Which cosmetics to bring back from Montenegro?

I scoured the entire internet and couldn’t find a single article about cosmetics in Montenegro. So I’ll just do it myself, I guess.
I searched everywhere but couldn’t find a single Montenegrin cosmetics brand. Sorry.

Because of the freezing cold and my nearly empty moisturizer, I had to go on a little shopping spree with the goal of finding THE moisturizer for this winter. Suitable for combination, acne-prone skin.

Where to buy cosmetics?

• There’s a chain called Cosmetics Market. You can find them either as standalone stores or inside shopping malls. It’s the equivalent of CVS in the US. They sell everything: skincare, makeup, hygiene products, home products. You can find the nearest stores by simply searching on Google.
• There are stands selling natural cosmetics inside shopping malls. I especially saw them at Delta City Mall in Podgorica.
• Directly in brand stores like Natura Siberica, or All Nut
• Pharmacies stock quite a few French cosmetics (La Roche Posay, Uriage, Avène…) but they also sell interesting products you can’t find in France.

What cosmetics to buy?

As a former Yugoslavia country, Montenegro is still influenced by Russia and other ex-Yugoslav countries. Despite a much more bearable climate than Russia, they still sell us lots of products and brands designed for freezing cold => extremely hydrating & nourishing. It can be hard to get on board when you’re shopping in summer, but stock up for winter, your skin will thank you later.

At At Cosmetics Market, you’ll find the following brands:

• Lumene: it’s a natural, vegan Finnish brand. They use arctic spring water in all their products. I really like it! Their Nordic Hydra line is based on the star ingredient: hyaluronic acid. And their Nordic-C line is based on Vitamin C extracted from wild Nordic berries. Don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a mini set, because they’re adorable, in a super cute metal tin. Don’t be fooled by the packaging (the outer cardboard looks a bit cheap) because the rest is quality. Prices are significantly lower than those found online in France. To read product descriptions (in French) before buying, you can check out the product pages for Lumene on FeelUnique here
• Korff is an Italian brand specializing in anti-aging (for 35+). I haven’t tested their products yet, but I find their collagen ampoules quite amusing. In terms of formulas, it’s neither organic nor natural, but they use lots of interesting active ingredients. Their sub-brand Mia is natural though. Prices are a bit high compared to other brands, so I didn’t splurge. Some products are available on Amazon if you want to read their descriptions in French (here).
• Naobay is a Spanish brand. Everyone seems to love their Detox line. Some products are available on Amazon if you want to read their descriptions in French (here). I love their packaging, but it’s a bit bulky for my suitcase, so I didn’t buy any.
• Bielenda is a Polish brand with super low prices. They have a new CBD line that’s well-reviewed. And an anti-acne serum, Bielenda Dr Medica Acne, with a great formula (mandelic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid) that costs only €5! Bielenda products are scattered around Cosmetics Market, some stores have them, others don’t. You have to keep your eyes peeled. Some products are available on Amazon if you want to read their descriptions in French. here
• Natura Siberica is a Russian brand. The selection at Cosmetics Market isn’t great; they only have 4-5 products, spread out. I’d recommend buying them from a natural cosmetics stand or directly at the store. For product descriptions in French, check Amazon

Natura Siberica has several stores in tourist towns. They sell so many products it’s hard to choose. Natura Siberica is sold much cheaper here than online in France. It’s a Russian brand that uses wild Siberian flowers and fruits. Most have repairing & nourishing properties to withstand the freezing cold.

• I tested their shampoo Volume & Freshness and the scent isn’t too strong but pleasant. Hair is smooth, tangle-free, and has acceptable volume. For €4.9, honestly, you shouldn’t pass it up. If you tend to lose hair, try Schisandra and Ginseng.
• Their face creams: Blanc de Blancs (day cream) and Blanc de Noirs (night cream) with Siberian caviar and Faroe Islands algae were recommended by the saleswoman (€15 each). Both are very nourishing, but you need to use a hydrating serum before because their main job is to nourish (provide oil and seal in hydration). No greasy film, no “Christmas ball” effect. The amounts are so generous I also use them on my body.
• They have plenty of other pump-format creams for €5, €6.
• Their foot cream is a must-have. I didn’t try it because I love my Hand Chemistry, but the reviews are unanimous
• Everyone loves their jelly-shaped masks because they are so beautiful and hydrating
• Lastly, the cleansing balm is also a hit. You shouldn’t use the charcoal (black) version but the white version that doesn’t stain clothes.

At the store‘All Nut in Podgorica (5 Vučedolska, Podgorica), a natural Serbian brand, you can find homemade soaps & well-formulated face creams. They don’t have crazy active ingredients, but they are formulated simply to hydrate.

At the pharmacy or at Cosmetics Market, don’t hesitate to stock up on the brand Panthenol from Crystal Derma. It’s a Serbian brand. It costs between €2 and €4. I opted for the “krem gel” version with 5g of panthenol, but the Rich Cream version contains 10g. Panthenol (aka B5) is the star ingredient I recommend to everyone to repair your skin barrier. Until now, the panthenol creams seen in France all contain dimethicone and clog pores. This one suits my acne-prone skin, doesn’t clog pores, doesn’t create new breakouts (I bought both versions and the krem gel 5g seems to suit me best). Admittedly, the formulation isn’t top-notch (there’s a bit of paraffin, a bit of paraben), but for what you ask of it (aka repairing the skin), it does its job. I put a thick layer on nights when I use retinol, and the next day, new skin awaits me.

Planning a trip to Montenegro? Our partner Get Your Guide offers entry tickets and guided tours with French-speaking guides at very reasonable rates. Click here to see what they offer and book online.