The 3 Best Places to Shop for Makeup in Paris | By Paris Makeup Artist Onorina Jomir
As an expat makeup artist, I have gotten to know the best places to shop for makeup and skincare in Paris, France; read on to see where to buy makeup and beauty products in Paris, what brands you can find, and what level of French you need to know when you’re shopping.
Makeup shopping in Le Marais during a one-on-one client shopping spree, Paris, France.
Photo courtesy of L’Amour de Paris Photography
Makeup shopping in Paris with American beauty expert, Onorina Jomir.
Photo courtesy of Gloria Villa Photography
Printemps Haussmann, located in the 9th Arrondissement (District) of Paris, is the perfect one stop shop for makeup for english-speaking tourists.
Photo courtesy of Chabe01, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Printemps Haussman
Need to shop for French cosmetics inside a historical building in paris? Look no further than Printemps Haussmann!
Printemps is a French department store with several locations around Paris, but there is no Printemps like Printemps Haussmann. Printemps Hausmann is the original store, built in 1865, in the Art Nouveau style. The façade boasts Henri Chapu’s 4 Seasons, and an intricate stained glass cupola in the tea room.
The grand, iconic store carries all major French beauty brands such as Dior, Chanel, Guerlain, Lancôme, and Estee Lauder.
Printemps Haussmann Overview
Neighborhood: 9th Arrondissement (District) of Paris
Location: 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
Level of French: Beginner to none; the majority of store associates speak some level of English
Most Similar to: Macy’s, NYC
Nearby Attractions: Madeleine Church, Place de l’Opera, Place Vendome, Hôtel Ritz Paris, Aroma Zone*
*Aroma Zone is a natural, DIY skincare and cosmetics store - buy products, oils, fragrances, and more to make your own cosmetics. They have great gift kits as well!
Restaurant Recommendation: While Printemps is surrounded by lots of restaurants and cafes, the rooftop restaurant/bar La Perruche is very posh with a gorgeous view of the city!
Detail of the Four Seasons, by Henri Chapu, on the façade of department store, Printemps Haussmann, located in the 9th Arrondissement (District) of Paris.
Photo courtesy of GFreihalter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Detail image of the stained glass dome inside Printemps Haussmann, located in the 9th Arrondissement (District) of Paris.
Photo courtesy of Cellete, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Le Bon Marche
Le Bon Marche was the first department stores in Paris, and is one of the most expensive luxury department stores in the world.
If you’re looking for a world-class shopping experience with high-end designer goods and luxury makeup brands, Le Bon Marche is THE department store for you.
Le Bon Marche, owned by Louis Vuitton, carries a wide range of high-end products, and owns La Grande Épicerie de Paris (gourmet market), just next door. Some employees speak some level of English, though the majority of shoppers are local Parisians.
The French department store carries big name makeup brands such as NARS, and smaller luxe brands such as Chantecaille and Eve Lom.
If Le Bon Marche leaves you with sticker shock, don’t worry! You’ll find French drugstore beauty heaven at the nearby City Pharma - here, you can stock up on French drugstore beauty brands loved all around the world, such as Bioderma, La Roche Posay, Avene and more.
Le Bon Marche, Paris, the world’s oldest department store, re-modeled in 2012 and currently owned by Louis Vuitton.
Photo courtesy of Thierry Van Biesen, via Unsplash
Le Bon Marche, Paris, located on the Rive Gauche (left bank) of the Seine River.
Photo courtesy of LVMH
Le Bon Marche Beauty Overview
Neighborhood: 6th Arrondissement (District) of Paris
Location: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France
Level of French: Beginner to moderate; some store associates speak some level of English
Most Similar To:
Saks 5th Avenue, NYC
Selfridge & Co, London
Harrods, London
Nearby Attractions: La Grande Epicerie de Paris, Saint Sulpice Church, City Pharma, Hugo et Victor, Oh My Cream!*
*Oh My Cream! is a natural concept beauty store carrying clean and organic skincare products, including brands such as Tata Harper and RMS Beauty.
Cafe Recommendations:
Lunch, Brunch, Coffee: Colorova
Pastry & Chocolate: Hugo et Victor
Finger Food with a View: Hôtel Holiday Inn Notre Dame on rue Danton for the great rooftop experience! The view is the real Paris, but be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time by sending an email to: fb.notredame@hotels-res.com.
Le Marais District
shop from boutique to boutique on the famous rue des francs bourgeois
Meeting a makeup shopping client, outside the Bobbi Brown Boutique in the Marais Neighborhood, Paris.
Photo courtesy of L’Amour de Paris Photography
Make Up For Ever Boutique in the Marais Neighborhood, Paris on the famous, rue des francs bourgeois.
Photo courtesy of Gloria Villa Photography
Do you speak French Pretty well, and want to shop for makeup in Paris like a local? Then Le Marais is the right place for you!
Le Marais neighborhood is located in the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements of Paris. The Marais is a vibrant neighborhood and home to many trendy restaurants, fashion houses, and art galleries. If you love shopping in Soho in NYC or on Rodeo drive in LA, then you’ll love the Marais!
While shopping for makeup in Le Marais, it’s important to know that English-speaking store associates vary from store to store. Some speak great English while others don’t, so check out my guided shopping spree + makeup lesson if you want to explore the Marais with a bilingual beauty professional by your side.
In this vibrant neighborhood, you’ll find every boutique makeup store you’ll ever need on Rue de Francs Bourgeois: Make Up For Ever, Bobbi Brown, Kiehl’s, M.A.C. Cosmetics and Guerlain! Rest your feet at Place des Vosges, then enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and macarons at the famous Carette before continuing on to Place de la Bastille & Picasso Museum.
Beauty shopping in Le Marais Overview
Location: 3rd + 4th Arrondissements (Districts) of Paris, on Rue de Francs Bourgeois
Level of French: Beginner to moderate; varies store to store, some associates speak English, but not all
Most similar to: Soho, NYC
Brands: Make Up For Ever, Bobbi Brown, Kiehl’s, M.A.C. Cosmetics, Guerlain
Nearby Attractions: Place des Vosges, Picasso Museum, Place de La Bastille
Cafe Recommendation: Carette
Place de Vosges is a great place to rest after an afternoon of makeup shopping!
Place de Vosges, Le Marais Neighborhood, Paris
Photo courtesy of Poulpy, via Wikimedia Commons
Are you unable to speak French at all or you need expert advice on what to buy and how to use makeup? Hire a makeup artist to be your tour guide!
Shopping for makeup in Paris is fun but can overwhelm expats or tourists. If you’re a beauty addict who wants to experience all that Paris can offer, check out my Paris Makeup Shopping Spree + Lesson experience, or watch the video below. To schedule, start here. Once scheduled, we’ll discuss your beauty goals, review what products and brushes you own already, create a curated makeup shopping list, and hit the Paris beauty shops. Afterwards you will learn how to apply your makeup using all your new products at either your place, or my studio.
Video by Tuan Nguyen