We all dream of having that effortless French girl style where beauty is more of an attitude than a rigid set of rules. In Paris, skincare is a must, makeup is an accessory and hair is undone yet refined (featuring natural texture, always). 

At Gritty Pretty, we’re self-proclaimed Francophiles who are quite partial to the Parisian approach to beauty. In the French capital, less is more and pharmacy brands reign supreme. Here, we bring you the 10 staples you’ll find in the bathroom cabinets of every French ‘cool girl’. (Trust us, you’ll want to add these products to your cart, quick smart — that’s if you haven’t already.)

Embryolisse is both a great primer and moisturiser that has been favoured by dermatologists and makeup artists alike. With a creamy milk-like feel, this product is known as a “24hr miracle cream”.

SHOP NOW: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser, $34.99.

Bioderma Micelle Solution has a cult following that reaches far beyond the French borders. An ultra-gentle formula that both cleanses skin and dissolves makeup, you’ll find this soap-, fragrance- and alcohol-free solution in bathrooms across France. 

French women rarely forget to remove their makeup (we try our best but, ah, sometimes forget) and as they say, clear skin starts with a good cleanser.

SHOP NOW: Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution, $29.99.

Repeat after us: French pharmacy brands do it best. Anthelios 50+ is a lightweight daily facial sunscreen that will protect against sun damage and sit well under your makeup. 

With broad-spectrum protection, Anthelios 50+ is ideal for any skin type and has an invisible finish. Loaded with glycerine and the brand’s iconic Thermal Spring Water, this sunscreen really is an indispensable product.

SHOP NOW: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ , 29.95

French girls love their face waters. We’ve covered off micellar water but the other big one is Avène Thermal Spring Water (AKA Holy Water). Not to be confused with any old water, this ultra-fine mist soothes and calms the skin (it’s great for eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, or dermatitis) by reducing inflammation and relieving irritation. Avène Thermal Spring Water is bacteriologically pure and low in mineral content yet high in silicates.

SHOP NOW: Avène Thermal Spring Water, $25.99.

With a combination of copper sulfate, zinc sulfate and Thermal Spring Water, the Avène Cicalfate Cream treats a range of skin-related conditions (again think: eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, or dermatitis) whilst also helping with dry skin. It’s a Parisienne go-to for cuts, burns, scars, you name it.

SHOP NOW: Avène Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream, $25.95.

The French approach to a makeup base is less about foundation and more about applying concealing with discretion. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat gives ‘no makeup makeup’ a hint of radiance. This easy to use pen combines highlighter with a touch of concealer; it’s ideal for concealing dark circles.

SHOP NOW: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiant Highlighter, $70.

A beauty brand that was born at a winery in Bordeaux, it’s no wonder that the hero ingredient in Caudalie Beauty Elixir is green grape. Inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary’s famous elixir of youth, this spray acts as the ideal humectant (meaning it draws water into your skin, creating a plumping effect) before you apply moisturiser. With regular use, Beauty Elixir will take your skin’s hydration to the next level! It also contains essential oils and plant extracts to clarify and brighten.

SHOP NOW: Caudalie Beauty Elixir, $81

We haven’t checked every single French girl’s bathroom but we’d hazard a guess that most contain Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo. Just quietly, this dry shampoo is the secret to that elevated bed head style that is linked to the likes of Jeanne Dammas. Trust us, it’ll add texture and volume in just minutes so you can perfect those tousled waves. Oh, and it’s even rumoured that Karl Lagerfeld used it to make his hair completely white. 

SHOP NOW: Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, $14.99.

Red lipstick has that hard to describe ‘je ne sais quoi’ effect and word on the street is that Dior’s Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999 might just be the perfect shade. This cult-classic is worn by the likes of Camille Rowe and has a creamy texture that glides on like butter.

SHOP NOW: Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999, $56.

Talk about a multi-use oil! Nuxe Huille De Prodigiuese (try saying that name out loud, we dare you) is a popular product that can be applied to the hair, body and face. This oil is an essential; it will leave your skin silky (not oily) and can even double as a hair mask or bath oil. The real question: is there anything it can’t do?

SHOP NOW: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi Purpose Dry Oil, $24.99.