It’s no secret, I’m a wee bit obsessive in my love for Biologique Recherche. This prestigious French skin care line is justifiably considered one of the best in the world. Founded over 40 years ago by a biologist and physiotherapist, this husband and wife duo revolutionized the skin care industry by taking a clinical approach to their formulations and products and tailoring their products to the exact needs of one’s skin in the very moment of treatment. This notion of Skin Instants has resulted in a product line that is all encompassing and that can be highly customized to each client’s very specific needs.
Utilizing pure, concentrated, raw ingredients and harnessing them in the perfect combination of cutting-edge technology and exacting methods and procedures, Biologique Recherche has distinguished itself for the incredible efficacy of their products. Gradually taking over from his parents in the early 2000s, Dr. Phillipe Allouche has brought his clinical expertise and passion to what is truly a family business. Honoring his parent’s ground-breaking work and approach to treating the skin, Dr. Allouche has also continue to innovate and further the incredible advancements that Biologique Recherche has come to be known for. Having had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Allouche a few weeks ago, I was struck by the love and passion he has for the line and continuing to innovate while staying true to Biologique Recherche’s founding ethos of treating Skin Instants with products that meet the most exacting standards.
Beauty editors, celebrities, models and skin care lovers alike have an almost cult like devotion to Biologique Recherche. I myself am one of those utterly devoted individuals. Having first been introduced to the line over a decade ago, I’ve seen the incredible efficacy of the line through sustained use of quite a few of their products. I’ve previously written about the BEST facial ever {here}, the classic Biologique Recherche facial that skin care guru Suzie Rousseau preforms at Ph Santé Beauté here in Montreal, and the regime she created for me when I first started seeing her over two years ago {here}. Since then, my love for the line has only deepened. I count myself a very loyal client of Suzie’s, seeing her about every six weeks for one of her incredible Biologique Recherche facials. Coupled with routine use of the product line at home, my skin has never looked so good.
Having had such an amazing experience with the first regime that Suzie created for me utilizing Biologique Recherche products over two years ago, I wanted to re-evaluate my skin’s needs and have her create an all new regime for me. Looking at very specific factors like weather (this time I would need products that would really nourish my skin during the harsh Canadian winter), age (I’m two years older and paying more attention to combatting fine lines and other signs of aging), and where my skin is now that I’m no longer post-partum, Suzie crafted a regime that has been unbelievably effective and perfectly in tune with my personal Skin Instant.
Focusing on two phases, the Initialization Stage thoroughly cleans the skin and balances its pH while gently exfoliating and restoring its proteo-lipidic film. The Treatment Stage sees products being utilized that contain high concentrations of botanical, marine, and biological extracts that leave the skin’s condition greatly improved and totally radiant. For my current regime, there is a mix of new to me favorites and returning hero products. I love that not only is the regime incredibly effective, it isn’t overwhelming to so. Suzie truly targeted my exact needs based on my Skin Instant and crafted my personal perfect regime as follows…
Initialization Stage
LAIT VIP O2 – This gentle cleansing milk removes make-up and cleans the skin while helping to unify the complexion. It’s ideal for those living in an urban environment and those who are exposed to harsh or dry climates, pollution or for those who frequently travel. I love this cleanser because it leaves the skin clean, and really helps calm the skin without being too aggressive.
LOTION P50 PIGM 400 – Considered the holy grail of the skin care world, Biologique Recherche’s P50 is a total gamechanger. It’s typically the product that people are most familiar with and what draws them into the world of Biologique Recherche. A simple google search will bring up article after article by some of the biggest names in beauty detailing their devotion to this unique product. Billed as a “exfoliating and brightening lotion for the face” it helps balance the skin leaving the complexion healthy and radiant. While called a lotion, the product has the consistency of a toner and it is recommended that you apply it to the face, neck and décolletage in an upward patting motion. There are multiple versions of this hero product and I’m currently using the PIGM 400 version to combat a dullness that I find in my complexion come winter. It truly leaves my skin glowing and radiant. Honestly, I could easily dedicate an entire post to this single product and my love for it!
MASQUE VIVANT– Hands down, this is one of my favorite face masks that I have ever used. It’s also one of the most highly effective. Its unique ingredient list includes live yeast extracts which are packed with amino acids and nourishing Vitamin B. Not only does the Masque Vivant purify your skin, it also revitalizes and brightens your complexion. It’s a virtual facial in a tube, and I personally use it multiple times a week. I notice an incredible difference in my complexion when I use this product regularly. This is one of my must have products from Biologqie Recherche that I can’t say enough good things about. However, like with all Biologique Recherche products, there are no fragrances or perfumes added. For those who are new to the line, the scent can be thought of as rather “natural.” However, after seeing the incredible results I have had from this mask, I always say it smells like good skin. If I have a pimple, I’ll dab a little Masque Vivant on it and sleep with it overnight. Without fail, I’ll wake up to find the pimple gone.
MASQUE BIOSENSIBLE – This totally gentle and nourishing mask sooths and protects the skin. Perfect for the harsh winter months, the combination of soothing, protecting, and moisturizing active ingredients makes this the perfect mask for calming the skin and helping to strengthen its natural barrier. I’ll even multi-mask by applying this mask to my cheeks and Masque Vivant to my t-zone and chin to combine the power of these two incredible masks for even more defined results.
Treatment Stage
COLOSTRUM SéRUM AUTHENTIQUE – Biologique Recherche’s line of Quintessential Serums are short on ingredients but long on incredible results. Utilizing only a handful of ingredients per serum, they pack a serious punch thanks to their highly active raw natural ingredients. Colostrum Sérum Authentique contains milk proteins to enhance the skin’s natural defense mechanisms and return radiance to one’s complexion. It’s ideal for those with dry skin or individuals wanting to combat dehydrated skin.
CRÈME BIOFIXINE– As much as I like to pretend I’m not, I’m well into my thirties and anti-aging is at the top of my skin care to-do list. Fine lines and wrinkles are starting to become a reality and I want to keep them at bay for as long as possible in a natural and gentle way. With that in mind, Suzie suggested Crème Biofixine to smooth and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Intended for those who are starting to show the first signs of this issue making it perfect for those who are just starting to address aging in a gentle way. This has such a rich, yet still light texture, and absorbs beautifully into the skin. I know that this will become a staple in my skin care routine.
CRÈME ADN ÉLASTINE MARINE COLLAGÈNE MARIN– Like Créme Biofixine, Créme ADN Élastine Marine Collagène Marin is part of the Intensive Creams line from Biologique Recherche. Considered the most complex and sophisticated products, they are formulated with very specific intentions resulting in intensive treatment. Créme ADN Élastine Marine Collagène Marine is another incredible anti-aging cream that has quickly become a hero product in my skin care routine. Utilizing collagen and elastin as structuring proteins and combining them with DNA extracts, this incredible cream is like a workout for the skin thanks to its ability to firm and tone, leaving the skin fresh and rejuvenated.
It is key to keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach or regime with Biologique Recherche. The line is meant to be utilized under the supervision of a trained professional who can assess your Skin Instant and recommend the best possible combination of products for you. If you’re in Montreal, I cannot recommend Suzie enough. She has a wealth of knowledge and is an award winning Biologique Recherche provider. However, if you’re based elsewhere in Canada, you should touch base with The Principal Brands {here}. Their founder, Mariam White, helped bring the brand to Canada, and they will be able to connect you with your closest provider or point of sale. For my US-based readers, I discovered the brand through Rescue’s original Philadelphia location, but it can also be found at their New York city location as well. For all other cities and countries, you can refer to the Biologique Recherche website {here}.
