Sofia Richie, Alix Earle, and Sophia Culpo swear by this cream from a French pharmacy for achieving smooth, radiant skin.

      Skin preparation is often overlooked, and many makeup artists would agree with me on this. People usually concentrate on their foundation and concealer, believing that the right products will give them an airbrushed finish. While choosing the right makeup is important, skin prep is what truly lays the groundwork for success. It's actually a significant reason why celebrities always appear so flawless on the red carpet. That's why I'm always eager to learn about their skin-prep products, and today, I did just that. I discovered that Sofia Richie Grainge, Alix Earle, and Sophia Culpo all use the same renowned French pharmacy cream before applying their makeup. Richie Grainge refers to it as her holy grail. Earle employs it to help her skin recover after acne outbreaks. Culpo describes it as her reliable choice. Below, you can find the specific product they use along with some of my other favorite French pharmacy items.

      Avène

      Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

      This French pharmacy cream hydrates dry skin, calms inflammation, and reinforces the natural barrier with components like Avène thermal spring water, copper, and zinc sulfate. It’s gentle enough for infants and for treating eczema. What distinguishes it is its thick texture, which moisturizes and smooths dry, damaged skin; enhances radiance; and features a slightly tacky texture reminiscent of a makeup primer. Richie Grainge recently mentioned it in a Vogue Beauty Secrets video, saying, "This is my holy grail, and I always apply it under my makeup because I feel like my makeup looks so beautiful on top of it. It's thick and pasty. This is one of those creams that require warming up. The more you warm it in your hands and then on your face, the glowier and more stunning it appears."

      5 More French Pharmacy Products Approved by Editors

      Avène

      Thermal Spring Water

      This legendary face mist is concentrated with Avène's thermal spring water. Use it to hydrate, calm, and refresh your skin throughout the day.

      Nuxe

      Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

      This versatile dry oil can be applied on the face, body, and hair. It's lightweight and non-greasy, and has a delightful fragrance that might even make you forgo perfume.

      Embryolisse

      Lait-Crème Concentré

      Another classic from the French pharmacy, Embryolisse's Lait-Crème Concentré can serve as a moisturizer, primer, face mask, and even makeup remover.

      Homeoplasmine

      Homeoplasmine

      This ointment hydrates and relieves dry, cracked skin.

      Bioderma

      Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

      This makeup-removing micellar water is favored by editors, makeup artists, and celebrities alike.

      Kaitlyn McLintock is a Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. With 10 years of experience in the editorial field, she has contributed to several prominent publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Zoe Report, and Bustle, among others. She specializes in beauty and wellness topics, with a particular passion for skincare content—whether it involves writing about innovative in-office treatments, investigating the benefits of particular ingredients, or testing the latest at-home skin devices. After living in Los Angeles, California, and Austin, Texas, she has returned to her home state of Michigan. When not writing, researching, or testing beauty products, she enjoys expanding her book collection or swimming in the Great Lakes.