OOH LA LA! FRENCH BEAUTY OVERTAKES AMERICAN BRANDS IN AUSSIE BATHROOMS
If your bathroom shelf is starting to look like a Parisian pharmacy, you are not alone, because French beauty has officially taken the top spot in Australia.
New analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics trade data shows France has overtaken the United States as our largest source of imported perfume, cosmetics and toiletries.
It is the first time this has happened since at least 2015, according to Retail Beauty, which reported the figures this week.
The numbers behind the French beauty boom
In the 12 months to August 2026, Australia imported $746 million worth of beauty products from France, compared with $698 million from the US.
Just a year earlier, the US was ahead of France by $147 million, so this is quite a turnaround.
French imports jumped 23 per cent year on year, and August 2026 was the biggest single month in the dataset at $87 million.
Meanwhile, US imports have fallen for eight months in a row on a rolling 12-month basis.
Australia's total beauty imports reached $4.07 billion, up 12 per cent, and Europe's share has grown from 38 per cent to 45 per cent over the past decade.
The analysis was commissioned by Angel Aesthetics, with comment from Peter Drennan of Primara Research.
Made in France, loved in Australia
Mr Drennan made a clever point about what these figures actually measure.
Trade data tracks where products are made, not who owns the brand, so he described it as "a story about where beauty is made, not who sells it".
He also warned that France's lead is narrow and the US could regain first place in coming months, although its falling share is unlikely to bounce back quickly.
Sylvia Crouch, a registered nurse and founder of Angel Aesthetics, put France's success down to its long reputation for beauty and said Australians are looking for quality.
The French favourites to know
If you want to try the trend, the report highlighted a handful of French pharmacy classics that have built loyal followings here.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ is a soothing balm loved for dry, irritated or stressed skin.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O is the famous micellar water that makeup artists have relied on for years to gently remove makeup.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is a rich moisturiser that doubles as a makeup primer, which is why it is a backstage staple.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse is a multipurpose dry oil you can use on your face, body and hair, and it smells divine.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum is a brightening serum designed to help with dull skin and the look of dark spots.
Why we love the French approach
French skincare has long been associated with gentle, effective formulas and simple routines rather than ten-step regimes.
Many of these products began life in pharmacies, which gives them a practical, no-fuss reputation that suits busy Australian lifestyles.
They also tend to work well for sensitive skin, which is handy in our harsh climate of sun, wind and air conditioning.
How to shop smart
Before you fill your basket, think about your skin type and what you actually need, whether that is hydration, soothing or brightening.
Patch test any new product on a small area first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Prices can vary a lot between retailers, so it pays to compare pharmacies, department stores and online sites, and to look out for sales.
Remember that a lovely French moisturiser still needs to be paired with a daily broad spectrum sunscreen in Australia.
If you have a persistent skin concern, a chat with your GP or a dermatologist is always a good idea.
Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the French pharmacy aisle, it seems Australians have well and truly caught the bug, and our skin may be all the better for it.
