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My first trip to France included my introduction to the skincare treasure trove that is the French parapharmacie, a combination of a pharmacy and the beauty section at Target. While standalone pharmacies have fallen out of fashion in most of the US, they’re an essential part of life in France, supplying medicine and other health-related accoutrements as well as beauty products. Thanks to makeup artists, beauty bloggers, and social media, French pharmacy skincare is a hot commodity these days—you’ll be hard-pressed to find a lifestyle influencer returning from Paris without a haul from CityPharma.
If you don’t have plans to head to Europe soon, many brands sold at French pharmacies are available in the US—Caudalie, La Roche Posay, Nuxe, and Avène come to mind—but come with a high markup. But this newly unveiled line from Doré can save you a trip by offering you a pharmacy-inspired, curated system that is truly effortless and super affordable.
Photo by Doré
Doré’s French Roots
If you’ve been following French fashion and beauty for a while, you may have already heard of Garance Doré. Born and raised in France, she made her name as an illustrator and blogger in NYC who shot and published street-style photos, eventually branching out to interview designers and other industry stalwarts to feature on her eponymous website.
Two years ago, Doré pivoted to start a skincare line inspired by the French pharmacy skincare she grew up with and co-founded the brand with her business partner Emily Yeston in 2022. The idea was to create a simplified skincare routine with effective products that felt familiar and accessible, just like the cult-favorite pharmacy products that are still popular today.
Back to the Basics
I’m guilty of over-complicating my skincare—my personal beauty cabinet runneth over with multiple cleansers, serums, toners, essences, masks, creams, and soothing sprays (and let’s not even get started on the gadgets and gizmos galore). If you’re tired of ten-plus-step skincare routines that have been trending on social media, the lineup from Doré streamlines it to three products, giving you a foundation for a simple yet solid routine that is suitable for just about every skin type.
Photo by Bernadette Machard de Gramont
Le Cleanser ($24)
This gel-to-milk formula is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin, but powerful enough to remove makeup without leaving you feeling dry. The star ingredients here are white lily extract (for brightening and repairing), goji berry extract (a powerful antioxidant), and witch hazel leaf water (anti-inflammatory while also breaking up oil). I love it because it’s safe to use around your eyes—it removes the majority of my mascara and eyeliner without a painful sting, though I do sometimes have to go back and wipe away any smudged bits with a cotton pad soaked with micellar water.
Photo by Bernadette Machard de Gramont
La Creme ($36)
This all-in-one daily moisturizer feels a lot like one of my other French pharmacy favorites, Embryolisse, but without the added fragrance. Like the cleanser, this lightweight cream is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Notable ingredients include white lily, marine algae, and hyaluronic acid, all of which work together to retain moisture while brightening and protecting the skin. I love the texture of this creme and how easily it absorbs and wears through the day. I also like that it comes in a stylish pump-style package, which helps keep the product from being exposed to air, though I do wish it came in a more compact silhouette for easier transport when traveling.
Photo by Bernadette Machard de Gramont
Le Baume ($12)
The final product in the lineup is this multi-purpose balm made with just seven ingredients. This product reminds me of another French pharmacy staple called Homeoplasmine. Instead of a petroleum jelly base, Le Baume uses castor oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera—all ingredients that help to moisturize and repair dry or chapped skin. This is my go-to for an evening lip mask or to add just a little bit of moisture to the corners of my mouth (where I tend to get dry). This one-ounce tube is the perfect size for your purse or pocket, and can be used on lips, cuticles, elbows, or anywhere else that needs a bit of a moisture boost.
With these three products, Doré truly proves that less is more. Curious to try it for yourself? Shop Doré here.
5 More Reasons to Love Doré Skincare:
- Doré worked with a French laboratory for two years to create its skincare line, and continues to manufacture in France.
- The products are formulated without parabens, silicones, sulfates, and fragrances and are EWG VERIFIED™
- Doré’s packaging is made from recycled materials and can also be returned to the brand’s recycling program.
- The ingredients are gentle, so if you need to add more actives into this routine, you can easily do so.
- You can save $10 by ordering the Le Trio, a set that includes all three of Doré’s current products.
