Fans of French skincare brand Biologique Recherche — of which there are many — will know what a labour of love it has been until now to source the brand’s cult products on our shores, let alone any beauty services utilising its effective powers. Now, wily shipping methods or overseas travel are no longer a necessity for those wanting to benefit from the Biologique Recherche methodology, as the highly-anticipated Sofitel Spa has opened at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, and is the exclusive New Zealand stockist of the brand.
While the Biologique Recherche offering consists of over 100 facial products, 30 body and 10 hair products, the best-known skincare solution is the iconic Lotion P50. A purifying, cleansing, reconditioning and exfoliating toner, P50 is name-checked by countless skincare experts and celebrities as their secret weapon when it comes to glowing skin. Promising a smoother, brighter and less congested visage, it is the pungent potion that will continue to boost the results of any beauty treatments at home.
Sofitel Spa has everything one could need to truly indulge in a wellbeing and beauty journey. With its harbourside location and tranquil waterfall, the spa offers the option to begin one’s session with time in the sauna or steam room, kicking off the relaxation even before one lies on the treatment bed.
“As a whole, we’re all about wellness — it’s not clinical,” explains Sofitel Spa’s manager Rebecca Dawson. “We want people to feel relaxed, but also like they’re getting results.”
Among Sofitel Spa’s varied and substantial treatment menu are signature treatments centred on Biologique Recherche’s highly efficacious products, harnessing the brand’s highly customised approach to offer bespoke results for each and every client.
“Biologique Recherche has been formulated by a microbiologist and medical doctors, however the in-spa treatments were designed by a physiotherapist, so they are guided by the muscle fibres — it’s all about lifting and toning,” explains Dawson. “The products are raw-formulated, so there’s no heat involved, and no fragrances either, as the creators didn’t want to jeopardise the efficacy of the active ingredients.”
The Instant Skin Lab is the cornerstone of the brand’s methodology, a unique and exclusive system of analysis, diagnosis and prescription. This is used as part of the consultation to ensure the creation of a treatment schedule that works towards a skin objective or intent, and is able to monitor which proposed ministrations will be suitable. Using five different probes, it measures the state of different skin functions including hydration, barrier function, elasticity and pigmentation in order to design a custom facial treatment.
The Micro Puncture Facial might sound intense, but the results are sure to speak for themselves. Designed to remodel the deeper dermal layer of the skin, the treatment is intended to promote increased regeneration, and a smoother, firmer visage. Utilising a similar approach to microneedling, which stimulates collagen production and increased product penetration, this facial sees the application of Cocktail d’Actifs Regenerants serum boosting vitality and nourishment with its 56 active ingredients.
Having a facial or beauty treatment purely for the relaxation aspect is lovely, but when the outcome manifests as visible results, the combination is unbeatable. We’re certainly a fan of both in tandem, and the famed reputation of Biologique Recherche experienced within the holistic indulgence of Sofitel Spa is a match made in beauty heaven.
