Lotions and Potions from France...oh my!

There is a brand of moisturizer we always buy when in Paris. Mixta is the name. It comes in a tube, various types, under 10 euro. Absolutely love it. Look for it in Monoprix.

To avoid problems at the airport, don't put them in your hand luggage, or you might be made to throw them away.

I always find wonderful items either at the department stores, or at the markets. Definitely, be sure you are checking a bag with those items on the way home. There are so many amazing products and most of them smell heavenly.

Le Petit Marseillais is fantastic brand of body wash, lotions, and shampoos. Every time I go pick up some items. The price is very affordable and the quality is stellar.

Thanks so much to you all! Very helpful.

I can't actually recommend any of these products, but I ran across this list when I was surfing Buzzfeed a couple of months ago (I'm so impressed that I managed to find it again!): http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/french-beauty-products#.twGr26kkR

Also, you might check the French products on Smallflower.com. Make a note of anything that looks interesting, then look for it in Paris. :) Have fun. I always like to buy some hand or body lotion in whatever city is first on my itinerary. There's always plenty left at the end of the trip, so I'll pack it. Then when I use the lotion later at home, the scent reminds me of Paris or Dublin or Salzburg!

Not French, but the Nivea cream we got in Germany is less watery than the same brand name (produced in Mexico) that we get at home. Will be bringing back many large jars on our next trip (in the checked bag.)

Go to any pharmacy or Monoprix store you will see great stuff.

In Paris go to CityPharma, fabulous place! Buy Nuxe brand hand cream and the lip conditioner with honey. I bought a sampler pack there and had to return to buy full sized moisturizer, body oil and more lip stuff. My friends who travelled with me last November are mourning now that they finished their Nuxe prodeucts. City Pharma is famous, google it for the address. You can buy Nuxe at Monoprix too.

I do love Monoprix. Some have groceries too. Monop just has food for quick meals. There are mony Monoprix in France. Their website in French can show locations with maps.

Also find an open air market and buy bars of soap. Often the displays of colours then the different aromas is great. Enjoy!

Such fabulous tips! Just what I was hoping for when I posted this question. (And yes, Teresa, I am impressed!). Thanks to all.

Any products you buy will be special. My wife is just finishing up a bottle of nail polish remover she got in Rome and says she wants to replace it when we go back next month. There is nothing special about the nail polish remover other than the label and that it reminds her of the time we spent there. Finding a store and buying the nail polish remover after figuring out what it was called is a fonder memory for her than seeing some of the great attractions.

Yes, just go into any pharmacie or parapharmacie and browse . . you'll see plenty of stuff you can't get at home. Lots of fun!

My favorite French skin product is Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse. I don't spend much time or effort on beauty products, but I swear by this oil. I use it on my poor old cracked heels. Just a couple of drops a day help keep them soft. And you can use it on your face, your hair, etc. It is liquid gold, honestly.

Thanks Terry! That is definitely going on my list!
And I bet that nail polish remover IS better, Richard! (-;