Cosmetics in Prague

Written by Elizabeth A. Haas
for Expats.cz

You recognize the labels and packaging, have spotted your favorite brands, but can’t seem to track down that Perfect Plum Pucker #5 lipstick you’ve worn since college. Face it: Cosmetics in Europe differ drastically from their American counterparts in look, feel and name. That’s because The E.U. now enforces strict regulations on cosmetic companies in order to reduce the number of toxins used in their products.

And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. You’re in a new city after all. Now is the time to embrace flexibility and change. Practically speaking, it may even be a wise to purchase new, moisture-rich products that can stand up to Prague’s dry indoor heat and poor air quality.

For addicts and die-hard brand junkies who can’t deal with change a number of web sites will ship to the Czech Republic. Check out UK-based boutique Space.NK.Apothecary (www.spacenk.co.uk) for your Stila, Laurer Mercier, and NARS fix; on-line pharmacy www.garden.co.uk sells hard-to-find lotions and potions; www.strawberry.net stocks everything from Anna Sui to Bobbi Brown.

Budget shoppers should stick to drugstore chains (drogerie) like dm, Droxi, Rossman, Teta and Tesco, which carry a variety of shades at prices so nice you can afford to experiment. Here you’ll find stand-bys like Maybelline, L’Oreal, Cover Girl, and Max Factor. Sephora stocks these brands as well as their mid-priced Sephora line. Budget-friendly favorite Avon is available in Prague, too. Grab one of the catalogues handed out in the metro en masse and a Czech-speaking friend to help you order.

Above all don’t get frustrated (frown lines, ladies!). Slowly but surely a wider selection of brands are becoming available in Prague. M.A.C. fanatics will be thrilled to know that the uber-trendy cosmetics retailer has just opened a shop on Václavské náměstí.

Our shopper’s guide—tailor made to suit a variety of looks and dermatological needs—and purse-sized glossary will help you navigate the waters of Prague’s cosmetic offerings beautifully.

The Classic Girl
You prefer a more subdued, sophisticated palette. Inside your make-up bag you’ll find matte textures, cool eye colors and classic red lipsticks. Best brands: The red doors of Elizabeth Arden (Pod Bruskou 7, Praha 1) are a familar sight to those who seek the luxe look; the Estee Lauder brand (Železná 18, Prague 1) is as classic as it gets; purchase any product at Lancome (Jungmannovo nám. 20, Prague 1) and get a free make-up lesson.

The Euro-Vamp
You exude continental style and sex appeal. A smoky eye, a nude lip—your choice of colors is dramatic yet refined. Best brands: Christian Dior (V Celnici 4, Prague 1); Chanel (available at Sephora) Institute de Beauty Orlane Paris (Rybná 13, Prague 1)—are all posh purveyors of things Parisian; Bourjois (available at Sephora) won’t break the bank.

The Trendster
You lust for the hottest looks, opting for the right-now colors and on-the-edge styles popular in New York, London and everywhere in between. Best brands: Fusion Beauty lip colors (available at Sephora) are currently an international sensation; Miss Sporty and Rimmel (available at drugstores) exude urban style; Czech-based cosmetics company Gabriella Salvete (available at drugstores) is a local favorite.

The Natural Beauty
Young, fresh and dewy best describes your look. You want natural shades that merely enhance your features and give you a sun-kissed glow. Best brands: Y’ves Rocher (Václavské náměstí 47, Prague 1) offers a variety of all-natural products for a nice price; Like Avon, Oriflame (www.oriflame.cz), peddles their naturally inspired Swedish brand via direct selling—i.e. you’ll need a catalog and some knowledge of Czech.

The “Sensitive” Type
Your problem skin demands serious coverage foundations, products that contain skin-soothing ingredients or those featuring “anti-aging” components. Best brands: You’ll find Clarins and Clinique at Sephora but expect to pay a quite a bit more than at home; Dermacol products (available at drugstores) are cheap but effective.

How to say it…
Most upscale cosmetics retailers employ English-speaking sales associates but these phrases will be helpful when shopping for make-up at Tesco or drugstores outside the city center where cosmetics are kept behind glass cases.

Lipstick - rtěnka
Lip liner - tužka na rty
Lip gloss - lesk na rty
Lip balm - balzám na rty
Eye shadow - oční stíny
Eye liner - tužka na oči
Mascara - řasenka
Face Powder - obličejový pudr
Blush - červeň (na tváře)