Celebrating the inherent connection between beauty brands and their countries of origin, CF’s Around the World In Beauty series celebrates the very best products from each continent. Here, we look at European beauty.
With 44 countries making up Europe as a continent, there are plenty of places to power the creation of impressive European beauty brands. Much like the countries that make it up – where you can see dense cities, vast green plains and the Northern lights over ice – Europe is a diverse and multifaceted market that captures the majority of beauty’s biggest trends. That includes sustainability, doctor-led skincare, ‘no makeup’ makeup and wellness-enriched offerings.
Read on to discover the best European beauty brands to enrich your routine.
Switzerland
Switzerland is known for cheese, chocolate, and perhaps Christmas markets. You can add an additional ‘C’ to that list when it comes to beauty: ‘clinical’ luxury skincare. Swiss beauty and wellness brands are especially invested in research into how to biohack your life and ‘reverse’ ageing in the process, meaning, if you are willing to pay a premium for laser-focused results, you’ll find what you need here. La Prairie, with its caviar-enriched formulas, is perhaps the best known in the skincare market, although brands like Mavala, a nailcare brand, really hold their own. There’s a reason you’ll find these brands in Harrods.
La Prairie is what you get when you combine approaching 100 years of Swiss cellular science with a proclivity towards the use of the world's most precious ingredients. You'll find Swiss caviar, platinum and gold all within the range, with the cult favourite Liquid Lift combining caviar with marine derivatives, powerful botanicals and peptides to noticeably tighten the appearance of your face and neck.
Powered by biotechnology, there's a lot of science to unpack when it comes to Cellcosmet, but that's where the magic lies. Its formulas use extracts from four fundamental structural skin proteins – collagen, fribonectin, actin and keratin – which supports your skin's natural moisture levels and elasticity. The result is a noticeably youthful-boosting glow.
Born from a renowned clinic in the heart of Switzerland’s resource-rich mountains, Valmont uses Swiss cellular research into liposomal DNA and RNA to enrich its four skincare pillars – Hydration, Energy, Radiance and Firmness. Our top pick: this reparative cream that utilises the technology alongside some of beauty's leading nourishing ingredients such as squalane and peptides.
Founded in 1959, Mavala burst onto the scene with its Nail Hardener – a manicure base that aims to transform the health of weak, flaky nails. The strengthening formula is at the heart of all the brand's statement shades, meaning it's our beauty editor's go-to for at-home manis.
France
French beauty is famous the world over, not least for some of the globe’s most popular brands, such as Chanel, Dior and L’Oreal. But, there’s also a reason why every beauty editor flocks to French pharmacies when in Paris – they are a gold mine for leading skincare brands that are especially good for sensitive complexions and are therefore a stalwart in many frequent flyer carry-ons. Highlights include La Roche Posay, Caudalie, and Vichy, which are now accessible in the UK too. Consider them your shortcut to French woman chic via your beauty routine.
With its iconic double C-embossed packaging, there's something instantly glamorous about pulling out a Chanel lipstick, eyeshadow palette or other makeup essential from your cosmetics case. Most importantly though, what's inside is just as good. From the classic longevity of the red and pink-toned lip colours in every texture spanning high-shine to super-matte, to the almost effortless definition provided by the creamy eyeliners, it's no wonder Chanel still delivers with every new collection.
Arguably the pinnacle of French pharmacy brands, CF's beauty editor always recommends La Roche Posay (often affectionally known as LRP) to anyone who has sensitive or sensitised skin. In fact, the Toleraine range is exactly what you need if you have overdone it with exfoliating acids or retinol. Plus, its full collection of sunscreens will not let you down; with creams, sprays and mists to suit everyone's needs.
There's a classic luxury to French brands such as Dior – it's no surprise that the Rouge Dior 999 signature red lipstick is so iconic – but that doesn't mean the brand isn't still looking to innovate. The Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, a lash lengthener that is the go-to favourite for plenty of celebrities, is now available in a refillable format, to slightly improve the sustainability of your beauty routine.
If you struggle with drier or dehydrated skin, especially in the summer with flying, sunshine and air con, then Vichy will be your complexion's guardian angel. Known for championing beauty ingredient darling, hyaluronic acid, the brand's refreshing products are a beauty editor's secret for locking in hydration for longer.
Germany & Austria
Germany is one of Europe’s largest markets for beauty products, generating revenue of over 14 million euros in 2022. Together, Germany and Austria are known for producing many credit-worthy skincare experts, as well as playing host to spa towns, such as Baden-Baden, which infuse their associated products with wellbeing benefits, especially around the marketing of healing tinctures. Germany is also the original home of Nivea Crème, and it is that no-nonsense approach to tailored beauty results which defines the region, alongside an often world-leading acknowledgment of the importance of sustainability within our beauty routines.
Creator of one of the modern multi-award winning cult creams, Professor Augustinus Bader is a German biomedical scientist who has harnessed a patented complex, TFC8, which is designed to encourage your own skin cells to regenerate. Loved by many of beauty's biggest influencers, the formulas for face and body will leave your skin feeling plump, hydrated and radiant.
Dr. Barbara Sturm has been one of the most renowned clinical skincare brands for decades, and the German aesthetic doctor-founded brand was bottling trend-worthy actives, such as hyaluronic acid, way before they became mainstream. This formula also helps provide more long-lasting hydration, by balancing low and high molecular weight HA to plump and deeply moisturise.
Another brand that was ahead of the beauty fold but this time within sustainability. Dr. Hauschka has been balancing its certified natural and organic accreditation with gentle formulas across skincare, makeup and bodycare since 1967. The liquid bronzer is just one example of the company's aim to care for the skin while also providing long-lasting 'no makeup' makeup results.
