When the temperature cools and the skies turn gray, the delicate balancing act of a good skincare regimen is challenging but it’s not without its benefits. In stark contrast to the redness, irritation, and clogged pores from hazy, summer days, winter skin after a brisk walk or mountain hike manages to bring a rosy glow, less puffiness and taut contours. It’s the same logic as working out in the cold and one of the latest trends in beauty in wellness – cryotherapy – the cold closes pores and energizes circulation.
To experience the pore-closing, skin lifting benefits of cold air, I visited the Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa for the Biologique Recherche Ice Facial. Yes, that Biologique Recherche, the iconic French luxury brand known for the viral “stinky toner” that many beauty warriors can’t live without.
And as mentioned by the spa’s Creative Director, Master Stylist and Colorist Paul Labrecque in Thriving in Beauty with Passion, Diversity, Sustainability,and Longevity Q&A, it’s one of their best-selling and beloved luxury lines and treatments for a reason.
My aesthetician, the gorgeous, and ultra professional Binta, with the most stunning glass skin I’ve seen in real life sans filter, had completed a thorough analysis of my skin before I had the chance to describe my long list of skin concerns. She immediately pegged my skin as oily with congestion, and customized a cocktail of Biologique Recherche products to maximize the cold therapy.
While under the steam, in preparation for the much needed extractions, I asked Binta, half-joking, half-dreading, when the stinky part of the facial started. It already had! After cleansing, the viral Biologique Recherche Lotion P50V was used to exfoliate skin and open pores for maximum purging and product absorption. It barely smelled at all – just a few whiffs of vinegar and nutritional yeast. Binta explained the benefits of the “stinkiness” as fermented actives that combat oiliness and balance the skin pH. Everyone’s favorite disgust-inducing part of a facial – the extractions – were quick and painless, almost surgically precise without bruising. For the treatment phase, a bespoke mask combining the famed oxygenating Masque VIP O2 was layered with Crème Masque Vernix VG for detoxification while bolstering the skin barrier in areas where I tend to over exfoliate.
When the cryotherapy phase of the treatment began, it was equal parts relaxation and invigoration from the smooth, ice cold, stainless steel Cryo-Sticks gliding and rotating around the facial contours and under the eyes for a thorough lymphatic drainage and depuffing. Next, another round of bespoke complexion nourishment with a mixture of the oxygenating, brightening Serum Fluide VIP O2, calming and anti-aging serums, and another round of Cryo-Sticks to close the pores and seal in the actives.
I left Paul LaBrecque Salon and Skincare Spa with snatched, glowing, skin so taut and sans redness that I didn’t bother with makeup that day and received many compliments on my skin.
Before I left, Binta and I discussed additional facial products and treatments to consider in my journey against texture, melasma, and loss of laxity. She recommended the Lotion P50 1970 and Masque Vivant to detoxify, oxygentate and control excess sebum. I have my eye on the Biologique Recherche Collagen Remodeling Facial, which combines Microcurrent and Micro-puncture Lab® microneedling, Biosonix® ultrasonic technology, and Sapphire 3 Oxylight® with Biologique Recherche Masque Biologique Féerie for the ultimate collagen boosting, firming and brightening age-disrupting beauty treatment. It would make a winning, unforgettable gift to the beauty warrior in your life. Paul LaBrecque gift cards are available until the eleventh hour.
Merry Xmas & Happy Gifting!!!!
