The BD team gets in the spirit of Bastille Day with a few favourite French brands.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light SPF50+
If I’m only allowed to pick one French product to say “oui” too, it would have to be the La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light SPF50+. With an ultra-light texture while still providing the desired SPF 50+ coverage, this has literally been my go-to product during my current European vacation. With compact packaging and a nozzle that distributes just the right amount of product (is it just me, or do some sunscreens have you pouring out half the contents during application?!) – I’ve been taking this one everywhere with me. - Yelena
Klorane Conditioner with Flax Fiber
The power of plants goes far beyond looking pretty in a vase. A botanical influence has long inspired brands like Klorane thanks to the slew of beauty benefits flora can offer. Klorane’s latest discovery is flax, the supple fibres of which boost the volume of locks tenfold. The hero ingredient has inspired the launch of a new volumising and detangling range of products, including a conditioner which is an easy way into the world of big hair. - Sarah
Avène Cicalfate Hands Repairing Barrier Cream
During winter I always find my hands suffer the most from the drying effects of being in constant heating and boiling showers. They have become so dry and cracked that drastic action needs to be taken! I was so grateful when the Avène Cicalfate Hands Repairing Barrier Cream landed on my desk to trial as the French-made product gave them instant hydration and relief. The cream thoroughly moisturised my hands without leaving any greasy residue and they felt smooth and protected all day long. - Laura
L’OCCITANE Verbena Eau de Toilette
L'OCCITANE equals all things beautiful from Provence, and this limited-edition eau de toilette, Verveine (Verbena) is no exception. Light, fresh and super-citrusy, verveine is uplifting to the senses and great to spritz throughout the day. I love the very visual description that it was “inspired by the green fields of verbena as seen from the sky”; when I read this, it literally transported me to the south of France. In France, verbena is very much a unisex fragrance and that could be said for this limited-edition eau de toilette with its fresh, clean, green scent of verbena and a hint of geranium. If you like citrus-based scents, this should definitely be on your list. - Janet
French women a) don’t seem to get fat (despite a penchant for the humble croissant) and b) have gorgeous, glowing skin (despite their strong relationships with tobacco). Although it may seem largely unfair, if you can’t beat em – join em I say. Ergo my obsession with French skincare. The BIODERMA Hydrabio H2O is the most gentle micellar water I’ve used, leaving my skin clean and silky after use. After one too many wines, micellar water is a girl’s best friend for cleansing and calming the skin before we flop into bed. I’m a huge fan of the brand and this product in particular – and can understand the glowing skin these chic creatures sport a bit more now. - Kelly
NUXE Rêve de Miel Crème Corps Ultra-Reconfortante
With the onset of winter, freezing cold temperatures, layers on layers on layers and a somewhat idle bodycare routine have left my poor, sensitive skin dry and dehydrated. The NUXE Rêve de Miel Crème Corps Ultra-Reconfortante body moisturiser has been my saviour this winter. The super lightweight and hydrating formula absorbs quickly into the skin, immediately reversing any visible signs of dryness, such as itchy, flaky skin. Skin stays hydrated all day, and is left scented with a delicious yet subtle honey fragrance. - Caitlin
For the first time in my life I am noticing I need to use foundation. I've always been a tinted moisturiser girl, but now I'm eyeing off foundations left, right and centre to amp up my coverage. As a devoted Chanel girl with my base, I was reluctant to stray, even to try something from the same French family like Bourjois' City Radiance foundation. But boy was I wrong. This foundation blocks pollution, aggressive urban factors and UV rays with an anti-pollution screen and SPF 25. This is one complexion protector, which is also enriched with coated pigments that boost the skin's radiance and provide (to my surprise) incredible all-day hold. - Ally
