A DM store in Berlin. Photo by michaeljayfoto via 123RF. ()
If you poll Americans living in Europe and ask them what stores they miss the most, I bet you’ll find a lot of “Target” responses. Who doesn’t miss haphazardly walking down the aisles as you put your fifth facial mask in your cart, convincing yourself you “need” it? This beloved store has it all—home accessories, furniture, makeup, clothes and much more. Whenever I feel a pang of homesickness, I head to Globus, Germany’s popular supermarket, to fill that void. But what happens when I want to dodge the crowds? That’s where my obsession with the “Drogerie,” or drugstore, kicks in.
“Drogerien,” drugstores, are similar to your average drugstore in the States, just smaller. What I love most about the ones in Germany is the opportunity to try inexpensive, yet good-quality brands that may be foreign to us. Not to mention, these drugstores are perfect for other needs such as baby diapers and wipes, photo printing, certain health foods and even home decor if you’re lucky. From the latest hair mask popular in France to the prettiest shade of lipstick, I enjoy treating myself to the simple finds I can buy at these stores. DM and Rossmann are the two main drugstores to note down.
Whether you’re new to Germany or are just curious to see what others have in their cart, below are a few of my favorite things to buy at either store:
Skincare
Nivea Vital Anti-Falten (anti-wrinkle cream)
Nivea Erfrischendes Waschgel (face wash)
Bebe Reinigungstücher (makeup remover cloths)
Labello Lippenpflege Hydro Care (chapstick)
Hair
GUHL Shampoo Farbglanz Braun (shampoo)
GUHL Shampoo Intensiv Kräftigung (shampoo)
Schwarzkopf Gliss Kur Shampoo Anti-Spliss Wunder (shampoo – this really helps against the German hard water)
Modest ego Haarmaske Repair (hair mask) & Rejuvenate No 5, Hair mask
Cosmetics
Maybelline New York Wimperntusche Falsche Wimpern Mascara Waterproof Very Black (mascara)
Alverde NATURKOSMETIK Perfect Cover Foundation & Concealer (foundation)
L'ORÉAL PARIS Rouge Melon Dollar Baby Blush Watermelon
Travel Tip: Heading off on a much-needed vacation? DM and Rossmann have convenient and inexpensive travel items such as shampoo, Q-tips, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, toothpaste and much more. These items are all hand-carry approved.
Pro Tip: To collect points toward your purchases, participate in the PAYBACK program with DM.
