We already touched on the joys of the French pharmacy when we talked about Avibon last year, but now thanks to a more local (to me) pharmacy, I’m able to report on the joys of Homeoplasmine. On a recent visit to chat beauty with my pal Abby at New London Pharmacy, she sent me home with a number of goodies notably French wonder cream Homeoplasmine and its new stick format, Homéstick.

So here’s the skinny on Homeoplasmine (which is sometimes touted as the French Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Skin Protectant ):

* Soothes irritated skin with plant extracts and emollients
* Mattifies skin for a smooth finish without making it look greasy
* A lips best friend, treats dryness and flakiness without feeling too shiny
* Secret weapon of makeup artists –excellent as a primer both face and lips
* Mildly antiseptic–eliminates acne and heals burns

While I personally wouldn’t use this to mattify my oily skin nor as a primer on my face (it apparently works well on camera so you only see a nice matte surface, but I’d put that in the “backstage at fashion week” category kind of makeup trick), I did love it to soothe irritated skin. In the winter you might as well put me in a plastic bubble because almost everything gets irritated…lol. This worked well on my lips, abrasions on my skin, and if you have a thicker set of thighs like me, you know sometimes you can get a little chaffing—Homeoplasmine worked well for instant relief.

I also loved the convenience of Homéostick which is essential Homeoplasmine in a solid stick format. It’s great for slipping in your bag and has more of a slight vanilla/cocoa butter scent than its first cousin, but also dissolves into a salve once you blend it in.

Overall both were well-played, but in the international skin protectant ointment world, my heart is still with Lucas Papaw Ointment which New London also sells.

Price and where to buy: $20 for a small tube (18 grams/0.63 oz) $24.99 for a large tube (40 grams/1.4 oz); $12 for Homeostick. Get it at New London Pharmacy.