I met with Diana Yerkes, lead esthetician at Rescue Sap, for my Biologique Recherche facial. Apart from being extremely kind and gracious, Yerkes is very knowledgeable in how the skin works. (She also has an amazing complexion, which isn’t shocking, but you can’t help but stare and want the same for yourself.) She’s precise and methodical in her approach to skincare, teaching those same skills to the other estheticans at the spa so that you are great hands, no matter who you go see.
For an hour, she examined my skin—she was able to detect my love for cheese and ice cream just by looking at it—applied product, and thoroughly walked me through each step she was taking. She even decided to give me extractions—which isn’t normally included—because she saw that my congested skin needed it and believed it was her duty as an esthetician to give my skin the best possible treatment.
To start, she cleansed my skin with the Biologique Recherche’s Lait U, a milky oil-free cleanser that contains soothing ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba extract; it works as a great makeup remover as well. Next, she toned my skin with the classic and beloved P50 V 1970 (you can read about the different versions here), which contains lactic and salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells. She then mixed the brand’s Masque VIP 02 and the Masque Vivant together and applied them both to my face. The VIP 02 is more hydrating and filled with soothing botanicals; the Vivant contains cucumber and witch hazel to get rid of any impurities, which is perfect for my oily skin. She left it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off (when you do it yourself, you’ll notice an instant glow).
For a serum, she used Biologique Recherche Complexe Iribiol and theDermopore. The Complexe Iribiol is made with iris and zinc extracts, which tighten up large pores and are supposed to help with sebum production. The Dermopore is well-loved because it promises to reduce the size of your pores and even out your complexion.
For the bags under my eyes, she applied the Creme Contour Des Yeux VIP 02, which tightens and brightens with a potent combo of fatty acids and an “oxygenating complex.” To finish, she applied the rich moisturizer, Creme Dermopurifante. It’s made with antioxidants that protect your skin from environmental aggressors (hello, NYC smog) and also regulate oil production.
I noticed during the facial that the Biologique Recherche products aren’t exactly aromatic (the P50 has a pungent vinaigrette-smell—our editorial director called it “hot garbage”), but you quickly get over it after you feel how soft your skin is.
At the end, she wrote down every single product she used on me, along with instructions on how and when to use them. Two days later, she called to check up on me to see how I was liking my skin post-facial and if I had any questions since leaving.
It’s been about two weeks since my facial and I’m still getting compliments on my skin—and it’s all thanks to Dianna and Biologique Recherche. I’ve also been wearing way less makeup because my skin is just that smooth and bright. My pores are way less noticeable, and I haven’t had a breakout since the facial either.
If you’re ever in the Flatiron area, I highly recommend doing one of the many Biologique treatments, or at the very least just checking out the incredible space. Chances are this is where you’ll catch me after work.