I’ve used Caudalie products for several years. I’ve never been completely loyal to the brand, but both SMS and I have enjoyed the Vinoperfect oil in the past although I think it has been discontinued. After looking at one-too-many French pharmacy articles, I realized that I should try to go to a Caudalie spa. I likely read a blog post that said, “Be sure to reserve this several weeks before you go.” I looked in several cities- Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux – before finding an opening the next day in the Montmarte Abesses Boutique. There are a few other French cities with boutiques but not ones that I was planning on being in during my trip.
My hotel was quite close so I walked over. I was a bit early so I walked around the neighborhood, passing by the “I love you” wall, which was behind some construction fencing.
I went in and felt a little overly prompt, but the women were very nice. The staff was young and my facialist was super sweet. We went back and forth between English and French, although a lot of the spa language was in English unless she couldn’t remember a certain word or phrase. It all worked! Most of the treatment was in silence anyways.
Verdict: it was quite nice and fun to do, but not a must do. I think I was a little less enthralled with my results since I felt my glowy skin was slightly marred by irritated mild rosacea. But that’s a me-skin problem, not a Caudalie problem. I took a picture of my recommended lineup but since I had gone on a CityPharma shopping spree the day prior (great timing!), I passed on buying more face products to lug around for two more weeks in France. Later in the trip, I bought the vinocrush skin tint in shade 2, which is a really nice mild-to-mild+ coverage cream. It looks like it’s not in the US yet, apart through import French pharmacy websites. For anyone who cares (I imagine a lot of sleeping readers at this point), the shade is probably a touch too dark for me but whatever, it works!
Aside from the color, do you feel like the price tag is good for the product? I’m hoping to go to France in ‘26, and would love to do some skin care shopping. All recommendations welcome, as I did not do my research last time and so did not buy anything.
The price is much better in France so there, it is definitely worth it. I was super self-conscious at CityPharma in Paris but they’re *expecting* non-French speakers there and have really knowledgeable consultants there. I said “Je regarde juste” (I’m just looking) at first but couldn’t avoid the help eventually. But it was great! I got to ask about one brand (“expensive for what’s in it”) and got some great advice, although I ended up believing in an expensive serum recommendation. But my skin is looking good post France…
Oh what a fun experience. I know about the brand but don’t know if I ever tried any of their products? Is there something you’d recommend?