Weleda's classic moisturiser for dry skin has a host of A-list fans, including those who struggle with eczema and flakiness, due to its intensive blend of certified organic plant oils. You're also very likely to find it in many makeup artists' kits, as the formula is frequently used to give the skin a healthy-looking hydrated glow pre-makeup.
Ireland
You can find our comprehensive guide to British beauty brands – including Elemis for body, Penhaligon’s for skincare and Charlotte Tilbury for makeup in our comprehensive guide. However, arguably it’s Irish beauty that’s one of the biggest emerging beauty markets of the 2020s. From the makeup artist-backed brands that are increasingly cropping up to the fact that key digital websites, such as Lookfantastic, have made shipping to Ireland easier, the Irish know a thing or two about dependable formulas that you’ll always want to have in your beauty routine.
Skingredients founder Jennifer Rock is one of our beauty editor's favourite skincare experts for her committment to tackling misinformation about ingredients. What's more, her brand also delivers products that are simple yet effiacious to use. In particular, you can stop your search for a thorough cleanser that leaves your skin feeling moisturised, not stripped, due to the addition of balancing prebiotics.
Social media helped skyrocket the popularity of the Irish makeup artist Aimee Connolly, and her products continue to trend on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram for their multi-tasking abilities. One of her ultra-black, volumising mascaras is sold every second, while the clever face palette makes for the perfect travel companion if you need to pack light, as it contains an eyeshadow, blush, highlighter, and bronzer in one.
Inspired by the Atlantic Ocean and the ancient Irish tradition of seaweed bathing, Voga utilises two different types of seaweed that are known to be extremely rich in nutrients, minerals and vitamins. The hero ingredients not only soothe your skin as part of the brand's award-winning bodycare range, but they are incredibly effective at helping you relax and unwind too.
Testament to the fact that sometimes it's the mixing of cultures that can result in the most powerful products, Irish mum of five Sonia Deasy was inspired by the six generations of Indian Medicine in her family ancestry to fuse 'nature with science'. The result is a 'no-fuss' skincare line suitable for all skin types – even your little ones. The vegan hydrating products are true standouts.
The Nordics
Nordic beauty brands have the magic of their landscape to thank for their impressive results – especially for sensitive skin. With a climate that can fall incredibly low in temperature and have very short days of sunlight, it’s no surprise that keeping skin plump, hydrated and less irritated is key to this market, which is increasingly sharing its wealth of beauty ingredient wonders with the world (look out for antioxidant fruits, like cloudberry). You can also tell these brands apart due to the nod towards classic Scandinavian design, with the sort of minimalist, soft-toned packaging that will make your bathroom look picture-perfect.
Lumene was the brand that really got the beauty industry talking about the potential of not only Nordic beauty brands, but Nordic ingredients too. The company is a love note to ingredients that can withstand and thrive in extreme climates, such as lingonberry, cloudberry and Nordic seabuckthorn. Together they can help protect and lock moisture into your skin.
If you’re intrigued by vitamin A or retinol but don’t know which way to turn, look to the expertise of Swedish brand, Verso. The brand aims to deliver effective smoothing of fine lines and uneven texture, while still being gentle on the skin; that's something that's tricky to do when it comes to retinoids. The secret: a complex of stabilised retinol called Retinol 8, which is the perfect introduction to the hero ingredient.
Ole Henriksen products have a way of brightening up your day, and not just because of the vibrant packaging and the personality of its namesake founder. With its three-step approach to boosting the glow of your complexion – namely, exfoliate, treat, soothe – the brand will introduce you to some of the most effective yet gentle fruit extracts that we have at our disposal.
Founded in rather unassuming circumstances (the founders kickstarted the company in a Swedish garage), vegan haircare brand Maria Nila has now captured the hearts of plenty of beauty insiders. It was first recommended to our beauty editor after she damaged her hair with too much bleach, and she's loved and used the products, which are designed to soothe stressed-out hair, ever since.
Southern Europe
Covering Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy there’s a lot of culture and heritage to be experienced in Southern Europe, and it’s an increasingly active beauty market too. In fact, much of the beauty offerings from this area, especially Italy, are a love letter to their homeland. That includes ExpressOh’s caffeine-enriched products and Acqua di Parma, which has built particular success bottling the scent of the region, especially its citrus groves. Spain and Greece are beauty destinations to keep an eye on though – Natura Bisse, from Spain, and Korres, from Greece, are just two of the brands that you’ll probably know for the efficacy, if not their heritage.
Could this makeup line be the hottest thing to come out of Italy since the signature espresso it’s named after? The playful brand, inspired by the classic caffeine hit, is certainly mixing up the makeup game. The highlight is this glossy clear blush that provides an instant radiant flush to your cheeks – perfect for days when your complexion looks a little tired – that looks natural on all skin tones.
Many fragrance companies claim their fragrances can transport you to summer holiday adventures, but no one manages it quite like Acqua di Parma. With just one sniff, you’ll enjoy an olfactory journey to blue skies, calm seas and citrus groves. And, with diffusers and candles as well as fragrances, there’s plenty to fall in love with.
KIKO Milano always reminds our beauty editor of Fashion Month, which is perhaps a fitting tribute to its Milan origins. It’s because the brand offers all the versatile and easy-to-use products a makeup artist (and therefore everyone at home too) needs to experiment with new looks. The signature lipsticks are a great place to start.
Predicted by the CF team to be one of the most exciting European beauty locations for 2024, Greek beauty is slowly emerging from the shadows. After all, who wouldn’t want to bottle the sunny dispositions and natural resources of the Greek islands. Korres particularly stands out for its use of vegan ingredients sourced from the brand’s farm for its homeopathic remedy-inspired products. The antioxidant-rich Santorini Grape serum may soon be as popular as the location it shares its name with.
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