Organic beauty haunts in Paris

From the inimitable Hip Paris blog…

Bio Chic: Our Favorite Organic Beauty Boutiques in Paris Posted: 19 Dec 2013 07:19 AM PST Senteurs de Fée It’s no secret that French girls love their products. Here in Paris, you can find a cream, serum or supplement for just about anything that ails – from cellulite to les cernes to an old fashioned case of the blues. Mademoiselle Bio Traditionally, most of these (often fabulous) remedies have been found at the parfumerie or pharmacie. (Remember Tory’s post on French pharmacy favorites?) But a fresh breed of organic, natural and holistic goodies is making its mark on the Parisian beauty scene and finding a niche at the intersection of bio and la beauté. Senteurs de Fée As for me, I’ve long been a skeptic when it comes to natural beauty goods, wary of pasty products and cardboard packaging filled with good intentions but questionable effectiveness. But the more I read about carcinogenic cosmetics bearing unpronounceable ingredients, I’ve started to wonder: Could these Parisian bio boutiques change the mind (and even the skin) of a conventional beauty brand devotee? I decided to investigate. Florame Here’s a roundup of favorites that sell gorgeous, natural remedies, scents and treatments perfect for any aspiring Parisian bobo beauty. Florame Mademoiselle Bio Mademoiselle Bio The largest retailer I visited, Mademoiselle Bio is a small French chain – the organic answer to beauty emporiums like Sephora and Marionnaud (minus the olfactory assault.) In a clean, crisp setting that feels more pharmacy than perfumerie, the shop carries beloved, mostly European brands like Melita, Weleda, Phyt’s and of course, Dr. Hausckhka. There are also a number of niche lines as well as cult organic perfumers Les Fleurs de Bach and Honoré des Pres. Mademoiselle Bio Unable to resist the promise of a sparkling complexion (hope springs eternal!), the knowledgeable saleswoman convinced me to try an apple-based cleanser à l’huile. Oil cleanser for my skin? Surely she was joking. But after a few days of use, my interest is piqued. I wouldn’t say radiant but perhaps I’m showing a bit of improved clarity and evened tone? There might be something to this bio-beauty thing after all… Mademoiselle Bio (8 boutiques in Paris) 28 Rue des Archives, Paris 75003 Tel: 01 42 78 30 86 Metro: Hotel de Ville Mademoiselle Bio Florame Florame I visited the Florame boutique on the rue Dupuytren in the 6th determined not to buy but simply to savor the experience of the high-quality essential oils for which the brand is known. Florame Deeply devoted to sustainability and fair trade, Florame prides itself on its dedication to the farmers (in France, Madagascar and beyond) who produce the plants from which they draw their oils and to the integrity of their brand that bears the Cosmebio, AB and Ecocert imprimaturs. Highlights include their 100% pure essential oil home scent diffusers, aromatherapy oils and organic skincare for men, including cedar and argan oils. A Christmas gift for the eco-conscious hubby? I’ll be back… Florame 8 Rue Dupuytren, Paris 75006 Tel: 01 44 07 34 53 Metro: Odeon Senteurs de Fée Senteurs de Fée Senteurs de Fée This gem of a boutique on the rue Sevigne in the Marais bears witness to the passion and knowledge of its Parisian owner, Katia Bielli, a self-proclaimed artist and florist. Visiting her gorgeous boutique is to enter her world devoted to natural, organic goodness as embodied in beautiful massage oils, skin and hair care products and a seductive world of scent. Senteurs de Fée It was impossible to resist the lovely packaging and pure promise of her l’Huile Vraie body oil (light, non-greasy, gorgeous) combining rose, neroli, jasmine, ylang ylang…you get the idea. Softer skin that leaves a trace of delicate scent, this one had me convinced. I was also tempted by her “regenerating” cleanser, Nectar de Rose. (I made a mental note to return when I exhaust my tube of apple/oil cleanser). Senteurs de Fée For those seeking a complete bio experience, Mademoiselle Bio also offers a range of on-site treatments like massages, facials (you choose from their product line), manicures and organic waxing. In the end, when it comes to natural skin and body care, my investigation has made me a convert. After all, shouldn’t we care as much about what we put on our bodies as what we put in them? Mademoiselle Bio 10 Rue de Sévigné, 75004 Paris Tel: 01 44 54 97 27 Metro: St Paul Florame Related links: Can’t get enough of beauty tips? Don’t forget to check out Carin’s post for the HiP Paris Blog about a couple of great beauty spots in Paris Do it in Paris shares more places in Paris for anything beauty related Angloinfo has more info on bio shops in Paris Written by Paige Bradley Frost for the HiP Paris Blog. All photos by Didier Gauducheau. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.

Advertisements