The Beauty Brand All NYC Fashion Girls Love

If you were told you would only be allowed to use only one beauty brand for the rest of your life, what would you decide on? For New York fashion girls, it’s a no-brainer. This skincare brand, often referred to as “Jesus in a bottle,” has proven to clear acne, treat hyperpigmentation, and quite simply, perform miracles. Personally, I can attest to that. Not to mention the fact that it has been endorsed by some of our favorite celebrities and beauty icons, including Jennifer Aniston, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Kirsten Dunst. From fashion editors to beauty experts, French skincare line Biologique Recherche has developed a cult following throughout NYC.

It should come as no surprise that it’s a French skincare line all us New Yorkers are obsessed with. Biologique Recherche was founded over 40 years ago by Yvan and Josette Allouche, a biologist and physiotherapist. The beloved brand was built on their knowledge and passion, providing an innovative approach to develop formulas for professionals and eventually consumers.

Today, the company is co-owned by their son, Dr. Phillipe Allouche, who heads up creative and research development. Dr. Allouche has since perfected the hero product his father started, the P50 lotion. Also known as the “potion in a lotion” due to the insane results it offers, there are now four P50 lotions designed to balance and treat different skin types.

Disclaimer: P50 smells rather pungent. Okay, extremely pungent. So pungent that I try not to put it on at night in fear my sheets will retain the smell. Some say it smells like spoiled vinegar; others say old breast milk. I say rotten turkey, to provide further insight to how bad it truly smells. Despite the odor, however, it remains a rare beauty hybrid that acts as a toner to purify, plump, brighten, and eliminate dark spots.

“I always say that if someone loves this product, they love it for the rest of their life. I don’t like to talk about magic, because I’m a scientist, but there’s something about P50 that is not palpable. It’s at the core of what we do, and it helps a lot of people. And there’s magic in that,” says Dr. Allouche. So, why do NYC fashion girls flock to this unpleasant smelling, no frills skincare line when there are plenty perfume-scented products to choose from?

I’ve been an advocate of the brand ever since I moved to New York almost 10 years ago, and I believe I have the answer: consistency. As New Yorkers thriving in a fast-paced environment, we crave consistency. Biologique Recherche’s approach to skincare—stripping away embellishments and getting straight down to business—is the New Yorker’s MO. 

Anny Choi, market editor of Vogue.com, explains how she became obsessed: “I first heard about BR from my former colleague and now Emily Ratajkowski’s stylist, Emma Morrison. Coincidentally, I also went to the opening of Rescue Spa in New York and got my very first facial ever with Diana Yerkes, the lead aesthetician. I have not looked back since! The BR line completely changed my skin, and it’s one thing I never travel without no matter where I go.”

Biologique Recherche’s personalized treatments are now available in more than 70 countries. In New York, Rescue Spa (another cult favorite) uses Biologique Recherche products in all of its services, and more recently, Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills got its own Biologique Recherche spa and beauty counter. Yes, the products scale more on the expensive side, but the long lasting results are worth the investment.

Click through the below curation of the best, New York fashion girl–approved Biologique Recherche products.