When we traveled to Sweden and Denmark last year, I couldn’t be stopped from checking out pharmacies for new beauty products as I’ve done on past trips to Paris, arguably the best spot in the world for pharmacy finds. The variety I found in Scandinavian pharmacies deserves honorable mention as I was delighted at the selection of gems that I found. I filled up my travel tote with lots of new things to bring home and in particular ended up loving this gorgeous drugstore new-to-me hair care brand, Sachajuan. Not only is the minimal packaging pretty in the shower, the products feel super luxe and I have since repurchased the color protect line. Here’s a sampling of my favorites from the trip.
This duo is marvelous at preventing color fade, smells elegant, and looks chic in the shower.
This Swedish brand’s Ocean Mist has a strong following as the best salt spray for adding wavy texture to hair. I alternate between using this and my favorite dry texturing spray depending on how I’m feeling.
While Finland is technically not in Scandinavia (it’s a Nordic country), I’m including this Finnish brand’s Glow Boost Essence because I love it. I swear by this Vitamin C serum and started using it a couple of years ago when I read that I should be using one daily. I use it in the morning after I’ve cleansed my face with micellar water and before I apply my moisturizer and SPF. It helps improve skin hydration and radiance and gives you a nice glow that lasts throughout the day.
My favorite scent from this luxury Swedish fragrance brand is Bibliothèque. I love it in all the forms and have enjoyed the candle a few times as well. I know of no other scent like this; it’s based on old books bound in leather and dark wood. Yet, it’s not heavy, and there is a sweetness to it — but not cloying. I love having it in the hand cream because I can take it with me wherever I go.