How to save money on beauty and haircare in France

France is the second biggest market for cosmetics and personal care products in Europe after Germany, spending €14.2billion annually, according to trade association Cosmetics Europe. 

However, the cost of living crisis has seen many households tighten their belts in recent years, and a Nielsen IQ survey in 2023 found nearly half of French people planned to reduce their spending on beauty products.

For those looking to follow suit – and still look good – the following tips may help.

Simplify skincare

Follow the example of many French women and pare down your skincare and make-up routine, saving not only money but time too.

“The most effective way to save money is to simplify. You don't need a complicated routine and most people will get better results from a few well-chosen products used consistently,” said Linzi Buckley, a British make-up artist based in south-west France, with over 17 years of experience in the skincare and make-up industry.

“When your skin is properly cared for, you naturally rely less on makeup and corrective products. It becomes less about buying more, and rather about understanding what your skin actually needs.

“I always suggest investing in your base. SPF (non negotiable), good skincare and a CC (colour correcting) cream or BB (beauty balm) cream that truly suits your skin, then being more flexible with the rest.”

When it comes to makeup, France is home to some of the world’s best-known brands, from Chanel and Dior to Guerlain and Lancôme, but you do not have to opt for the most costly items to achieve a put-together look.

“Everyday essentials such as mascara or lip products don't need to be expensive to work well. I have found Maybelline is actually a great affordable staple,” said Ms Buckley.

In addition, many French cosmetics retailers often have excellent loyalty schemes. Waiting for member discounts instead of buying immediately can save a fair bit over the year.

If you enjoy trying products, beauty boxes such as Blissim’s can be worthwhile. However, only subscribe if you will genuinely use the products.

Visit pharmacies

As well as dispensing medicine and health advice, French pharmacies are a trove of beauty and skincare products, and many are reasonably priced.

“Most visitors to France who know a thing or two about skincare often won’t leave without a pharmacy haul,” said Ms Buckley.

“They are a fantastic resource for simple, effective skincare at accessible prices.”

She recommends looking for products designed for sensitive or reactive skin, as these are effective and versatile. 

She also recommends asking the pharmacist for advice. Tell them what you are looking for, what your skin type is, and what your skincare goals are.

“They're often very knowledgeable and can guide you towards what's genuinely suitable for your skin.”

Be aware that not all pharmacies are equal when it comes to bargain products.

“Locals understand instinctively that prices can vary significantly between a traditional pharmacie and a parapharmacie, where the same products are often noticeably less expensive.”

Parapharmacies tend to sell non-medical products, ie. those that do not need a prescription. This can include skincare, wellness products and vitamins.

Ms Buckley said brands such as La Roche-Posay, Avène and Bioderma are consistently recommended by dermatologists, widely trusted “and are found (in parapharmacies) at incredibly attainable price points”.

Try hairdressing schools

Many hairdressing schools have training salons (salons d’application) attached to them where students can practise on real customers under direct supervision from instructors. 

The cost can be as much as 80% cheaper than a haircut in a regular salon, although expect cuts and colours to take longer. The Jean-Louis David hairdressing training centre in Paris charges €7 for a cut.

Search online for salons d’application to find training salons in your area.

Mobile hairdressers can also be cheaper than salons – and more convenient. With fewer overheads, they can pass savings on to their clients. 

Expect to pay between €28 and €52 for a women’s haircut and between €28 and €50 for a men’s haircut, according to French mobile hairdresser app Lookly. A women’s colour is between €36 and €63.

At a traditional salon, consider asking for a coupe sans brushing (cut without blow-dry), which is often cheaper than a regular haircut.

Find bargain spas and massages

Deal websites including Groupon.fr feature hundreds of offers on all kinds of health and beauty treatments, and are always worth checking before booking spa days, nail appointments, or massages. 

Groupon has a dedicated ‘Beauty and Spas’ section on its French website, often featuring over 50% off many treatments. 

Cashback apps, which give users money back when they buy certain products, including health and beauty items, are another way to save. Examples include iGraal (fr.igraal.com) which was offering 6% cashback on Yves Rocher products and 5% cashback on Marionnaud at the time of writing.

Reader tips

“I find shops like Noz and Action brilliant for cheaper, quality products for hair and skincare. I don’t go to the hairdressers as often as I did, as it doesn’t seem so important. I do my own nails – I have recently discovered nail wraps that don’t need curing under a lamp. That’s been a game changer for me.” DC

“In my experience, a haircut and blow-dry is cheaper in France. Additional products put the price up a bit but you are always asked first whether you want them. My sister is a podiatrist (retired) and her prices were a bit higher than my podologue, but I can confirm that the treatment is exactly the same.” PS

“Search for a local mobile coiffeuse for wet cuts from approximately €17. Last time I was at a salon it was €45 for a no-frills wash, cut and blow-dry.” CJ

Do you have any other tips to share on finding cosmetics in France? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com