Shopping in Paris
 

I am going to Paris for the first time and only have two days - is it worth it to buy my cosmetics and perfume while in Paris? How much cheaper can I expect to pay for Lancome, Clinique, etc. Any other shopping advise? Merci!

Hi, I did not find that cosmetics were cheaper in Paris. In fact almost nothing is! I was pleasantly surprised to find a brand of French hair care products, Phytotherathrie, that I love in a Paris pharmacy much cheaper than in the U.S. Here that line is considered "luxury" and is only sold in department stores like Nordstrom and Saks. There, they carry it in their drugstores.

Yes, that's true! I wrote down prices of the perfumes I wanted before I left the U.S. to price compare and I did not purchase any perfume in Paris! I found in some cases, especially near the Louvre, the perfume was even more expensive than in the U.S.-- here's the catch, they try to pull you in with the DUTY FREE sign which means that you will recieve a slight discount with a large purchase. So, if you are willing to spend a couple hundred dollars in one shop on perfume, cosmetics, etc., then it is possible you may save 10%25 (but that's not much considering the amount you have to spend). Another route people may advise is the PAS CHER book available at almost any book store. You must purchase the book (approx. $20.00), take the book with you to show the shop keeper and then you will be granted up to a 20%25 discount, but then you break even because of the book cost. Some things that were very reasonable: Limoges porcelain boxes are approximately 50%25 of the cost that you will pay in the U.S. But you must shop around for the best prices. Some shops are a little higher than others. There are a number of shops near the Louvre that have them. Limoges porcelain boxes are normally expensive, but whatever you see there would cost you double in the U.S. Also, if you are looking for a nice quality silk scarf, these are reasonably priced also, compared to the U.S. and make nice gifts. Hope this helps and have a great time!

Yes, that's true! I wrote down prices of the perfumes I wanted before I left the U.S. to price compare and I did not purchase any perfume in Paris! I found in some cases, especially near the Louvre, the perfume was even more expensive than in the U.S.-- here's the catch, they try to pull you in with the DUTY FREE sign which means that you will recieve a slight discount with a large purchase. So, if you are willing to spend a couple hundred dollars in one shop on perfume, cosmetics, etc., then it is possible you may save 10%25 (but that's not much considering the amount you have to spend). Another route people may advise is the PAS CHER book available at almost any book store. You must purchase the book (approx. $20.00), take the book with you to show the shop keeper and then you will be granted up to a 20%25 discount, but then you break even because of the book cost. Some things that were very reasonable: Limoges porcelain boxes are approximately 50%25 of the cost that you will pay in the U.S. But you must shop around for the best prices. Some shops are a little higher than others. There are a number of shops near the Louvre that have them. Limoges porcelain boxes are normally expensive, but whatever you see there would cost you double in the U.S. Also, if you are looking for a nice quality silk scarf, these are reasonably priced also, compared to the U.S. and make nice gifts. Hope this helps and have a great time!

I can't think of anything I've ever found in France
that is cheaper there, but it wouldn't be the
companies you mention -- both are American
cosmetic companies. Clinique is headquartered
in NYC and I'm not sure about Lancome, who has
European offices, but they used to be owned by
Max Factor. Not sure, now. If you only have 2
days there, forget about shopping for bargains.
This is true in other places, too -- for instance, you
can buy Waterford crystal cheaper in the US than
in Ireland (I know, because I made the mistake of
buying it in Ireland on vacation--not only was it
a hassle and one piece got broken, but I found it
cheaper in the US)