A big part of trying to live my expat life, while in my home country is surrounding myself with some of the best products I can find. Both French and Italian.
This week, I thought it would be fun to tackle France and discuss some of my favorite brands from France. Rather than discuss specific products, I think it's better to talk brands- just because I often enjoy several products from the same brands.
And just in case you think I might forget Italy- no worries. Italy brands will be next week!
Caudalie. I have been using this French skin cares company's products for at least the last 3 years. And I can tell you without equivocation that the stuff really works. The all-natural formula is free from parabens and is loaded with Resveratrol, which is a patented antioxidant taken from grapes, hence the name. Caudalie, located in Paris,is actually a French word, which means the length of time that the wine aftertaste stays in the mouth.
Savon de Marseilles. Know those huge square cubes of pure olive oil soap that come in a light olive green color? Well, Savon de Marseilles has been making them the old fashioned way since 1688. And they are located in the old port town of Marseilles, in the South of France. The soaps are available in both white (made with palm oil) and green (using olive oil) and are very healthy for your skin. I swear by it's moisturizing formula, which totally combats my alligator skin in winter. I love their liquid soaps as well.
Côté Bastide. Yes, ok Côté Bastide is another French beauty product brand, but this one is oh so much more! I love their housewares product lines as well. Creamy ivory earthenware bowls and plates, pure ivory candles, furniture, lighting and linens join the body care line. It is oh so French.
O & Co. Originally billed as Oliviers and Company, this Mediterranean food brand was started in the village of Mane in the hills of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The business originally centered on the olive tree. Now you can get a high quality selection of naturally flavored specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars, grand cru olive oils, seasonings, pastas, earthenware, crackers and spreads, honey, preserves and gifts.
Le Creuset. I love cooking. I think I love good cookware even more! One of the best cookware companies in France is Le Creuset. You may remember when I purchased my own Dutch Oven, which was first produced by the company in 1925. I have since prepared Boeuf Bourguignon, Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic and Italian Beans on Toast. The line now not only includes the Cast Iron cookware, but stoneware, stainless-steel, silicone bakeware and tools. And if it's good enough for pretty much every Food Network show and more recently, the set of Julie & Julia– than I'd say it's good enough for me!
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So, which of these brands have you tried and what did you think?
Got another brand to add to the list? Add it in the comments!