What wonderful cosmetic or not so secret potion should I look for in Paris?
Mar 16th, 2009, 07:13 PM
#22
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re: <<about La Roche-Posay; I guess it's not essential to buy the product in Paris now>>
It's still not the same. Last I read, only one of the 2 types of Mexoryl-- SX, not XL-- has been approved in the US, so the Anthelios formula sold in the US is still different.
The sunblock I buy in Paris is Avene's "Eau Thermale Emulsion" in the orange tubes-- it uses Tinosorb (sp?) for UVA protection. That's better because it can be worn with makeup (while Mexoryl may get deactivated by mineral makeup).
The Avene available in the US (in the white tubes) do not provide the same UVA protection.
It's still not the same. Last I read, only one of the 2 types of Mexoryl-- SX, not XL-- has been approved in the US, so the Anthelios formula sold in the US is still different.
The sunblock I buy in Paris is Avene's "Eau Thermale Emulsion" in the orange tubes-- it uses Tinosorb (sp?) for UVA protection. That's better because it can be worn with makeup (while Mexoryl may get deactivated by mineral makeup).
The Avene available in the US (in the white tubes) do not provide the same UVA protection.
Mar 16th, 2009, 08:41 PM
#24
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grandmere,
Pharmacies are more expensive; go to drugstores (I mean stores that look like Wallgreen's or RiteAids) such as Parashop. It should be around 11 euros. Some of the bigger Monoprix branches had it too, but not always.
Pharmacies are more expensive; go to drugstores (I mean stores that look like Wallgreen's or RiteAids) such as Parashop. It should be around 11 euros. Some of the bigger Monoprix branches had it too, but not always.
Mar 17th, 2009, 05:49 AM
#25
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I stock up clarins from Gallery Lafayette.
Make sure you take all the receipts to the vat dept in Gallery Lafayette where they fill out forms and stamp your receipts.
The vat refund justifies buying more.
Make sure you take all the receipts to the vat dept in Gallery Lafayette where they fill out forms and stamp your receipts.
The vat refund justifies buying more.
Mar 17th, 2009, 06:39 AM
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Mlle, I wasn't aware that there are Rite-Aid-type stores in France; are they all over Paris? Thanks for the suggestion.
Mohan, yes, I like to buy at GL, too, to get the vat refund; I stock up on my shampoo by Lazartigue.
Mohan, yes, I like to buy at GL, too, to get the vat refund; I stock up on my shampoo by Lazartigue.
Mar 17th, 2009, 06:52 AM
#28
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About the La Roche-Posay sunscreen: check prices from mail-order Canadian pharmacies before you buy in Paris..
http://well.ca/products/la-roche-pos...ream_3698.html
http://well.ca/products/la-roche-pos...ream_3698.html
Mar 18th, 2009, 06:36 AM
#30
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Cite (Fouherty's) Pharmacy (26, rue du Four) in the 6th is a place I've read about for several years as being THE place for cosmetics and beauty items. I have never made it there, but it is on the list for my NEXT trip! The French have things we "need" that we didn't even KNOW we needed! I've read you need to get there early in the morning (not sure of their hours, however) as this is not a secret anymore!
I love the Rogers & Gallet Muguet (lily of the valley) and lavender soaps.
Enjoy!
joy/luvparee
I love the Rogers & Gallet Muguet (lily of the valley) and lavender soaps.
Enjoy!
joy/luvparee
Mar 18th, 2009, 12:30 PM
#31
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hi luvparee,
i went to cite pharmacie in september 2008 - every product imagineable was there. however, the shop was so jammed that i ended up leaving without any purchases. i think at least one or two older ladies pushed me out of their way! i'm going back this fall and staying in the 6th so i plan to make my way there first thing in the morning to (hopefully) avoid some of the crowds.
i found the product selection at monoprix to be just as good and it was WAY less crowded!
but i'm curious to hear about parashop...
i went to cite pharmacie in september 2008 - every product imagineable was there. however, the shop was so jammed that i ended up leaving without any purchases. i think at least one or two older ladies pushed me out of their way! i'm going back this fall and staying in the 6th so i plan to make my way there first thing in the morning to (hopefully) avoid some of the crowds.
i found the product selection at monoprix to be just as good and it was WAY less crowded!
but i'm curious to hear about parashop...
Mar 18th, 2009, 01:07 PM
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Mar 18th, 2009, 01:53 PM
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I live very near Canada and saw the Anthelios XL sunscreen at a pharmacy for slightly more than I paid in Paris. Again, I'm quite certain I should only buy it in Paris rather than pay $5 or so more in Vancouver. But next time I'll try the one Mlle Fifi recommends - I do wear mineral makeup.
Mar 18th, 2009, 01:57 PM
#35
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The best prices are on the Canadian mail-order sites. I think shipping is often free within Canada. Check the price on the link I posted above. I doubt if you will find it for less in Paris, but I cannot be certain!
Mar 18th, 2009, 05:04 PM
#36
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lilaki,
I didn't know what a "parapharmacie" was and had to google it just now, and yes, that's exactly what the Parashop looked like. I was at the one in the Forum des Halls, but there are over a dozen locations in Paris: http://www.parashop.com/index.php?id=2 (enter 75 for "department" to pull up the list of stores).
I haven't been to Cite pharmacie-- will try it next time (don't know when "next time" will be-- I'm so jealous of those of you who are going again soon!)
cigalechanta,
generally, Monoprix and the bigger stores selling miscellaneous beauty products (like what we call a "drugstore" in the US) are cheaper than the cute little neighborhood "pharmacies".
I didn't know what a "parapharmacie" was and had to google it just now, and yes, that's exactly what the Parashop looked like. I was at the one in the Forum des Halls, but there are over a dozen locations in Paris: http://www.parashop.com/index.php?id=2 (enter 75 for "department" to pull up the list of stores).
I haven't been to Cite pharmacie-- will try it next time (don't know when "next time" will be-- I'm so jealous of those of you who are going again soon!)
cigalechanta,
generally, Monoprix and the bigger stores selling miscellaneous beauty products (like what we call a "drugstore" in the US) are cheaper than the cute little neighborhood "pharmacies".
Mar 18th, 2009, 05:42 PM
#39
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gomiki,
Depends which Monoprix-- for example, the one near Bon Marche is dingy, with very limited selection, while the one near the Grenelle metro had a huge selection of good stuff.
Bon voyage to both of you. (I should be researching Rome but keep getting side-tracked on the Paris threads!)
Depends which Monoprix-- for example, the one near Bon Marche is dingy, with very limited selection, while the one near the Grenelle metro had a huge selection of good stuff.
Bon voyage to both of you. (I should be researching Rome but keep getting side-tracked on the Paris threads!)
