Last year, Biologique Recherche launched an exclusive partnership with Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills, offering a selection of the brand’s highly-customized services at the in-store spa. The French luxury skincare brand was created in a Parisian research laboratory in 1978 by the Allouche family, which consisted of a biologist, physiotherapist, and a clinical doctor.

Originally, the company functioned more as a research and development lab that developed formulations for dermal professionals. Its biologically active and concentrated formulas, combined with a highly customized approach, helped Biologique Recherche evolve into a top skincare brand among professionals and consumers.

I visited Biologique Recherche’s in-store spa at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills to receive one of the brand’s renowned facials. Parking is easy and convenient—guests can either valet for $3 or park their car in the adjacent structure, which offers two hours of free parking with validation. On this particular day I opted for valet, and within minutes I was already inside the department store and riding the escalator down to the basement beauty floor where the Biologique Recherche counter awaited.

Here’s what you’ll love about Biologique Recherche at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills: 

• The French skincare brand has an exclusive partnership with the luxury department store and is offering a selection of 60 to 120-minute highly-customized, results-driven services at Neiman Marcus’ in-store spa.

• The spa is located on the beauty floor in the basement and has three private treatment rooms, including one reserved for Biologique Recherche treatments.

• At the Biologique Recherche counter, a wide range of the brand’s products are available for purchase.

• Spa guests and customers receive a complimentary 20-minute skin analyzation at the Skin Instant Lab, which is located at the Biologique Recherche counter and provides an in-depth snapshot of clients’ skin so the esthetician can develop a custom skincare regimen and adjust as needed.

• A Biologique Recherche esthetician will select the best-suited boosters and products to design a results-driven personalized experience which can include manual lifting techniques, the brand’s proprietary technology, and co-factor sheet masks that optimize results.

• The Remodeling Face Machine (RFM) is a state-of-the-art bio-electric aesthetic stimulation that combines the power of three currents: galvanic current, medium and high frequencies.

• The Biologique Recherche counter and in-store spa are located within close proximity to other brands, counters and sections of the store, making for a convenient retail experience.

• The popular Mariposa restaurant is just steps away on the same floor and offers a variety of food and drink options for a pre- or post-spa treatment snack or meal.

The basement of Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills is every beauty lover’s dream. From Chanel to La Mer, you can find just about anything you’re looking for here in the way of premium luxury skin care and makeup. The Biologique Recherche counter is located right in the center of it all and has the brand’s full collection of products generously on display.

The brand’s bestseller is Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, which has been referred to as “the best beauty product ever made.” Applied in the morning and evening, this product has multiple purposes: it gently exfioliates the skin, regulates excessive sebum secretion, moisturizes and helps maintain the epidermis’ acid pH, and it even prevents and treats in-grown hairs! In other words, is there anything it doesn’t do?

I was greeted by the Biologique Recherche esthetician, who sat me down for my complimentary 20-minute Skin Instant Lab analyzation that took an in-depth snapshot of my skin. The Skin Instant Lab is a scientific grade dermo-cosmetic analysis machine featuring five probes that link with specialized diagnostic and analysis software to provide an accurate diagnosis of the skin’s current condition and record results to track progress and skin changes over time.

The machine analyzes skin’s hydration levels, trans-epidermal water loss, elasticity, pigmentation and sebum levels. By measuring all of these different factors, the esthetician can then proceed to prescribe the right products for one’s skin. The machine doesn’t hurt—all the esthetician does is gently press the end of each probe against the skin one section at a time, placing it on various parts of the face (forehead, cheeks and chin) in order to accurately read and measure the skin.

According to my Skin Instant Lab results, my skin is slightly dehydrated while the sebum production in my T-zone is high. In other words, I have combination skin, which requires a multi-step approach in order to properly address it. Fortunately, I was in good hands with my esthetician, who planned to help balance my skin during today’s facial, in addition to writing up a customized prescription of the Biologique Recherche products that would help achieve the rest results for my skin.

After my Skin Instant Lab results had been processed, it was time for my treatment. I followed my esthetician to the treatment rooms, which are located just a few steps away from the Biologique Recherche counter in a corner of the store. There is a velvet couch in the waiting area and three treatment rooms—one which is designated exclusively for Biologique Recherche services.

Despite being located in a busy department store, the second I stepped inside the treatment room, it was easy to forget where I was. The Biologique Recherche room is a beautifully designed space with chic decor and soothing elements that include a comfortable bed with blankets, ambient lighting, and soft music in the background.

My esthetician stepped out so that I could change into a wrap and headband that had been provided, then she returned once I was comfortable under the blanket. The bed wasn’t heated, and she was quick to point out that Biologique Recherche doesn’t use heat in its treatments—on the face or the body. In some people, heat can cause inflammation, so the brand’s treatments tend to incorporate more cold therapy, such as cryo sticks and jade rollers towards the end.

