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MECCA meets Cosmetics 27 founder Michèle Evrard | MECCA Memo

October 11 | 4 minute read

Cosmetics 27 Founder Interview Hero 16x9

WORDS by Gemma Dawkins

The power of plants is no secret.

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?

ME: “Both are important – but try living the party life for years without taking care of your skin and call me after! Epigenetic specialists are much more experts that I am, but all I know is that we play a huge role in maintaining good, glowing skin. Our skin is a living organ, so we can’t expect it to be the same forever. We need to take care of it, including properly cleansing (even when not wearing makeup), keeping it hydrated, wearing SPF and using gentle skincare when we can. And, of course, there’s always a genetic factor.”

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.”

If you could only do your skincare routine once per day, would it be day or night – and why?

ME: “Day, clearly! More and more often, our skin is exposed to aggressive, damaging environments, with our daily life asking more from our skin. Our body repairs itself when we sleep, so I lighten up on the routine at night: cleansing and a serum with a drop of oil for my dry skin.”

Are there any common mistakes people make with their skincare routines?

ME: “The one I keep correcting is using oils as a serum, before other products. Anything you apply after will have a limited penetration and its effect could be limited. My tip: blend your oil with your [moisturising] cream for better absorption and results.”

If you had to summarise it, what is the secret to good skin?

ME: “Good care! Learn to listen, understand your skin and take care of it as you do your own health. Try not to overdo anything – care for your skin gently and consistently, and maintain balance in your life and routines. But the things you can do without moderation are drinking water and massaging your skin!”

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Cosmetics 27

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