French Products We’re Coveting This Bastille Day

Chanel No. 5 is likely the most iconic fragrance of all time. A timeless, legendary fragrance in a radically simple bottle, its floral aldehyde bouquet is the epitome of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel’s initial request: “a woman’s perfume, a scent of woman.” In 1921, Coco Chanel requested her perfumer Ernest Beaux to create “a woman’s perfume with a woman’s scent”, rare and powerful. His tireless work delivered a visionary composition that use unprecedented aldehydic notes. Coco Chanel chose to house it in a bottle with a revolutionary design, adorned with a white label and topped with a faceted cabochon. In 1986, Jacques Polge, the CHANEL nose since 1978, reinterpreted his predecessor’s composition to create a fuller version of N°5: the eau de parfum. Today, it comes in five interpretations, from intense to airy, easily wearable by any woman.

Need a bit of instant radiance? A hit of moisture? Rejuvenation for tired skin? Beauty Flash Balm is for you. Another iconic French product, this is a botanical blend of olive tree and rice. It instantly soothes and softens the skin, providing a youth flow looking glow and a firmer looking complexion. It’s amazing as a make-up primer, a pick-me-up mask, or an add-on moisturiser to give a lit-from-within glow. Hint: keep it in the fridge for bonus cooling and de-puffing benefits.

Few things say French style like a bold red lip, and this beauty by Lancôme never disappoints. Housed in an elegant black bullet case, it’s enriched with Pro-Xylane™m known to define and replenish lips with moisture. It also contains rose flower extract, known for its soothing and softening properties, as well as Tourmaline, to energise the skin.

This super-powered formula is renowned for its strong anti-aging and antioxidant properties. It’s formulated with a patented Immortelle Soothing Molecule, which soothes redness and tightness, as boost cellular recovery. It is an oil-in-serum formulation that contains 3,000 golden bubbles that preserve the immortelle essential oil. The bubbles melt into the skin, without greasiness. It’s ideal to use as part of your evening skincare routine. Use it alone, or in combination with your other products to boost efficacy. Best of all, it is suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive complexions. Little wonder a bottle is sold every minute worldwide.

This soft-as-silk serum from the cult French pharmacy brand is brimming with antioxidants, hyaluronic-acid, peptides and vitamins to give all skin types a dose of radiance. it also contains AHAs to gently nudge the skin’s natural resurfacing functions.

This soothing, calming mask will help calm sensitive skin and redness. Its key ingredient is the renowned Avène Thermal Spring Water, which supports healing, strengthening and hydration. A second hero ingredient, Antioxidant Natural Berry Extract, infuses lipids to rebuild and strengthen the skin barrier. Pre-tocopheryl, a Vitamin E precursor, protects the skin against external aggressors. Use this luxe mask as part of your weekly beauty routine to revive and replenish fatigued skin.

Few things invoke Parisian style like a Diptyque candle, in particular Roses. This 600g romantic candle features a medley of blooms and will fill your home with the soft, floral scent of flowering rose bushes.

While not a quite a beauty product, this tome – a memoir by one of Australia’s leading beauty writers, will instantly transport you to Paris. Draw yourself a luxurious bath, and immerse yourself in the City of Lights. Katrina takes us on a journey around the most spectacular sights, hidden secrets and beguiling nooks and crannies or Paris. All the while, she muses on everything Parisian, including stylish Parisiennes who captivate us, from Brigitte Bardot and Madame de Pompadour to Simone de Beauvoir and Catherine de Medici. Be sure to pour yourself a glass of stunning French rose to accompany your journey.

In true French style, one simply must raise a glass of French Rosé. Our picks? Firstly, from the vineyard owned by Brad Pitt in in the ancient village of Correns, the heart of Provence, Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé. This stunning drop is the result of a collaboration between Brad Pitt and la famille Perrin. It’s a complex, flavoursome blend of cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Rolle. Expect notes of raspberry, wild strawberries, citrus and melon, finishing with a fresh, vibrant acidity. Equally as divine is Prestige D’adimant Rosé. cIt has been carefully produced usinga blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Carignan grapes. The grapes are harvested in the cool of the night to retain maximum freshness and aroma. They are then gently pressed to create the oh-so delicate pink blush and maintain fruit purity.