Exactly a year ago, beauty blogs and group chats were buzzing with the shocking announcement that a beloved skincare staple had been discontinued, at least stateside. Downstream from the FDA’s ban on phenol in cosmetic products, Biologique Recherche stopped selling its viral stinky toner PS50 1970 in the US Market and boosted a wide-array of other phenol-free “Lotion Exfoliante” replacements for congested, hyperpigmented, and sensitive skin. If anything, the outcry was a testament to the cult-worthy results delivered by the storied, French clean beauty brand.
The next phase of Biologique Recherche’s foray into cutting-edge formulations, in addition to an expanding menu of professional spa and hair care treatments, focuses on the evergreen beauty goal that will always obsess us – age-defying skincare. Whether we prefer the term “anti-aging” or “age-disrupting”, the signs are universal and only grow more pronounced with each passing year. Finding non-invasive ways to combat the denigration of collagen and elastin that produce laxity and softened contours, as well as the loss of volume, moisture, and overall skin vitality, is the dragon we’re all chasing. The sum total of these elusive factors, in other words what makes skin appear youthful, is best described as plumpness. Rejuvenating the skin with this “plumpness” is the goal of Biologique Recherche’s recently launched Crème M.E.C., i.e. The Skin Sculptor.
The unique gel-cream formula cocoons the skin in silk-like moisture with the lightweight, quickly-absorbed texture of a fluid that’s never oily. Rich in humectants and plant-based actives, Creme M.E.C. acts as a remodeling moisturizer that targets the Extra-Cellular Matrix (ECM) – the skin’s support structure responsible for defined contours, gravity-defying strength, and radiance-enhancing hydration. With both immediate moisture retention – up to 5,000 times its weight in water for visible luminosity – and a longer term increase in plumpness in just six weeks, Biologique Recherche has just created the next cult-worthy, skin restoration treatment.
Not only is the Biologique Recherche Crème M.E.C. currently and exclusively available at the Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa in NYC, the first US purveyor of the iconic French brand, it’s a staple in many of their spa facials. For tips on ways to best incorporate this eagerly awaited anti-aging treatment cream into your daily skin care regimen, I chatted with Aesthetician and MUA Brittany Whitfield, a resident at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa in NYC who specializes in signature Biologique Recherche facials.
Q & A with Brittany Whitfield
1. How would you describe Biologique Recherche’s Crème M.E.C.?
My new favorite moisturizer, aka my go-to now for skin recovery. It’s as if an oil and a gel made Hercules in topical form!
2. Which skin types will benefit the most from this gel-cream?
I love to incorporate this for my dehydrated/sensitized clients. It’s been heavily incorporated in my rotation because of the dreadful NYC weather this season. It’s especially helpful when I need to rebalance the skin after actives or corrective steps, i.e. post enzyme or high frequency; I notice such a difference when I finish with (or apply as a serum depending how dehydrated my client may be) as it leaves the skin PLUMP and pillowy and not simply a ‘slathered in oil’ appearance.
3. What’s your favorite hack for maximizing application of Biologique Recherche’s Crème M.E.C.?
My secret tip is to mist Biologique Recherche’s L’Eauxygenate Vitamin A & C Mist intermittently between each phase of my customized facials to reactivate hydration in between steps. That final spritz between Creme M.E.C. and SPF is chef’s kiss!
