Not though we needed another reason to lure us to Paris: we are already admirers of Biologique Recherche’s cult P50 exfoliating lotion but were intrigued to hear of the revamp of their maison by French interior designer Joanne de Lepinay.
Originally housed at number 30 avenue des Champs-Elysées, the iconic beauty brand recently acquired the adjacent identical house sparking a major renovation of both three-storey historic buildings. Set back from the boulevard within an enclosed cobblestone courtyard, the ‘twins’ are notable as the only remaining buildings on the famed boulevard to retain their original heritage appearance.
With a design brief to create distinctive ‘Parisian-style’ interiors for the new space, Lepinay seized the opportunity to refresh the company’s trademark visual identity introducing a palette of delicate ivory onyx, brushed brass and a brighter shade of navy blue.
Demolishing the original shared wall created a new enlarged ground floor reception with a dedicated hair treatment salon, skin assessment area, and elegant lounge featuring contemporary custom-design armchairs, Jules Wabbes wall lamps, and a striking blue sofa by Pierre Paulin. The latter is a nod to the seventies when Yvan and Josette Allouche, a biologist and physiotherapist, founded the iconic beauty brand. Upstairs, accessed via the original matching staircases, is a series of understated yet refined treatment rooms decorated in muted shades of cream and gold.
The main draw, however, is the impressive 40sqm VIP ‘Haute Couture’ room with a walk-in shower room, dramatic suspended cluster of Ombre Portee lights hand-made by artisans in Limoges, and its own private 20sqm boudoir.
The interiors are impressive but the brand’s loyal customers - mostly immaculately groomed exacting Parisians (who insisted the original salon remain open despite the 6-month long renovations) – also come for the newly released ‘Seconde Peau’ face mask inspired by medical processes to treat severely burnt patients.
A specially designed 3D printer machine weaves pharmaceutical-grade hyaluronic acid nanofibres into a mask that is offered as a cosmetic alternative to injections. A course is advised, to see significant results, but happily for those not heading to Paris, the products will soon also be available at Biologique Recherche and its partner hotel spas worldwide. The first will be at The Peninsula New York spa where therapists are currently being trained in its application.
ADDRESS
32, avenue des Champs-Elysées
-
Jaguar spotlights five emerging artists in its inaugural Arts AwardsThe new Jaguar Arts Awards in partnership with London’s Royal College of Art embody a shared drive to nurture new talent; meet the 2025 winners
-
‘Locally anchored and globally conversant’: Salone del Mobile debuts in Saudi ArabiaSalone del Mobile lands in Riyadh (26-28 November 2025), bringing its creative and manufacturing know-how to one of the world’s fastest-growing markets and setting the stage for Italo-Saudi design relations
-
Free flights across Japan? ANA just made it happenA new All Nippon Airways scheme in collaboration with the Japan National Tourism Organization aims to ease overtourism in major hubs by boosting regional travel
-
New Marseille restaurant Dévo dishes up a sultry 1970s moodMirrors, satin curtains, and tubular steel define the atmosphere of this theatrical hangout, as envisioned by a local team of creatives
-
A local’s guide to Paris by Art Basel newcomer Ash LoveVisual artist Ash Love shares their essential addresses in the French capital as the city hosts the art fair’s fourth edition
-
Hôtel Le Provençal is a sun-kissed family affairA beloved third-generation hotel in the south of France reopens with a fresh look, all whilst preserving its authentic midcentury heritage
-
A night at Le Meurice’s Suite 1835 is like ‘sleeping in an exhibition’At the historic Paris hotel, design studio Things From shake things up with an installation-like suite – a futuristic cocoon available until the end of 2025 only
-
Crosby Studios reimagines the espresso bar in ParisIndustrial poetry and a blaze of orange define Café Nuances’ latest outpost in Le Marais
-
Yannick Alléno takes over Monsieur Dior: ‘What would Christian Dior do if he were to create a restaurant today?’At 30 Montaigne in Paris, the world’s most Michelin-starred chef reimagines French gastronomy as Christian Dior himself might have dreamt it
-
Les Domaines de Chabran redefines the Provençal summer houseArchitect Alain Meylan and interior designer Liliana Atilova bring contemporary finesse to centuries-old country houses in southern France. Discover their latest
-
At La Fondation hotel in Paris, minimalism has irresistible warmthOnce a parking lot, this 17th-arrondissement stay now offers rooftop city views, cocooning suites, and interiors by Roman and Williams
