Travel: A beauty editor’s pick of Paris’ best destinations for skincare, makeup and fragrance lovers

Travelling to Paris over the years, I have spent more than a few days (weeks, months?) traversing its elegant streets, whether that is time spent sightseeing, gallery hopping, wine and cheese sampling, shopping or more. I’ve stayed in a bunch of different arrondissements in that time too, but the one that in my humble opinion has it all? The magical Le Marais.
Spanning the 3rd and 4th arrondissements and one of the city’s most compelling destinations, Le Marais, meaning ‘the marsh’ in French, was once swampland before being developed in the 12th century. By the 17th century, it became the aristocratic heart of Paris, dotted with grand hôtels particuliers (private mansions) that still stand today. Over time, it evolved into a hub for artisans, musicians, and the Paris queer community, a stylish playground where tradition meets trend and secrets can be found around every corner.
It’s also where the TV and movie-mad travellers known ‘set-jetters’ can get their fix of visiting iconic pop culture locations spotted in the likes of Heartstoppers, Emily in Paris, The Bourne Identity, Gossip Girl and more, a defining travel trend acknowledged by Booking.com in an extensive report published at the end of last year. With no less than 71 percent of Kiwi travellers open to AI-powered suggestions that match fantasy aesthetics, recommend secluded ‘storybook’ stays, or pinpoint real-world filming locations like Le Marais, it’s a trend that immediately appeals to people like me that love a little location moment when they’re traversing between arrondissements.
But I digress - for beauty is what we’re here to talk about, right? With my French beauty lovers in mind, I’d love to talk about the fact that Le Marais is also home to some of the city’s best skincare, makeup and fragrance destinations, which this long-time beauty editor has hit up time and time again. The city’s undisputed king of Parisian pharmacies, Citypharma may be in the 6th Arrondissement, but Le Marais is where the real beauty freaks like myself go to get lost in its exquisitely fragranced, indubitably chic wonderland.

Where beauty fans go in Le Marais
Paris and perfume go hand in hand – and nowhere is that more true than in Le Marais. The neighbourhood is sprinkled with iconic houses and modern beauty boutiques, each offering a little slice of luxury. And even if you’re not a perfume collector, wandering into these shops feels like stepping into an art gallery of scents, textures, and beautiful packaging.
Rue des Francs-Bourgeois is one of the busiest streets in the Marais for perfume and skincare aficionados in particular, with houses like Diptyque, Buly 1803, Juliette has a Gun, Fragonard and Frédéric Malle all offering superlative shopping experiences in insta-worthy ateliers.

Officine Universelle Buly 1803

Shops to visit
Officine Universelle Buly 1803
A Parisian institution with a nostalgic, old-apothecary style, I interviewed impossibly stylish Officine Universelle Buly 1803’s Victoire de Taillac several years ago, and always love visiting the store. The beauty house, opened in Paris in 1803 by perfumer and pharmacist Jean-Vincent Bully, was bought back to life by Victoire de Taillac and her partner, Ramdane Touhami, who are constantly challenging themselves to create an offering that is truly unique. Expect wood-panelled interiors, exquisite packaging, and heritage-inspired perfumes, soaps, and skincare. And if you have seen the TikTok craze for customised lip balms and combs – be warned, the lines are crazy long on the weekends.

Oh My Cream!
A modern beauty concept store with a curated selection of clean, niche skincare and makeup, I can’t leave Paris without at least one trip to Oh My Cream! Think of it as the Parisian version of Sephora – but more chic, minimalist, and exclusive. All the brands on offer are well curated and immediately covetable, and include international favourites such as Tata Harper and Violette FR.

Fragonard
A historic perfume house from Grasse, Fragonard is famed for its beautifully presented scents, soaps, and candles. Their Le Marais shop is a perfect stop for gifts, and they also offer a cotton collection for the home – tablecloths, pillowcases, even scarves and beautiful blouses.

Le Bon Parfumeur
A fresh take on perfumery, with scents designed to be layered and mixed, the Le Bon Parfumeur boutique is playful and modern, and perfect for discovering a new fragrance that feels uniquely yours. My most recent treasure from my trip in December is 602 Bois Narcotique, a woody blend of black pepper, cedar and patchouli.

Diptyque
World-famous for candles and perfumes, Diptyque is always a must-visit. The boutique itself is like a small art gallery, where fragrance and design meet. Whether you favour a skin scent or your perfume has to announce you before you enter a room, you can always find a dream Diptyque match that’s perfect for you.

La French Beauty
Calling itself a "co-living space" for committed beauty brands, La French Beauty, a brand-new establishment in the heart of Le Marais that showcases no less than 48 beloved French beauty brands on its shelves. A truly immersive exciting beauty experience, the store brings together the most desirable clean brands into one single, friendly spot, and is the work of Sébastien Guera, one of the co-founders of the Huygens brand, who had the idea to gather consumers in a unique place dedicated to clean beauty. You’ll love discovering the likes of Absolution, Oryza Lab and Pomponne, as well as Les Huilettes’s addictively scented face oils

Oh My Cream!

I spent time in Le Marais with the help of Booking.com, staying at this perfectly-positioned boutique hotel.