French Beauty
Disclaimer: I do use affiliate links in this blog meaning that if you purchase anything through my affiliate links I receive commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products that I have heavily researched, tested and loved, and/or used for several years.
I fell in love with French beauty products 5 years ago, and will remain loyal to them forever. Here’s why:
I visited Paris for the first time right after graduating college, and all I could notice was how impeccable and radiant everyone’s skin looked. If it wasn’t the Seine water or baguettes, what was it?
Upon returning home, I dove into a deep dark hole researching French skin care products and was pleased to find the big two categories: French pharmacy products and Biologique Recherche. I like to say that I discovered Biologique Recherche before the Kardashians and influencers started posting their products, but the real originators are French women who have used them for decades! French pharmacy products are on a whole different level than what you would find at a typical CVS in America. At a French pharmacy, you would find the whole Caudalie line where in America you would need to go to a Sephora. Read about my favorite French pharmacy products here.
I moved to Seattle after my quick post college eurotrip, and got my first Biologique Recherche facial at Jill Bucy Skincare. In order to get a true Biologique Recherche facial, you need to research spa locations that have partnered with the brand and exclusively use their products. As one of the more advanced spa consultations, you can get a Skin Instant Lab performed to analyze hydration, insensible water loss, elasticity, pigmentation, and sebumetry. From there, your facialist can optimize the custom facial and recommend products for your specific skin instant. I have more oily, acne prone skin so my products target sebum regulation and pores. I have been hooked ever since, and owe my skin compliments to the brand. Below are the Biologique Recherche products I use and love. Please, please keep in mind that everyone has a different skin type so you should consult a professional before using some of the more targeted products. I hope you love them!
P.S. I moved back to Los Angeles a couple years ago, and the Los Angeles Biologique Recherche Ambassade opened just a few months ago in Melrose Place. Products can be purchased at this location, and they offer a full menu of treatment options. It is absolutely gorgeous, and I have a separate review linked here!
LAIT VIP O2
I use this as a cleanser, and it has a lotion consistency. It is anti-pollution and oxygenating, which is perfect as I live in smoggy Los Angeles. I remove it with Bioderma micellar water only, on a cotton pad (the French do not wash their face with water).
The bottle comes with pump as well!
Purchase with login account creation here. (8.4 oz.)
The Holy Grail: P50 1970
If there is one item to absolutely get from the line, it is the infamous P50. It acts as a toner, exfoliator, hydrator, and balancer all in one. This product seriously changed my skin for the better, and acts to maintain the skin’s pH. It can be a little stinky upon application (you get used to it), but I promise it works wonders! There are a few different types of P50, so make sure to get assessed to purchase the most compatible one for your skin.
You will apply a small amount on a cotton pad and pat, pat (do not rub) in upward motions.
Purchase with login account creation here. (8.4 oz.)
Filler in a Bottle: MC110
I just started using this product this year, and have been absolutely loving the results. It is multifunctional and can be used to shrink pores (my use case, especially my nose), fade wrinkle lines, and plump the skin.
As you can see, I go through it quick! Apply on a cotton pad and pat, pat upwards similar to P50 application.
Purchase with login account creation here. (1 oz.)
Dermapore
This serum works to reduce sebum production, and works hard to seriously shrink the pores. I target this on my nose, eyebrow area, and chin.
Apply a small amount directly onto skin and massage in upward motions.
Purchase with login account creation here. (1 oz.)
Emulsion Gel Biosensible S.R.
This gel specifically targets skin with high sebum, which can be identified during a skin instant lab. By balancing the skin, it helps to shrink the pores as well. I recently started using it about a month ago, and have seen great results in minimizing mid-day shine and smoothing the skin.
Apply all over face after cleansing, P50, and serums.
Purchase with login account creation here. (1.7 oz.)
Creme Iso-Placenta
This cream imitates human placenta and regenerates the skin (especially with acne scarring), restores the epidermis, and is a great skin brightener. Some reviewers show disappointment in this formula versus the original formula which contained real animal placenta, but I find that it still works well even if not as life-changing as the previous version.
Apply as a last step all over the face, neck, and décolleté.
Purchase with login account creation here. (1.7 oz., $79 USD)
Masque Vivant
This mask is another cult favorite alongside the P50, and I use it at least 3 times a week. I love to leave it on for hours during a self care Sunday, then wash off in the shower. It is the perfect purifying and balancing mask. It is another smelly one, but well worth it. For nose blackheads, aestheticians recommend adding a pinch of baking soda.
If you enjoyed this blog post, I would greatly appreciate you taking a moment to browse my other blog posts (I write on lifestyle, beauty, travel, restaurants, working in tech, and cocktails + wine), subscribe, and/or make a donation. Donation proceeds go toward monthly Squarespace fees, PO box fees, website enhancements, ad campaigns, SEO tools, and time investment in addition to my full-time job. Thank you for your readership from the bottom of my heart! xx Nicole
