient cream created by a French doctor to promote healing of the skin in burn patients. In the past, it was available in the US by prescription only, but is now available OTC and with new products like this one specifically for the body. I just bought a bottle and shipped it to my daughter who is headed to the Bahamas for Spring Break. It’s a great after sun soother and especially good if you happen to get sunburned.
This is a low percentage vitamin A cream that is mild enough that it doesn’t cause flakiness and irritation like other typical Retin-A creams but is still strong enough to be effective in promoting cell turnover and collagen production. The consistency is more like a balm so you need very little and should let it warm up in your hands first. If you’ve never used a vitamin A product, this is a good place to start, but probably not good for those of you with oily skin. You will need the next product.
This vitamin A acne gel was formerly prescription only and is the gold standard for promoting cell turnover for clear glowing skin with the added benefit of stimulating collagen production. For those whose skin can handle the stronger vitamin A concentration, this is a must-have in your anti-aging arsenal. If you’ve never used a vitamin A product, start with using it 2-3 times a week and work up to everyday.
This rich cream is made with all natural ingredients that hydrate and repair dry, irritated skin and it smells heavenly. Use it wherever you need a little extra TLC or use it all over your body. Another bonus after intense hydration is the lovely glow left behind after application.
Yes I know this is technically a diaper rash cream, but if you suffer from dry, chapped hands you will love this cream. The Weleda Skin Food is great to use at night when it can soak in and do its restorative magic. But during the day if you need something a little less “greasy” this is the cream for you. When applied it soaks in after a few rubs, hydrates and heals irritated skin and leaves behind a barrier that locks in moisture. I keep a tube by the kitchen sink and in the car.
I love this under eye moisturizer because it comes in stick form. Genius. You just swipe it on. As much or as little as you need. Done. No extra left over on your fingers to have to wipe off or put somewhere else on your face. The product helps reduce puffiness while it moisturizes and you can feel it working as it glides on. No miracle here if you ate too much Ramen the night before but it will help make you look a little more rested on those mornings when you didn’t get anywhere close to enough sleep.
This multi-purpose dry oil leaves behind a beautiful golden shimmer after you rub it into your skin. It’s very subtle and gives you just enough of a bronze glow to catch the light and the smell is faintly like a tropical island. A little goes a long way so the bottle should last at least a year. Last time I was in France, I bought 3 bottles! That’s how good this stuff is.
If you’re a lip balm addict looking for the next soothing salve then this may be your smooth lip unicorn. This balm is thick and odorless (not even a hint of ginger) and stays on your lips all night long leaving them soft and hydrated in the morning. Great for long-haul plane flights too.
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