Goodies de Paris

If you haven’t already, check out both my Paris posts, first here and then here.

Before I share the goodies I bought on my little trip I have to tell you about my packing experience and only because it was my most successful pack yet!

I am an over-packer. The more the better is my attitude to packing, but with weight restrictions and the fact that you will probably add to the weight I thought I should be a bit sensible this time round. I tried to focus on using the most out of what I was packing, so no unnecessary items. With only 3 days in Paris I worked out I needed an outfit per day, a spare, just because, and an outfit for an evening out. I had my trusted staple item, my black jeans, three tops I would be happy to wear with them, leggings and a dress, and a cardigan that would go with everything I had with me. My red boots made the journey as I would wear them with all the outfit combinations and I threw in my red flats just in case the weather was nice. For my fancier outfit (keeping in mind I’m no party animal, just wanted to look a bit nicer than my day look) I brought an outfit I wore to a Christmas party a while ago. Black jeans which I had already packed, a black top and red heels (take a look here). As my statement piece, I had my fabulous COS coat that again I would wear over everything I had packed. That’s it. That’s all I packed! For me this is seriously good. There wasn’t one thing I didn’t use but at the same time I didn’t feel I hadn’t packed enough.

With that done, it was time to shop. I had high hopes for this trip only because since my last visit, I have started to use French brands in my skincare routine and couldn’t wait to see what the French pharmacies had to offer. I wished I had saved a bit more money prior to this trip, I could have bought so much and bought things in bulk which were great value for money. You live and learn.

What I did buy were some trusted old favourites like La Roche Possay Effaclar Duo + that I stocked up on only because they were a few euro cheaper. I also bought some new products that I have resisted buying as I’m trying to use up makeup I already have, but seeing as they were cheaper, I couldn’t resist. L’oreal Miss Manga mascara and La Roche Possay Serozonic are included in that category.

Other things I purchased were the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse and the Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm. Both products are incredible and I’m so glad I reached for them. I didn’t bring my Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water with me as the bottle is too big and I wanted to try Bioderma so I purchased a small bottle and to be honest I’m glad I bought that size. I wasn’t really impressed with it and feel there is no difference with other brands who offer a similar product.

Besides the pharmacy, I made a trek to Sephora. I have mixed feelings about Sephora. I’m filled with excitement at the thought of going and always have a mountain of things I want to buy but when I’m there I’m left feeling overwhelmed and dissatisfied. There is almost too much for me to look at and with the music and crowds, well I lose my patience. I probably sound like a Granny but shopping is supposed to be an enjoyable experience and that is not for me. I’m sad to report this visit was no different. In the end I walked away feeling empty-handed with only two products to take home, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and a lovely Sephora Contour Eye Pencil in the shade Diving in Malaysia.

Last of my treasures is a gorgeous and tiny Roger and Gallet  Fleur de Figuier hand cream. The scent is a little too strong for me but it does magically transport me to my grandparents’ garden, picking fresh figs from the tree. Not a bad memory at all!

I’m pretty happy with my treasures. My eyes are definitely bigger than my wallet so I’ll use this trip as a trial run! For my next visit to Paris, I will save a bit more and stock up on all the beautiful, pretty things my heart desires.

xo