Whether you’re visiting or have recently moved to Switzerland, you might be surprised by the limited availability of familiar beauty stores like Sephora, DM, and Douglas. This can make it challenging to find your favorite skincare and beauty products. But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you navigate the best places to shop for beauty products in Switzerland, both online and in-store. + I’ll share some of my favorite beauty products that you can find here!
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I recently shared my favorite products from my morning skincare routine, and thought I would go one step further and share exactly where to get those products for those living in Switzerland and wondering where to heck to start. I struggled with not only my skin (hey super cold weather and hard water) but where to find products I could read the labels of and that didn’t cost a fortune. So, in this blog post we chat all about those high-end shops for make-up splurges to the natural and organic picks that make you feel good inside and out, I’ve got you covered. And for those moments when you’re missing the ease of your old beauty shopping routine, I’ve thrown in some online shopping options to get that instant gratification we all sometimes crave. + I will share my ultimate favorite beauty products!
You might also like: My Morning Skincare Routine (for combo skin!)
Table of Contents
- Where to Buy Beauty Products in Switzerland
- High-End Department Stores
- Local Drugstores in Switzerland
- Organic and Natural Beauty Stores
- Online Shopping Options (the most affordable!)
- My Favorite (& Affordable!) Beauty Products in Switzerland
Where to Buy Beauty Products in Switzerland
Moving to a new place, especially somewhere as beautiful, yet complex as Switzerland, can be a difficult. You’re trying to figure out everything from the nearest grocery store to how to say “thank you” in Swiss German, and then on top of that, there’s the mission of tracking down your go-to beauty staples. It sounds like a small thing, but when you’re sitting in your new place, surrounded by unopened boxes, sometimes just having your favorite moisturizer can make everything feel a bit more normal, right? So, this guide will ensure you are left running around like crazy, searching for products that help you feel at home.
High-End Department Stores
When you start looking for makeup, you’ll be surprised when you look up Sephora on Google maps…you’ll find exactly two in Zurich. One at the main train station, HB (which I personally don’t love), and then another at Sihlcity, which I love! But, honestly, neither location is super convenient, nor do they have the full range of products you might be used to.
Globus | Globus stands as the main staple of luxury shopping in Switzerland, offering an array of international and Swiss-made beauty brands. You can think of it as the Saks Fifth Avenue of Switzerland. Their beauty department is a wonderland of high-end cosmetics, fragrances, and skincare products. It’s the go to spot for purchasing MAC Cosmetics, Armani, Kiehl’s, and so much more. The staff here are incredibly knowledgeable, and ready to guide you through their extensive collections with helpful advice. My issues with Globus is their price point is super high and not always realsitic for the ‘normal’ person. In addition, their website does not have an English translation option, so shopping online as a native English speaker isn’t very user friendly.
Marionnaud | Marionnaud is another option for a smaller selection of high-end beauty products. They have multiple locations in Zurich, and their stores are well-stocked with popular products from brands like Lancôme, Clinique, and Estée Lauder. The staff is helpful, and they often have promotions that make shopping there a bit more affordable. This is a great spot for purchasing perfumes!
Local Drugstores in Switzerland
Drugstores don’t really exist in Switzerland, at least not what you might be used to in the USA or in other parts of Europe. Places like Coop Vitality, Coop City and Migros’ are where you’ll find more “drugstore” type of products that are often organic and Swiss-made. These spots are perfect for discovering effective skincare essentials at a more affordable price point. This is also where you can buy feminine products, shaving essentials, Band-Aids and more. Think of this as Target beauty shopping.
Coop City | Coop City is a reliable place to find a variety of beauty products. They carry both Swiss and international brands, offering a good selection of skincare, haircare, and makeup products. Their prices are reasonable, making it a great place to stock up on everyday essentials.
Müller | Müller is a bit more like the drugstores you might be used to. They have a wide range of products, including cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and personal care items. You’ll find brands like Maybelline, L’Oréal, and Nivea here. The prices are quite reasonable, and they often have sales and discounts.
Migros | Migros is a very basic, and very limited option for drugstore type beauty products. They have their own line of skincare and personal care products, which are affordable, but it’s limited to the basics (body wash, shampoo, deodorant, etc.).
Ottos | Another option is Ottos, which have locations solely for beauty products. This is where I buy all of my Kérastase and Olaplex hair products! Let me know in the comments what you need help picking out from these lines!
Pharmacies & Apothekes
Now, you’ll also see the Swiss Apothekes everywhere you go. Here you can purchase CeraVe, La-Roche Posay, and Avéne products which honestly are a must on your beauty collection! You can also pick up any medicine you may need, baby care products and sunscreen. The pharmacists are super helpful here and will help you pick out beauty products for your specific skin concern.
You’ll be able to notice pharmacies, or Apotheke’s, in Switzerland by big green crosses | Photo by Markus Winkler Unsplash
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Organic and Natural Beauty Stores
For those who prioritize green beauty, Switzerland has a few spots, online and in-store, for organic and natural beauty products. Pretty & Pure in Zürich is a gem, offering a carefully curated selection of organic cosmetics free from animal testing. You can also check out Mooi online, which let me tell you, is pricey, but hey you do you. I personally buy all of my organic and natural skincare products from iHerb.com.
Online Shopping Options (the most affordable!)
So, now that you’ve made it through the in-person locations for beauty products in Switzerland, you might be left thinking, “that’s it?”. Yup. I will tell you, shopping for beauty products in-stores in Switzerland leaves a LOT to be desired. The stores I shared with you are the best places to get all of your beauty products in person. But to be honest, you will probably still find yourself running around the city looking for a spot that carries just what you are looking for. So, I save purchasing from these locations I shared for last minute items. I personally purchase 90% of my beauty, skincare products, and all around bathroom essentials online, as that is what is easiest for me and truly the most enjoyable. My favorite websites are:
- Zalando Beauty: Super quick shipping and easy returns.
- iHerb: Best for purchasing natural and organic products.
- Revolve: Higher end products and VAT is included!
- Shopbop: Designer and everyday products, free international shipping and duties included! *Just be aware you will have to pay a return fee.
- Beauty Bay: There are always lots of sales going on! It’s a great place to buy brand name skincare, haircare, and sunless tanning products. *Note: I have ordered from them many times and about 20% of the time have gotten a duties bill upon delivery so order at your own risk.
- Douglas: Douglas stores are my favorite! But in Switzerland they are just ‘meh’, so opt for shopping online.
My Favorite (& Affordable!) Beauty Products in Switzerland
These are items that I found once we moved here, and although you can buy them in many places, they are things I’ve grown to love and re-purchase! These are affordable, and we all know when you live in Switzerland, finding things that don’t break the bank is key!
Navigating the beauty shopping scene in Switzerland can be challenging, especially if you’re used to the convenience and variety of stores back in the USA. But with a bit of exploration and the right tips, you can find all your favorite products and discover new ones along the way. I hope this guide helps you feel more at home and keeps your skincare and beauty routines on point. Happy shopping, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or share your own beauty finds in the comments below!
Comment below if there are any beauty products you are searching for and can’t find, I’d love to help you out!
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