But while plant-derived skincare has come a long way in recent years, there’s been a surprising evolution in the place where ‘plant-derived’ and ‘cosmeceutical’ skincare meet. Cosmetics 27 is at the forefront of this evolution, with founder Michèle Evrard – a qualified pharmacologist – placing Centella asiatica at the centre of the brand's formulas.
“My natural instinctive inspiration was to work with plant-derived ingredients,” she explains, adding, “[But] that is not to say that I would not use biotech ingredients, as they bring valuable benefits in terms of eco-responsibility.”
The other guiding principle of Cosmetics 27? Doing more with less. “Our routines comprise on average of three to four products daily,” says Evrard, “All other products are, of course, interesting and useful, but not necessary.”
And if you thought those three steps would be cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise – think again! Evrard’s non-negotiables are “cleansing, hydrating, rejuvenating”.
That’s not the only surprise Evrard had to share when we asked for her expert skincare advice. Here, she tells us why she’s a fan of blending products rather than applying in layers and why she believes an AM skincare routine is more important than a PM one. Raise your hand if you’re now questioning everything you know about skincare – all of us, then?
You have a background as a pharmacologist, working in product formulation for major cosmetics companies. What inspired you to focus on a more plant-derived approach?
ME: “Pharmacology is the science of drugs and medicine and their effect, impact and activity on the organism. I studied pharmacy and pharmacology, which helps you understand how anything you put through or on your body is processed, absorbed, assimilated, eliminated or accumulated. It brings awareness to what you ingest and, of course, apply to your skin. I am not against any aspect of chemistry; after all, it has had tremendous impact on our lives. The only limit is excesses.
“My natural instinctive inspiration was to work with plant-derived ingredients. This was way before clean trends were in; it was purely out of my own way of looking at skincare. [But] that is not to say that I would not use biotech ingredients, as they bring valuable benefits in terms of eco-responsibility.”
When it comes to glowing skin, what’s more important: lifestyle factors or your skincare regimen?
What are your top tips for taking care of your skin?
ME: “One main thing: cleanse your skin. More than a tip, this is strong advice! As for my skincare routine, it revolves around three products for cleansing, hydrating and rejuvenating. Cleansing my skin is the one thing I won’t go without, it’s just impossible – especially at night. I apply Baume 27 in the morning – whatever the season – and then add in two or three drops of Huile 27. When the seasons change, I also add a pump of Recovery 27, our hydrating and soothing serum. I then apply Booster 27, our skin rejuvenating serum, at night (it works while I sleep!). I also use Peel 27 twice a week during seasonal changes. It’s a soft, triple exfoliating powder that helps you achieve a glowing complexion.
“My top tip is blending your products rather than applying too many layers. By blending, you use less product, and you can adapt the amounts and make your own texture, based on feel, seasons or skin ‘moods’. I also recommend massage, yoga practice and sleeping! Whatever is good for the soul and spirit.”