Biologique Recherche: Parisian cult skincare arrives in Brisbane

Savvy Parisians swear by Biologique Recherche and now the cult range has arrived in Brisbane.

My mother swears by soap and water for cleansing the day away but I think even she would find it hard to argue the benefits of Biologique Recherche — the French skincare brand that is said to work “miracles”.

Fans include Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston and Anna Wintour, not to mention legions of skincare-savvy French women, and now, joy of joys, Brisbane women can experience the magic for themselves.

Kailo Medispa in Fortitude Valley is one of only 5 Australian stockists of Biologique Recherche.

Kailo Wellness Medispa at The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley is the first clinic in Queensland to stock the elite range, as well as a variety of tailored facial treatments.

Created 40 years ago by Dr Philippe Allouche and his wife Josette — he a medical doctor and she a physiotherapist — Biologique Recherche products are made using professional-grade formulas designed to treat a range of skin types and conditions.

The tightly held product line has gained cult status among lovers of serious skincare and beauty editors around the world and is particularly famous for its Lotion P50 — a skin-balancing exfoliator which moisturises and regulates oil (among other things), and has been hailed by some as “life-changing”.

Resident medical aesthetic practitioner at Kailo, Dr Edwina Morgan, says the clinic is thrilled to be one of only five in Australia to sell the Parisian skincare range, particularly as the brand only collaborates with high-end clinics that provide a bespoke service.

Indeed, Kailo has already had interest from rural customers wanting to fly in for a treatment, spurred on by the fact that French women are renowned for their flawless skin.

Kailo Medispa - Biologique Recherche

My mother’s soap preaching aside, I am keen to experience the magic for myself with a signature facial at Kailo.

The session begins with a cup of soothing ginger and lemon tea, and a mini bowl of almonds, which I love. I eat two bowls.

Once on the ultra-comfortable treatment table, I relax into 1½-hours of products being applied and assiduously removed.

First there is cleansing, then the “miracle” P50, and a heavenly sequence of serums and masks.

The effectiveness of the products has much to do with the fact they are made from pure, concentrated ingredients.

But the downside of that is they don’t smell particularly pleasant.

The therapist explains that most of the aroma is down to the ingredients — fruits, herbs, yeast — being fermented, which heightens their potency and ensures they are more easily absorbed by the skin.

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Further investigation reveals there are other more “exotic” ingredients in these products, such as salmon sperm and cow placenta, both of which are said to improve skin elasticity.

Then there’s the cream containing amniotic fluid.

Not for the faint hearted.

Included in the treatment is a facial massage technique comprising of strong pinching movements to “temporarily lift my face”.

Apparently if you get these treatments often enough, this trains the muscles into lifting by themselves — no facelift required.

I’m willing to give anything a go if it means banishing fine lines.

In fact, for me, the most off-putting thing about Biologique Recherche is the fact the products have to be used with cold water — a chilly pitfall during winter months.

Regardless, my facial complete, I had to admit my skin looked plumper and more lifted.

Provided with a goodie bag of samples to take home, I have been persisting with the regimen and while I’m yet to receive any compliments on my complexion (boo), I’m looking forward to telling Mum that it beats soap and water any day of the week.

Biologique Recherche signature facial, $220 for 60 mins, Kailo Medispa, Fortitude Valley