Considering I’ve worked in fashion for 15 years, people were shocked to learn that I had never been to Paris until last month. Honestly, I couldn’t believe it either! Fortunately, I finally made the journey to the fashion capital of the world thanks to an invitation from H&M, which hosted a party in Paris to celebrate its collaboration with Wardrobe.NYC. In just three nights, I fit in several H&M events, a few haute couture runway shows, some sightseeing, and, of course, a bit of shopping.
In the weeks leading up to my Paris trip, I bookmarked dozens of TikTok and Instagram videos, researched expert recommendations (including Who What Wear’s guide to Paris!), and asked my friends and colleagues for tips and tricks. I ended up with a long list of suggestions for Parisian restaurants, museums, cafés, and activities, but I was most interested in doing some retail therapy during my visit. Below, learn everything I was told to purchase in Paris and what I actually spent my hard-earned money on.
What Was Recommended to Me
- Officine Universelle Buly personalized comb
- Louise Carmen leather notebook
- La Roche-Posay sunscreen
- Caudalie skincare
- Astier de Villatte candle
- Chanel bag
- Marin Montagut soap
- Maison Bordier butter
- Fragonard perfume
What I Actually Bought
- La Bonne Brosse hairbrush
- La Roche-Posay sunscreen
- Caudalie skincare
- Petit Bateau T-shirts
- Mariage Frères tea
My Reasoning
La Bonne Brosse
The Small Gentle Scalp Care Hairbrush
I contemplated getting a personalized comb from Officine Universelle Buly, which is hugely popular on TikTok, but the store was very crowded, and I didn’t feel like waiting in line. As it happens, I ended up getting an even better recommendation. I had lunch with Elisabeth Bento, one of Who What Wear’s editors in residence, and she told me that she never goes anywhere without her La Bonne Brosse hairbrush. Considering that she’s lived in Paris for decades and has impeccable style, I didn’t question her recommendation for a minute, and I’m so glad.
The brand makes different brushes to suit various needs. One is designed to leave your hair shiny, for instance, while another gives you an invigorating scalp massage. I purchased The Small Gentle Scalp Care Hairbrush for my sensitive scalp, and it’s been a great addition to my beauty ritual.
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios UVmune 400 SPF50+
This specific sunscreen is not available in the U.S. because it contains Mexoryl 400, an advanced type of UVA filter that is not yet FDA-approved here in the States. (This is not because it has been deemed unsafe but merely because our system is slower to adopt cutting-edge new ingredients.) Luckily, however, if you aren’t visiting Europe anytime soon, you can purchase this European formulation at FrenchPharmacy.com.
This innovative filter protects skin against ultra-long UVA wavelengths, so I was excited to try it. My thoughts: I love the milky texture, which makes it easy to rub in, the pleasant smell, and the lightweight feel on my face. I will definitely be repurchasing!
Caudalie
Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative
Unlike the sunscreen I mention above, this product is the same one you can buy in the U.S., but it costs significantly less in Paris. At the Pharmacie Caumartin Opéra, I paid €44, which is approximately $51. By contrast, on Sephora’s website right now, the same serum costs $82. Now that’s a deal.
I used to use this product religiously but stopped buying it to save money, so I was thrilled to get the opportunity to purchase it for less. (Naturally, I bought three bottles.) My skin drinks in this milky serum, which is formulated to help lighten dark spots, even out texture, and give you a glowy look.
Petit Bateau
Short Sleeve Crew Neck Top
Surprisingly, out of the nine people I talked to before going to Paris, no one mentioned Petit Bateau, despite it being a Parisian mainstay since 1893. I first learned about it when reading Sunita Kumar Nair’s book CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion. Nair reported that many of Bessette Kennedy’s T-shirts, including crewneck styles with both short and long sleeves, and in both black and white, were by Petit Bateau. After trying on several tees in the store, I instantly understood why CBK was such a fan. The 100%-cotton quality is fantastic, and the fit is really perfect.
Mariage Frères
Thé Vert Marco Polo
When it comes to viral French culinary delights, one thing kept popping up on my TikTok feed over and over: Maison Bordier butter. While I’m sure it’s excellent, I figured it might not stay fresh after an 11-hour flight, and I was worried that transporting it would be messy, so I opted instead for something more portable: tea. I decided to go with Mariage Frères, founded in 1854, because it’s one of the most recognizable French tea brands. After tasting several options, I bought Thé Vert Marco Polo, which is officially my new favorite smooth, great-tasting green tea.
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