Drugstores in the U.S. like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens are fine, but French pharmacies blow these American establishments out of the water. 

On any given street corner in Paris (in all of France, for that matter), you can find a pharmacie marked by a large green cross. Inside you'll find everything from COVID-19 tests to beauty products.

French pharmacies are often smaller than American ones, and unlike the drugstores found in the U.S., most French pharmacies carry the same brands and all look pretty similar.

The real glory is in what these pharmacies carry. High-end skincare lines like Vichy, Avène, Nuxe, and La Roche-Posay abound, and cost so much less than what you would pay for them (or the American equivalent) in the U.S. And, most products sold in these pharmacies are safer for your skin, as the French have higher standards for what chemicals are legally allowed to be put in skincare products.

Furthermore, accessing products that Americans often need prescriptions for are much easier in French drugstores than American ones (like this anti-aging skin lotion).

COVID-19 tests in France are easy to organize as well, and readily available at most Pharmacies for a small fee. And your results come back within 15 minutes!

While traveling to France to purchase your skincare line sounds pretty great, it isn't always possible, especially when you're almost out of your favorite moisturizer.

Not to worry! You can sometimes find these brands at places like Target or Walgreens, and many you can shop directly from their American websites.

But if you want a one-stop-shop for your favorite French products, head to FrenchPharmacy.com. And if you're looking for products that are extra natural and can't even be found in French pharmacies, visit French Dry Goods for all your skin and body care needs.