A Hidden Gem in French Pharmacies
French pharmacies are more than just places to pick up medication. For beauty lovers, they represent a treasure trove of unique and often underrated skincare and makeup products. These stores offer access to cult brands and rare finds that can be hard to come by elsewhere. It’s no surprise that French women are known for their effortless elegance and glowing complexions.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to explore a French pharmacy firsthand during a trip to the French Alps. While my partner and friends enjoyed snowboarding, I found myself staying behind due to being heavily pregnant. Rather than feeling left out, I spent my days indulging in the local pastries of Chamonix and wandering through the aisles of a local parapharmacie — the French term for a chemist that sells non-medicinal products.
Ate an alarming amount of macarons in Chamonix, in between shopping. Image: Supplied.
One morning, while searching for face oil, I stumbled upon a line of affordable soaps, scents, and hand-care products with cute packaging called Roger & Gallet. Without any prior knowledge of the brand, I was free to explore without any preconceived notions. The products were different from what I was used to — not quite perfumes, not quite mists or essential oils, but something in between.
I was immediately drawn to the many vials of “wellbeing fragrant waters” with enticing scents like Bois Do’Orange, Vetiver, Fleur D’Osmanthus, and Neroli. I spritzed a few on my wrists and couldn’t decide which one I liked best, so I left with nothing. However, throughout the day, I couldn’t stop sniffing myself. I smelled so chic, and even my husband and a girlfriend at dinner noticed.
Straight to the parapharmacie. Image: Supplied.
The next day, I returned and bought a 30ml vial of Fleur D’Osmanthus for 20 Euro. This became my go-to spritz for the rest of the trip. Back home, I continued using it, and every other day, someone would compliment my perfume. I wasn’t shy about applying it to my clothes, hair, and even my pillow. I didn’t ration it at all.
I remember misting it all over before a friend’s engagement party, and when the groom-to-be came in for a hug, he told me my hair smelt amazing. When I ran out, I felt very sad. Assuming it was only available in France, I substituted with my other perfumes. But when I traveled to the South of France for a wedding last year, I headed straight to a local pharmacy to stock up on Roger & Gallet products.
My favourite chemist scents alongside my other, more boujie, fragrances. Image: Supplied.
I bought a 100ml bottle of my favorite scent, Neroli, and another of Fleur D’Osmanthus. The Neroli reminded me of an expensive Tom Ford perfume, but it was less dramatic. Still, a little bit goes a long way.
Finding myself running low again, I recently did a quick Google search to see what shipping fees I’d need to pay to get a few bottles back to Australia. Imagine my delight when I saw that Roger & Gallet is stocked at Big W via their online marketplace. Quelle surprise, this I did not expect!
Image: Big W.
You can shop a decent range of the wellbeing fragrant waters in different sizes, as well as lotions and shower gels. And without the Euro conversion, they’re actually cheaper to buy here than in France.
So if you’re looking for an affordable signature scent that no one else will have (well, maybe a few after reading this article), don’t sleep on this chemist brand.
My Roger & Gallet Favorites
Roger & Gallet Neroli Wellbeing Fragrant Water 30ml, $32.90
Image: Big W.Roger & Gallet Fleur D’Osmanthus Wellbeing Fragrant Water 30ml, $33.85
Image: Big W.Roger & Gallet Vetyver Wellbeing Fragrant Water 100ml, $56.80
Image: Big W.
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Feature image: Supplied.
