In beauty, French beauty brands have set the standard, excelling in everything from skincare minimalism to chic makeup trends. Renowned for their rich heritage, efficacy, and commitment to sustainability, these brands offer timeless products that have stood the test of time.
As a beauty editor who tests products for a living, I’ve come across many exceptional French brands, but these nine, along with their standout products, truly exemplify the best in beauty.
Best French hair brands
1. Klorane
Founded in 1965 by pharmacist Pierre Fabre, Klorane is rooted in botanical expertise. With a history of creating standout products, their dry shampoo is a staple among beauty editors, alongside the Peony Shampoo designed for sensitive scalps.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
This dry shampoo is a beauty expert favourite, offering refreshing volume without any residue.
Klorane Soothing Shampoo with Organic Peony
Perfect for sensitive scalps, this shampoo cleanses while providing soothing relief.
2. Christophe Robin
Renowned colourist Christophe Robin debuted his consumer products in 1999, quickly becoming a household name. His innovative textures and effective formulas, especially in scalp scrubs and deep conditioning masks, have won over many.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub
This clarifying scrub effectively removes dirt and product buildup, leaving your scalp feeling revitalised.
Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Prickly Pear Oil
Ideal for dry, damaged hair, this mask restores moisture and softness, making your strands feel luxurious.
3. La Bonne Brosse
Celebrating artisanal craftsmanship, La Bonne Brosse elevates the everyday task of hair brushing. Their beautifully crafted brushes turn a mundane routine into a delightful ritual.
N.04 The Almond Green Miracle Petite Brush
This detangling brush features boar bristles, effortlessly gliding through knots without tugging.
La Bonne Brosse N.04 The Creamy White Miracle Petite Brush
Inspired by Japanese shiatsu brushes, this gentle brush detangles with ease, providing a soothing scalp experience.
Best French skincare brands
4. La Roche-Posay
If I had to choose just one skincare brand for life, it would undoubtedly be La Roche-Posay. With a legacy dating back to the 1400s and a modern foundation established in 1975, the brand excels in creating effective, affordable products anchored in science.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
This ultra-soothing ointment is my go-to recommendation for dry, irritated skin, delivering impressive results.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Lightweight and invisible, this sunscreen has revolutionised daily SPF routines for many.
5. Caudalie
Founded in Bordeaux in 1995, Caudalie harnesses the power of grape seed polyphenols to create delightful skincare products with sustainability at their core.
Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream
A luxurious treat, this thick cream targets eight signs of ageing while being vegan-friendly and refillable.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist
A TikTok favourite, this face mist refreshes and soothes while setting makeup for long-lasting wear.
6. Nuxe
Starting as a small Parisian brand in 1990, Nuxe has rapidly gained popularity for its multi-purpose oils and skincare innovations, all while prioritising sustainability.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Florale Multi Purpose Dry Oil
This oil, which has a beautiful scent, contains seven botanical oils to deeply nourish skin and hair.
NUXE Rêve de Miel Honey Lip Balm
A personal favourite, this thick balm doubles as an overnight mask, providing lasting hydration for chapped lips.
Best French makeup brands
7. Chanel
No list of French beauty brands would be complete without Chanel, a luxury staple since 1924. Their makeup line continues to impress, particularly with foundations and mascaras.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
This bronzing cream melts into the skin, delivering a natural sun-kissed glow.
Chanel Noir Allure Mascara
A standout in the mascara category. It lengthens, curls, and defines lashes for a stunning look.
8. Dior
Dior’s makeup line has evolved since the launch of Rouge Dior in 1953, producing iconic products loved by many.
Dior Lip Glow
This must-have lip product provides hydration and a glossy finish, perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation
This lightweight foundation gives a healthy, natural glow without caking or settling into fine lines.
9. Laura Mercier
Though she launched her brand in New York, Laura Mercier is originally French. Renowned for her artistry, she transitioned from canvas painting to makeup, launching her brand in 1996.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
An iconic product that sets makeup flawlessly while blurring imperfections.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer
A must-have for many makeup artists, this concealer covers blemishes and dark circles with natural-looking coverage.
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire UK
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer
