Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXV

F rench skincare brands are synonymous with offering results-driven products whilst maintaining a core focus on their philosophies. From pharmacy brands to luxury cosmetic houses, all are well respected within the industry. That is no more true than with Biologique Recherche. Perhaps even more so as this is a brand that not everyone is familiar with – but gaining a cult status is arguably more valuable in this day and age. To be slightly under the radar, known by beauty experts and not the masses, they are almost a secret weapon that no-one wants to reveal. I urge you to take a closer look, as I did once I heard about them and researched their background. Around since the 1970s and always remaining true to their initial vision of how skin should be treated and cared for, integrity is everything. I posedmy questions to one of their experts, Dominika Dracz-Le Grange, who fascinated and almost hypnotised me with her words. Knowledge is key in this industry, and with skin and science being such complex subjects, it's comforting to know that with Biologique Recherche, you're in good hands. Tell me a little more about Biologique Recherche; how it was created and what stands it apart from other brands? Biologique Recherche was created in 1976 by a passionate and talented husband and wife team. Yvan Allouche was a biochemist, skin researcher and product formulator, whilst his wife, Josette, was a physiotherapist and aesthetician. Their son, Dr. Philippe Allouche, is now Head of Research and Development at Biologique Recherche. We are a French luxury skin care brand, specialising in very personalised skin care programmes, using a scientific and clinical approach. The highly-concentrated formulas, based on active ingredients from botanical, marine and biological origins, coupled with the meticulous and innovative treatment procedures implemented, have allowed Biologique Recherche to achieve a reputation for astounding effectiveness. Does Biologique Recherche have an ethos? The epidermis is the skin’s outer layer and the ultimate barrier which protects the integrity of our inner world. According to Dr. Allouche, its functions must be respected and treatments should be customised to the epidermis. Our skin can be compared to a house. If the roof is built badly and cannot guarantee protection against external aggressions, everything inside is subjected to stress and becomes vulnerable. We believe that everyone has different ‘skin instants’, in contrast to having a skin type. The skin instant takes multiple forms within a typical season, depending on an individual’s health, lifestyle, environment, etc. The epidermis constantly changes, which is why we place so much importance on our clients receiving regular consultations and having their skincare tailored to their specific needs. Who was Biologique Recherche created for? Biologique Recherche was created for everyone! It was really down to the realisation of the skin instant, and how everyone needed a much more tailored and specified approach towards the health of their skin. One size never really fits all after all! What product or technique is Biologique Recherche most proud of? At the moment, I would have to say the Crème Masque Vernix. It’s really revolutionary! Hailed as a true marriage of science and beauty, Crème Masque Vernix virtually reproduces the original composition of a newborn’s vernix – the first epidermal protection at birth – thanks to a selection of active ingredients rich in lipids, proteins and antioxidant peptides. Vernix, a sebaceous waxy substance, has powerful healing properties, balances the skin’s pH and inhibits the growth of bacteria for a multi-pronged approach to skin replenishment. This intensive creammask helps recondition and strengthen the epidermis by offering it a ‘second birth’. It revitalises, repairs and protects deficient and/or stressed skin instants from external aggressions. What encourages celebrities to rely on Biologique Recherche to keep their skin in optimum condition? Biologique Recherche has gained worldwide recognition over the years and continuously receives a number of appraisals from the press, beauty experts and celebrities such as Sofia Coppola, the Olsen Sisters, Brad Pitt, Linda Evangelista, Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone, Michelle Pfeiffer, Amanda Seyfried, Diane Von Furstenberg, Madonna, Elle McPherson, Liv Tyler, Mario Lopez, Alexander Wang, Patricia Della Giovampaola, Lisa Snowdon andMelissa Odabash. Our celebrity clients come to Biologique Recherche for our skincare expertise, personalised service and results-driven treatments. Most of all, so that they can have even better skin! Do Biologique Recherche experts use any unique techniques in your facials/treatments? Each Biologique Recherche facial treatment is bespoke to the client. Depending on the treatment chosen by one of our fully trained therapists, the techniques and products differ. For instance, the Jacquet-Leroy massage technique is combined with our own movements, and used for our Soin Lift C.V.S to stimulate elastin and collagen whilst lifting and defining facial contours. What sets Biologique Recherche skincare apart from others on the market? Personalisation again! I know I keep saying this but Biologique Recherche differs in the way that our customers are guided through their purchasing process. We do not sell products without a skin diagnosis, which allows us to carry out a personalised approach and ensure the correct products and treatments are used by each of our customers. Could you explain the layout of the Biologique Recherche range? We have several products within our extensive 150 product range which contain PIGM400 in their title. This means that they target pigmentation specifically. However, one would not necessarily need to use all of them to tackle this concern – they may only have one or two recommended within their skincare regime, according to their skin instant. What are your key ingredients for healthy skin and to prevent signs of ageing? The Biologique Recherche Oxygenating Complex can be found in all of our oxygenating and brightening products, such as the Lait VIPO2, the Masque VIPO2 and the Crème VIPO2. This is such a great formulation – you can really instantly see and feel the results, your skin looks more alive and younger, the dullness just disappears… it’s really astounding! This particular formulation works by increasing the blood circulation to the areas it’s applied to and provides an amazingly rejuvenated result. B i o l o g i q u e R e c h e r c h e 1 5 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I