I tried the Customised Facial at Biologique Recherche KL, here's what you need to know
It's giving the Haute Couture for the skin.
On some days, we stride into a spa with a specific mission, perhaps to tame a pesky breakout or to soothe irritated skin. However, as a skincare nerd, there’s something deeply gratifying about strolling into a spa without a preset agenda, entrusting my skin to the pros. It’s like embarking on a little spontaneous adventure, tinged with anticipation and curiosity, where I get to discover more about my skin and its needs. My recent visit to Ambassade Biologique Recherche was exactly one of those enlightening experiences.
THE SANCTUARY
Ambassade Biologique Recherche is a slice of Paris in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, nestled within The Starhill. From façade to interior, the sanctuary stays authentic to its heritage flagship at 32 Avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris. The ivory-brass palette, the wooden herringbone floors, and the wainscoted walls come together to set a tone of understated luxury. Stepping inside, I was immediately enveloped in its warm and relaxing atmosphere.
THE METHODOLOGY
Every treatment at Biologique Recherche consists of three stages: Assessment, Initialization, and Treatment. And as my Customised Facial started with a dermo-cosmetic diagnosis, I learned that Biologique Recherche forgoes the skin type classification. Instead of simply slapping a label on the skin, the approach relies on Skin Instant, a methodology coined by Biologique Recherche, to tailor a prescription of products and treatment to one’s skin needs at any instant.
My skin’s parameters, including hydration, trans-epidermal water loss, elasticity, pigmentation and sebum levels, were first assessed by the Skin Instant Lab, followed by hi-res imaging of my complexion using the Visolab to have a sharper look at the lines, evenness, UV pigmentation and pores. With all the data and knowledge of my skin, I was prescribed a regimen that focused on hydrating, soothing and repairing.
I didn’t mention earlier, but this was my first time trying out a Biologique Recherche facial, and throughout the entire experience, I was just casually stumbling upon French skincare approaches that are refreshingly different from what we used to.
Here, facial treatment is powered by cold formulation and cold water to ensure the potency of ingredients as well as the skin’s overall well-being. And as soon as I snuggled into a heated bed, the facial began with cleansing and deep massaging using the Core Duo: cleansing milk and Lotion P50. The massage was incredibly soothing that I could have easily dozed off, but its benefits reach far beyond skin deep.
“Our hands-on approach involves a unique combination of manipulation techniques designed to stimulate both blood circulation and lymph drainage,” explained Dr Zeng Zhou, the Business Development Manager of Biologique Recherche. “The cleansing milk, thanks to its emulsion texture, purifies the skin without stripping away its natural oil. This creates an ideal environment for the acidic Lotion P50 to effectively exfoliate, rebalance, and recondition,” he added, stressing the importance of having a healthy barrier as our first line of defence.
THE LOTION P50
It becomes clear why Biologique Recherche eliminates extraction, a process that can potentially compromise the epidermal shield, from its facial treatments. Instead, the house puts trust in the Lotion P50 to deep purify the pores and break down dead skin cells, presenting a gentle yet effective long-term solution to congestion.
“No Biologique Recherche regimen is complete without a Lotion P50,” Dr Zeng elaborated, “The original Lotion P50 aside, there are four additional formulations to meet the needs of different Skin Instants – Lotion P50W for weakened skin barrier; Lotion P50T for thin skin; Lotion P5V for devitalised skin; and Lotion P50 PIGM 400 for pigmented skin.” These formulations vary in their concentration and ratio of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, choosing the right one for your skin helps to recondition it and also prepare it for better absorptions of the following treatments, such as mask, serum, and cream.
THE TAKEAWAY
Honestly, the dreamy massage at the beginning of the facial already had me floating on a cloud of relaxation, and as the treatment unfolded, I could feel my skin coming alive under the skilled hands of the therapists. What set this facial experience apart, and what I particularly love about it, are holistic and ingredient-driven approaches. There was this interesting moment when the therapist slathered the soothing Masque Biosensible all over my face with added rebalancing Masque Vivant on troubled areas, and I could actually smell the scent of algae and yeast in the formula – it’s that raw and concentrated.
Whilst the beauty of Biologique Recherche’s facial treatment lies in its long-term benefits, it did give me the unmistakable post-facial glow. I was also surprised to notice how a pesky pop of pimple visibly shrank the next day, all without the need for extraction! Like Dr Zeng said, “Biologique Recherche is all about building better skin,” slowly yet surely guided by deep understanding of the skin, its cravings, and highly personalised skincare regimens.
Ambassade Biologique Recherche Kuala Lumpur
UG19-21, Upper Ground Floor,
The Starhill,
181, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur
019-2047586
