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
-
Chef Ray Garcia brings Broken Spanish back to life on LA’s WestsideClosed during the pandemic, Broken Spanish lives again in spirit as Ray Garcia reopens the conversation with modern Mexican cooking and layered interiors
-
Inside a skyrise Mumbai apartment, where ancient Indian design principles adds a personal take on contemporary luxuryDesigned by Dieter Vander Velpen, Three Sixty Degree West in Mumbai is an elegant interplay of scale, texture and movement, against the backdrop of an urban vista
-
A bespoke studio space makes for a perfect architectural showcase in HampshireWinchester-based architects McLean Quinlan believe their new finely crafted bespoke studio provides the ultimate demonstration of their approach to design
-
The most stylish hotel debuts of 2025A Wallpaper* edit of this year’s defining hotel openings. Design-led stays to shape your next escape
-
Form... and flavour? The best design-led restaurant debuts of 2025A Wallpaper* edit of the restaurant interiors that shaped how we ate, gathered and lingered this year
-
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
