The Galeries Lafayette, is one of the department stores on the Boulevard Haussmann in Paris France. If you are visiting there, it is a few blocks from the Opera (the big Neo-Baroque Opera Garnier that is the foundation of the legend of the Phantom of the Opera). Printemps, another large department store (or Grand Magasin, as they would say in French) is right next door.
I was going in at the end of a very long day, fortunately the store was open until 8:00 p.m., which didn’t give me enough time to fully explore but at least a moment.
The first floor is lined with small versions of the high end boutiques–Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Dior and others, as well as a niche for Longchamps. These are mostly purses and accessories. The clothing boutiques for these and other high end brands are on the second floor. The upper floors are similar in configuration to most U.S. department stores, except several of the brands are pretty hard to find outside of France.
The makeup area is in the center of the first floor and crowded with people from all over the world, who walk among the maze of Armani, Guerlain, Chanel, Serge Lutens, Kenzo, Dior and even Bobbi Brown and Clinique. Unlike counters at the typical U.S. department store, each line has its own kiosk that allows them several displays each. In the center is a featured product or brand, which changes frequently. When I was there, it was a Nina Ricci perfume, Ricci Ricci.
The roof has an incredible glass ceiling, and the building is quite ornate and lovely. Click for a larger view:
I wanted to focus on finding things that I cannot locate in the U.S., which was hard to do since there were so many distracting beautiful items (including the new Chanel duo eyeshadows, Lancome and so many more items). I settled on these two items from Tom Pecheux’s Color Pure Color Night–the powder highlighter (43 euros) and the smoky grey-taupe trio (23 euros) –you can see details about this on The British Beauty Blogger. (Together with a neutral gloss, all three of these will be releasing in London and New York in limited quantities). I literally gasped when I saw the sales associate use the eye palette on a customer-it was very polished yet dramatic.
After I already committed to buy the highlighter, the sales associate gave me a detailed demonstration of how to use it, so that I could see her apply it while watching in a mirror. Highlighter on the upper cheek, browbone, chin and a touch of nude blush in the contour area of the cheek. I was glowing (in a good way). It could be just me, but I always get the feeling that the sales associates here would rather lose a sale entirely than to see their product applied wrong. They always seem relieved when I choose the product that they recommend, rather than one that might be less right.
I only have a small travel camera, so no swatches:
These are both beautiful, and are literally the first Estee Lauder products that I have ever bought. The Estee Lauer sales associated loaded up my bag with several generous samples. Welcome to Paris, where they understand makeup.
8 Responses to “Shopping Report: Galeries Lafayette in Paris France”
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This is what I missed out on when I was in Paris three years ago. Then again the girlfriend I was with works for Sephora corporate so I’m pretty sure cosmetics was probably the last thing on her mind when she was vacationing in Paris. I may have an opportunity to go to Paris this fall and I’m crossing my fingers I can make it back. In preparation I should probably ban makeup shopping for all of Summer but that’s so hard to do when you have an unhealthy addiction to luxury brands like Chanel and NARS!
Lexi–I think Chanel and Nars are less expensive in the U.S., so don’t give up your addiction all summer! Just put a little aside for those few non-U.S. exclusives, and of course a great bag or scarf! Of course if you love perfume that’s another story–fortunately that’s not my passion….but the selection is incredible!
Hey Amy!! How exciting!!! I hope you have many posts planned on your Paris trip, would love to read all about it, even non-makeup related!!! You mentioned the Chanel duo eyeshadows in passing… what are they like? Are they coming to the US soon? There’s a gorgeous taupe one that I have my eye on…
Enjoy your stay!
Hi Lakshmi–I took a closer look at them today–there are six duo’s being shown here. Each duo has one matte and one shimmery shade. The texture is nice–the mattes are very soft and pigmented. As you know, sometimes mattes can be tricky. I didn’t have time to sort them out but there is one with a khaki-green-brown and a creamy white that was my favorite so far. Some are quite cool-toned, using pinks and purples (not my best colors!). The colors are “basics”—there aren’t any special effects, duochromes or surprises. In fact, I’m going to have to check to see whether I have “close-enough” dupes in the Irreelle sets that I already own. All in all, a nice collection. There is also a new mascara here –Inimitable Intense–that I may pick up (but I’m getting distracted by so many other pretty things too!!)
Lakshmi-I think the Chanel duo’s are already showing up on Nordstrom U.S. site–so yes! They are coming soon or already there!!
Thanks for the info! I understand you must have so many gorgeous distractions, guess you’ll want to make a trip to your favorite Guerlain boutique too right?
Btw while you are in Paris eat some croissants and macaroons for me!!! Have you tried Pierre Herme’s? I’ve heard they are like little pieces of heaven!!!
Lakshmi–Thanks for the pointer to Pierre Herme! Take care!
Thanks for the info, Amy! You are really making me want to go back to Paris…I would love to buy perfume this time around. I also heard that LV is actually cheaper there than here in the States. Is that true?
Lexi-It really depends on the state of the Euro- last summer (when one euro was worth $1.46), it was less expensive in the U.S. This summer, because of the financial crisis in Europe, one euro is worth $1.26 or so, so it may be close to the same or a bit higher in France). A few years ago, when the euro was worth $1, it was cheaper in France–now, you really have to be more careful. If the price is similar, sometimes it is fun to get the product in France for the experience. (PS The LV on the Champs Elysee can be very very crowded!!–go for the Rue Montange for a more leisurely experience. . . . )