BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE: NOW IN CANADA AT ONE2ONE STUDIO

When I was in Grade 11, my friend Joanna went on a 3-week exchange to Australia. When she returned, she walked into Biology class one day and thrust a little yellow packet that said ‘Vegemite’ in front of me and said ‘Have some! It tastes like chocolate!’. So, being the food obsessive that I am, I stuck a huge glob of it in my mouth and immediately felt like I was gonna hurl. Let me tell you–it did not taste like chocolate.

For those of you in the know, Vegemite or Marmite is a dark brown paste made of leftover yeast extract. For some reason, British and Australian people love it, however, I find it absolutely revolting. The smell and taste are disgusting and strong. After tasting some, I was counting down the minutes until class was over so I could go home and brush my teeth 5 times and mouthwash. Thanks, Joanna.

Anyways, I hate to start this post off on a bad note, but Vegemite is exactly what Masque Vivant smells like. While applying this super thick and goopy paste to my face, I was immediately brought back to my high school days. Yes, it does absolutely stink (Jordan was across the room and said YOU STINK), however, you sort of get used to the smell, and really, it’s all worth it because it WORKS.

When I had my Biologique Recherche facial back in March, my facialist, Ellis, mixed this mask with the Masque VIP O2, as per Dr. Allouche’s recommendation. I have not, however, repeated this (purely because I do not feel like dropping $140 on two face masks at once), but I mix the Vivant with a pinch of baking soda and a few drops of water for blackhead removal abilities.

So, in true BR style, being the Hermès of skincare and all, this mask isn’t cheap. It’s $77, but it works. And for me, right now, I am so frustrated with my skin, that it’s OK. I’m still on the Differin, and it feels like I am in a constant state of ‘purging’ which is really frustrating. I just needed something to help with my constant breakouts.

This mask purifies the face, leaving it super clean. First I double cleanse, follow up with P50W (just use your exfoliating toner), the smooth on the foamy brown paste. After application, leave it alone for 20 minutes or so, and it hardens but does not pull on the face, crack or leave skin feeling tight or dry. Yes, you will look semi-terrifying and sort of look like you have leprosy as the baking soda bubbles, but you definitely see results the next morning–the redness had pretty much gone, skin is more refined, and pimples have significantly reduced in size. Skin is more clear and glowing, and all the little bumps under my skin are clearing up (!!).

Since I’ve been so fed up with my face, I used it 4 or 5 times in the first week, but after that I’ve continued with 2 or 3 times a week. After removal, I apply the Differin, and then a moisturizing mask (really liking Vichy’s Aqualia Thermal Night Spa).

Biologique Recherche products can be found in Canada at:
One to One Studio (Toronto)
416-483-1212