Today I was receiving the Restructurant et Lissant Treatment—a 60-minute reconditioning treatment for the epidermis that offers an immediate re-plumping effect. All of the brand’s transformative facials feature special techniques that prepare, stimulate and oxygenate the skin, providing effective manual sculpting. Using specific massage techniques, the Restructurant et Lissant works in harmony with the lymphatic and circulatory system, and has a draining action on the skin, leaving one’s face, neck, and chest smooth and toned. It’s also great if you have a puffy appearance and you want your face to look more defined.

This was my first time receiving a Biologique Recherche treatment, so I had no idea what I was in for. My esthetician began the facial by cleansing my face and neck with Lait VIP O2, an oxygenating milk that cleanses skin—it’s especially helpful when you’ve been exposed to harsh climates and pollution.

This was followed by an exfoliation and moisturizing application of Lotion P50 with gentle pressure. Once my skin was balanced, she applied a mask, then layered serums and moisturizers while performing Biologique Recherche’s signature lymphatic drainage massage, which was incredibly detailed and felt super relaxing.

With every stroke she moved in an upwards direction, to provide a firming effect in the skin and muscle. By pulling the skin downwards (even when applying creams), we are actually contributing to sagging skin over time! She advised that when I’m applying my skincare products at home, I apply them in the same upwards motion to help maintain the results between appointments. Noted!

The next step was my booster, which was a specialized skin treatment made up of milk protein powder and hyaluronic acid solution that she mixed together and applied over my face to hydrate and calm. On top of the booster she applied the VIP O2 mask, which hydrated and oxygenated the skin.

One other interesting thing that I’d like to point out about my Biologique Recherche treatment was that no steam or extractions were involved in the facial. As mentioned earlier, heat can cause inflammation in some, particularly those with sensitive skin, and my esthetician explained that incorporating Lotion P50 into the treatment helps to exfoliate the skin, tighten and minimize the appearance of pores—particularly with continued use.

While I’ve grown accustomed to getting extractions with the numerous facials I’ve received over the years, I certainly don’t look forward to getting them as they can be uncomfortable and even downright painful. Being able to skip the extractions, while still reaping similar benefits was like music to my ears (and pores!)

At the end of my service, my esthetician used cold metal cryo sticks, followed by a facial roller to further soothe and calm my skin. The cooling effect felt extremely refreshing, and after she handed me a mirror to check out my reflection, I was beyond impressed with the results. My skin looked visibly firmer and tighter, and my cheekbones appeared more sculpted and defined. She told me that she has a client who comes in once a week to receive this facial and it’s the next best thing to a facelift. Now I can see why!

Biologique Recherche facials can also include the Remodeling Face Machine (RFM), which provides additional sculpting and lifting with four types of electrical currents. There are also Co-Factor Masks that guests can choose from, which are intensive sheet masks that target various skin concerns and optimize results. These include options like the Masque Caviar, which hydrates and soothes skin while reducing fine lines and improving elasticity, or the Biovectur Marin to energize and brighten.

The menu also includes the Masque Seconde Peau, a regenerating and lifting treatment that uses an electrospun mask with 70% pharmaceutical grade hyaluronic acid that is a great alternative to fillers.

After my treatment was over and my skin was glowing, I was starving. Luckily, I didn’t have to go far. Just a few steps away from the Biologique Recherche treatment room is Mariposa restaurant, which serves upscale contemporary cuisine and features a menu of daily specials. The remodeled space also features LED lumen technology in art panels from the Neiman Marcus permanent collection, which makes for nice lunchtime scenery.

From salads to sandwiches, it offers a variety of tasty, fresh fare along with creative cocktails and wines. I enjoyed the Lobster Club Sandwich, which featured fresh Maine lobster, smashed avocado, bacon, gem lettuce and heirloom tomatoes, served with lemon tarragon aioli between slices of country bread. It was absolutely delicious and the perfect way to end my spa visit—aside from indulging in some retail therapy afterwards. It is Neiman Marcus, after all!

Cost: Restructurant et Lissant Treatment (60 minutes, $250; 90 minutes, $375)

Insider Tips: 

• Parking in the adjacent structure is free for the first two hours with validation from Neiman Marcus. Every additional 15 minutes costs $1.50 with a $15 daily maximum. Valet parking is also available for $3.

Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Tuesday - Saturday)

Address: 9700 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Phone: 310-550-5900 x4416

For more information and to book your next treatment, visit biologiquerecherche.com and neimanmarcus.com. Follow them on Instagram: @biologiquerecherche, @biologique_recherche_usa and @neimanmarcus

[Images by Kamala Kirk]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk