Biologique Recherche P50

It might not quite roll off the tongue, but Biologique Recherche is one of those beauty brands that elicits wide-eyed approval in the most skincare-obsessed rooms. From beauty editors to make-up artists, aestheticians and the A-list, so many of those in the know are fanatical about this history-steeped French skincare brand. Following a strategy typically reserved for fashion, Biologique Recherche was, for many years, famously hard to get hold of - which, of course, only boosted its appeal tenfold. A bottle of the brand’s star product, the P50 lotion, was a beauty score to boast about: after all, owning one would put you in the same camp as reported loyal users Nicole Kidman, Sofia Coppola and the Olsen sisters. Now, the Biologique Recherche fan club is widening, thanks to long-overdue online availability at the likes of Liberty and Harrods. While any curious customers once had to navigate the brand’s rather user-unfriendly website, taking part in a (paid-for) consultation before being prescribed the best regime from the brand, those cult heroes are now a quick click away.

bareskin elements Its active ingredients maintain the integrity of the barrier function and protect skin from drying out. As well as providing nourishment and suppleness, the fluid gently removes impurities from the skin while keeping dryness at bay. Skin is cleansed, pure and healthy. Recommended for dehydrated Skin Instants© that have lost vitality. Lait U", "description": "Lait U gently removes makeup thanks to a formulation containing plant oils. It safeguards the barrier function of the epidermis by protecting skin’s hydrolipidic film. Its light and fresh formula allows your skin to breathe, with no oily film left behind. Recommended for young Skin Instants© that are not particularly sensitive, combination, and/or prone to seborrhea. Lait VIP O2", "description": "Lait VIP O2 is the anti-pollution cleanser, purifying the skin of tiny polluting particles that are sometimes even smaller than the pores on the face. Its deep-down cleansing action will remove the urban pollutants that accumulate on the skin’s surface. Pristine again, skin regains its natural radiance and the complexion lights up with a fresh glow. Recommended for asphyxiated and dull Skin Instants©.

The best way to approach P50 is with caution and consistency: apply your toner via a dampened cotton pad (the water will gently dilute the formula) for the first two weeks of use. The brand advises building up to twice-daily use, following a slow and steady introduction: try pressing yours into clean skin two evenings per week at first, and monitor how your skin reacts. If you’re satisfied with the results, you may not need to increase your usage at all. When using a P50 lotion, it’s important to consider the other actives currently in your regime: these potent acid blends shouldn’t be combined with a retinol or any other exfoliating products (scan the back of your serums for glycolic, salicylic, mandelic or lactic). Don’t apply it over the delicate eye area, and always always use a good facial SPF in the daytime. Play by the rules (and put up with the smell) and you’ll likely be on route to your smoothest, glowiest skin ever.

Their list of treatments is sixteen pages long, so it goes without saying that there is something for everyone! We were there for a ‘skin instant’ session which is one of the more specialized services they offer. Think of it as being a bit like going to the doctor to get yourself diagnosed. The technician sits down with you, and using their high-tech electronic equipment and computer programs, they analyze the condition of your skin. Rather than relying on the traditional - but cumbersome - categories like ‘dry’ or ‘oily’, you get a personalized picture of what condition your skin is in at that exact moment. What’s more, your skin might be in different conditions in different parts of your face, meaning that different parts require different types of attention. The skin instant process can tell you all of this, so that you are better equipped to take the best possible course of action for your specific need. The process was enjoyable, and our technician was extremely friendly and helpful.