Since moving to the South of France, I have discovered a love for french pharmacies as they are literally mini cosmetic stores in themselves and a Santa's grotto for me. When I first got to Monaco I panicked about not being able to get hold of my favourite beauty essentials but over the past year my beauty regime has had many new french additions that I honestly could not now live without.
One of which being a much talked about product that all skincare fans especially UK beauty lovers have gone crazy for and that is Bioderma H20 Sensibio Micellaire Solution. It is a make-up artists secret weapon and always behind the scenes in most fashion shows as its quick and says to use.
Bioderma H20 is specially formulated for sensitive, normal to dry skins, the Sensibio H2O micelle solution gently cleanses face and eyes. It removes water-resistant make-up. The micelles contained in its formula effectively micro-emulsify impurities while maintaining the skin’s balance (soap-free, physiological pH). Soothing and decongesting active ingredients prevent the feelings of irritation often caused by cleansing.
This is the most amazing eye cleanser I have ever tried. I used to go through bottles of make-up remover like I was drinking them as I would need so much to remove mascara, especially waterproof. This instantly removes all traces of make-up on the face & eyes in a gentle, fast & effective way. It does not drag make-up across the skin but just dissolves it. It is just like water, not greasy or oily in texture at all. Great to use in a hurry hence why so many make-up artists have this in their kit for shoots. I put a little onto a cottonwool pad and just hold over the eye for a few seconds then it's bye bye panda eyes as this just erases make-up by breaking it all down. I use this all over my face and eyes then proceed with my normal cleanser. In the morning I then use this again alone as my daily cleanser.
This is a french must have product and if like me you are lucky enough to live in France or nearby then getting hold of this product is easy as every french pharmacy carries it in bundles. It is available in a wide range of sizes too making it ideal to travel with swell as sit on your bathroom counter. The best deal I found was 2 x 500ml for around €15!
Unfortunately if you are out of the area, like in the UK, its incredibly difficult to get your hands on but it is getting easier now with online pharmacies, ebay and in London but be prepared to pay a lot more than if in France.
Another great find that I discovered from this range was Bioderma Photoderm Spf30 Spray Solaire, Sunscreen.
Sunscreen for face & body, Bioderma Photoderm Sun Spray SPF 30 sun protection is designed for fair skin and sensitive skin. This is a very high protection sunscreen that allows exposure by limiting the dangers of the sun. High anti-UVB efficacy and unmatched "extreme anti-UVA" safely protect against sunburn and fight against premature skin aging. A major advance against risks of cell damage, its exclusive patented Bioprotection ® * provides optimum protection of skin cells. Texture that leaves skin feeling comfortable and extremely soft. Perfectly colorless when applied, no white marks, spreads very easily without leaving a greasy film. Non-comedogenic, water resistant and photostable.
Now I am very serious about sun care as I do have very fair skin and live in a warm climate and I know to the full extent how serious wearing an SPF is. Before my latest discovery in suncare, for the last 3 years I used Institut Esterderm, again a french brand, (available at Space NK, international delivery available, & local pharmacies) which I adore as it works on sun strength not on a sun factor so it effectively works a lot better allowing you to stay longer in the sun and to get a sunkissed glow to the skin without the harmful burning rays. Its just amazing, I adore using this and shall continue to use also.
I went to repurchase this at a french pharmacy when I also spotted this Bioderma one. There was alot of promotions on suncare during the summer so a good time to try new brands. Now I have been informed that Institut Esterderm & Bioderma are linked and the same company so no wonder I fell in love with this! It works in just the same way, protecting your skin against the suns strength . I used this all last summer and actually got a beautiful colour to my skin without sitting out in it! I felt 100% safe and secure in the knowledge that my skin was fully protected.
It comes in a spray bottle which I personally prefer as it is easier to apply yourself in hard to reach areas. Being for face & body, I have tried and tested this and it works perfectly as it is designed for sensitive skin and is non oily; it smells gorgeous, like you can visualise the beach with the waves crashing alongside the sand. Again it is also available in other SPF factors, sizes and not as pricey as some, but still worth every penny (priced around €15 for 400ml!).
Two fabulous key products from Bioderma, both ones that should be in your bathroom cupboard if you can get access to them as you shall not be disappointed. I cant say enough good things about them and shall continue to explore this brand.
Bioderma is available at all leading French Pharmacies (varying in price). NewPharma offer international delivery & UK delivery from £12.99 (weight depending).
Let me know if you try!
