I can't help myself: more French Pharmacy-ing

Some people spend their money on clothes, some on cars, some on video games, etc. I, however, put my money in beauty. I just love trying different products, giving good recommendations, and of all the things out there in our world, I feel like it's a field in which I'm truly knowledgable. I like feeling knowledgable. Who doesn't?

But there are many burrows in the beauty field.
While I do love makeup, as the process helps me relax and explore my creative side, I feel like skincare is my true passion. Skin, being our biggest and arguably most important organ (no point in having a heart and a brain if you've got nothing to put them in, is there?), is just fascinating to me. And when I know how to take care of it with the right stuff, it just makes me feel like a genius. Because lord knows I'm really not.

Alas, another love of mine is language. I'm proficient in Spanish and French, and I'm lucky enough to have been able to go to Europe to better my skills. Although my main motivation for going abroad was mainly academic, I'm not going to lie, dipping my toes into the ocean of French skincare is one of the things that excites me the most about being in France right now. I mean, let's be real, they're the best when it comes to beauty over-all (even though I do love me some Vermont based Tata Harper). So in short, that's what I'm spending my money on here. And food. I love food.

Now, French pharmacies are tricky. They're absolutely everywhere. On most streets you'll see at least one to maybe three green crosses marking the spot. What's cool about the French pharmacy, is that you'll walk in and already someone in a white lab coat is asking you if you need help. You really don't have to make any of your own decisions if you don't want to.

And the service and knowledge there is just really quality. I had a cold about a week ago, just walked into my nearest pharmacy, was like  (in French), "Yo, I'm sick, my throat hurts, lot of pressure all up in ma face, what should I do?" And the pharmacist gave me three things, told me how to use them, and I was feeling dandy in no time. Bam.

However, what's tricky about them, is that you have to find one you like. All of the pharmacies have different stocks and very, very different prices. I'm talking the same product being 26,99 euro one place and 16 euro in another if the other pharmacy even has that same product. My favorite pharmacies so far are this one I found tucked away in a random square next to a fruit market (it has really good stock, and very good prices), and another downtown that's huge and really has everything with lots of discounts. Sorted.

So finally, what have I been spending my money on?

You can't actually find Makeup Forever in a pharmacy. I got my lipstick at a Sephora. It was, in fact, my first purchase in Grenoble. Cool right? Although it made it into the photo, I'll have to to y'all about that later.

Then I needed some essentials, so I bought these things that already got a blog post.

However, the damage didn't stop there. From Casino, the big supermarket, I picked up another conditioner (not pictured) from the Casino brand, the mango one, because the Klorane hair products were ruining my hair (full review later). It's okay, and it's definitely bringing life back to my locks again. However, Free Your Mane is, and might always just be the best.

I also picked up a body lotion from Caudalie, because I just really love and trust the brand, and it costs a fortune in the states. The lotion itself is amazing. I've used it before actually (deluxe sample). The light formula sinks into the skin and isn't greasy, but damn is it hydrating. The smell isn't my favorite, although it's not bothersome. It's more masculine actually, so guys, feel free to go for it. I remembered it being more fruity when I first used it, so the smell surprised me, that's all.

On a different trip to a random pharmacy in centre-ville, I picked up Effaclar Duo from La Roche Posay. Every beauty blogger and their dog raves about this stuff, so yeah, I was curious. I've been using it for a while now, and all I can say is, "where have you been all my life?" This stuff has everything you could want from an acne treatment product. It's antibacterial, exfoliating (BHA - my favorite for acne), and smooths down those pesky under the skin pimples that are just really painful. Oh. And it's hydrating. Like really, miracle product right here. Also, a little goes a long way, and it smells floral-y fresh. However, I have to warn y'all in the U.S., the Effaclar Duo sold in the states is a different formula from the French one for some reason. It has benzoyl peroxide in it, and it meant to be a spot treatment, not for all over the face. I have no clue how that one would work.

Then, as I ran out of my beloved Fresh Soy Cleanser, I ran out to get a new one. However, I made an oops. I accidentally got a no rinse version. Reading fail. I still use it, and rinse anyway because ain't no bottle can tell me what to do, but I won't be repurchasing. Yes, it does feel really hydrating, and Avène products make your face feel like it's being kissed by little angels (it's a brand targeted for the sensitive skinned peeps among us), but it leaves a slight residue that I get off with my first toner.

Now I said first toner. Because I use two. Excessive? Maybe. Effective? Yes. So as my second toner was coming to an end, I decided to pick up the also obsessed about Serozinc face spray from La Roche Posay. I'm just loving them at the moment. Since I've gotten this, I've been completely ignoring my Mario Badescu face spray. This is just so good. It's hydrating, calming, and clearing. Definitely worth the hype right here.

Another cult product, I picked up the Nuxe Rève de Miel lip balm. I got it in stick form, though, because I can't stand those little pot things. Hydrating with a more matte finish and a citrus taste, this stuff is awesome.

For the most part, I've had some great hits at the French pharmacies. And they give you samples. I love samples.

But yeah, this was long, so peace y'all!