Paris S&B essentials

[bingohandjob]

Would love to hear your recommendations for S&B tips for a long weekend in Paris next month. Any great beauty buys I should bring back or places to check out for S&B addicts? Essentials to take to look smart but comfortable as we'll be walking lots. I am planning on taking pretty much a monochrome carry on bag of very simple mix and match gear. Thanks!

On Lisa Eldridge's blog she talks of her favourite french skincare ranges from pharmacies over there.

Ooh I love this kind of thread. I love La Roche-Posay but don't know if it's any cheaper over there nowadays?

Packing-wise, I would probably take (from my actual wardrobe, not fantasy wardrobe!!):

Navy wool Whistles peacoat
Dark grey All Saints leather jacket (packs down surprisingly small)
Cashmere snood
Black or dark grey skinny jeans
Mid denim skinny jeans
Black collarless crepe shirt
Black and white striped long-sleeve Breton
Leopard-print cardigan
Black scoop-neck t-shirt
Casual-ish jersey knot dress that can be dressed up or downp
Supergas
Dark brown Ugg Simmens boots (incredibly comfy and don't look like Ugg boots)
Long gold dangly pendant necklace
Kanken rucksack for daytime
Black leather crossbody bag for evening

Laquila, have you been looking at my packing list?!

Not been for 6 or 7 years but Le Marais district was the place then for independent shops. ££ and I didn't buy but had a blast looking. Loads of bars, coffee shops and galleries too.

Lots of people say ignore the street traders but some of them have interesting stuff. Last time I bought a few bits of jewelry that were all over the high street a few months later.

Can't advise on skincare I'm afraid as I use a very limited number of products.

Shopkeepers are much friendlier if you say 'Bonjour' - even if that's the only word you know!

It can be cold and wet in February/March so I'd take something warm and ideally with a hood as you won't want to be faffing with umbrellas. Have a great time!

When I went last spring I took a Massimo Dutti padded coat (like the Barbour ones), a pair of sturdy yet comfy boots and jeans/leggings for warmth along with jumpers.

Places like Eiffel Tower can get freezing with the wind and also walking around.

Tons of places like Bonprix, Galeries LaFayette, Etam etc to buy basics if you forget.

I'm not overly blown away by Caudalie, prefer Nuxe, do like Le Petit Marseillaise stuff esp extra moisturising (extra douche I think it is) shower gels etc. klorane is nice hair stuff and Le chat shower gel or DOP is also nice. My French friend swears by vitamin powders drinks etc when she goes to Carrefour in Calais (her home town) from UK.

I'd also take uniqlo heat tech socks and vests/tops.

Also depending on where you're staying ensure you have warm drinks, hot water bottles, bed socks etc. the air b n b I stayed in was well stocked but I had to get milk and normal tea!

Citypharma in St Germain de Pres is a big pharmacy that does the main brands at a discount e.g. I got Caudalie Divine oil 100ml for 20 euros, it's £30 here. It's really crowded though so you need to know what you're looking for and sharpen your elbows!

French pharmacy brands are cheaper in general in France but the cheapest in Citypharma - they also have their own version of some brands.

Skyllo I went to CityPharma too, was only put off by crowds and how much to bring back but that's beauty of Eurostar!

Not all French pharmacy brands are cheaper in France, at least where my parents have a house in SW they're comparable if not dearer than UK!

Remember you can't get stuff like paracetamol in a supermarket only in a pharmacy.

Carrefour, intermarche etc all do their own brand beauty stuff (makeup etc) which is good value. Le Petit Marsellaise also do shampoo etc.

Great minds, OP! I'm enjoying living this trip vicariously through you - I have two small children and probably won't get a European weekend away for another year or two 😃

Love all these suggestions! Thank you.