I am in France and there is a branch of Sephora close by ...

[ronx]

Any recommendations on what to buy?
I am a product junkie and it's my birthday soon, so budget isnt really a problem

Make up? Perfume? I prefer the parapharmacies for skin care stuff such as Bioderma, Filorga, La Roche Posay etc.

I'll try Parapharmacie too. I can never resist skin products.

Do you need anything? I'd buy perfume.

Big fan of their own branded nail varnishes - haven't been over for a few years but last time they were cheap inexpensive but lasted well and lovely colours! Also a great range of perfume. Jealous face

I used to love them, but sadly now, as a bit of a junkie too, don't find them as exciting in terms of smaller/ niche/ innovative brands as Space NK- and , even more to the point, there are no longer good savings to be made, as there used to be pre-Euro. Still have a good look around sometimes but don't usually buy.

Generally agree that parapharmacies are much better hunting grounds for stuff you can't find here and always try and check them out.

If you're going to be around a little longer, try and hold your nerve and wait for their sale. They do their own make-up/varnish for 3 for 10 euros - which is an excellent deal when it's normally 15 for a mascara.

I tend to stock up during their sales with primers/serums/etc.

Agree with DaPrincessBride. I always buy their own brand nail varnish. Fab choice of colours, which are great for holiday toes!

Thirding the vote for the Sephora brand varnish, also recommend the own brand lipsticks too. Every time I go to Sephora, I stock up on Makeup Forever products, mainly the HD foundation.

Anything by Smashbox is good (not sure if they have that in the French ones) and their own brand eyeshadow primer and smashbox-like face primer is also good. As are their eyeliners with a smudger on the end.

The Tweezerman cuticle nippers and handbag manicure set. All of their tools, in fact.