Our guide to some of the best lotions and potions made right here

If you are missing your favourite beauty brands from home, why not plump for something new and check out what products Belgium has to offer.

Be Creative

Ici Paris XL is a well-known perfume and cosmetics shops with more than 285 outlets in the Benelux. It all started in 1968, with a small perfume shop in Ixelles (hence the XL in the name). Alongside big names such as Chanel, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, the shops also stock their own make-up brand: Be Creative. Launched at the start of 2013, the affordable range includes everything from foundation to brushes and concealers to lip gloss. Available from Ici Paris XL stores

Cîme

Honestly beautiful, that’s Cîme’s tag line. It’s an assortment of skincare products packed with natural and organic ingredients from the Himalayas: wild roses, edelweiss and apricots. Pamper your skin with their Kissed by a Rose serum or Body and Soul body lotion. None of the products are tested on animals, and for every bottle sold Cîme donates part of it to a Himalayan charity organisation. Available online and in organic shops

Delbôve

The oldest Belgian beauty brand was founded in 1962 by hairdresser Roger Delbôve and his wife, Marion. They created a beauty range that revolved around two key products: crème sorcière and eau sorcière, named when a friend called them “witchcraft” after using them. The brand became very popular in and outside Brussels but faced a dead-end when Marion retired. Luckily, a loyal costumer bought the company and its 22 lotions back in 2011 and opened a wonderful shop in Ixelles where they’re all available again. Available in store only: 67 Rue de l’Abbaye, Brussels

Jyb

Jyb is a new organic range of skincare for women and men. “Awesome cosmetics made with love”, as the brand describes itself, suitable for all skin types. The lotions have quirky names such as the Eye Look Good eye cream, the Have a Good Day day cream and the Oil Love You face oil.  All products are vacuum-packed and last up to six months after opening. There’s no outer packaging, keeping the wasteful elements to an absolute minimum. Available online and at some pharmacies and beauty shops

ProNails

Formerly branded as Professionails, ProNails is a Belgian brand of nail polish and hand and foot care with roots going back to 1981. Its headquarters are in Brasschaat just outside Antwerp and the brand is available in 45 countries. From a quintessential bright red lacquer to diamond nail art studs, a simple file to softening hand cream and all sorts of professional salon tools, the brand has got it all. Besides the collection, the website also features some great tips on how to get perfectly painted nails. Available at salons and shops nationwide

Rainpharma

The Rainpharma list of products is pretty long. There are lotions, oils, scrubs and creams for your body, cleansers, masks, serums and creams for your face and even a range of essential oils with natural aromas to diffuse in your home. And with the Rain Shakes and nutritive supplements, the brand can also work on your beauty from the inside out. For an intense Rainpharma treatment, join your Rainpharma centre for a two-month skincare programme. Available online and in selected beauty centres 

This article was first published in The Bulletin Newcomer, Autumn 2014