I Want Skin Like a Parisian—This Chic New French Brand Just Saved Me the Air Miles
Ask me what the best skincare brands on the market are, and I guarantee that most of the ones I list are French. It’s true, French pharmacy skincare products cannot be beaten. From La Roche-Posay to Bioderma, my everyday skincare routine features many French staples, as I’m always striving to achieve that Parisian glow. So, when I heard that a new French skincare brand had just launched in Space NK, I knew I had to give it a go. Enter, Mimétique.
I’ve been testing a new-to-the-UK French skincare brand called Mimétique.
What Is Mimétique?
Housed in minimal packaging with a chic, clinical aesthetic, this French dermocosmetics brand focuses on using biomimetics to help mimic (and enhance) the skin’s natural properties. I know it all sounds very complicated and confusing, but essentially, this brand is all about feeding your skin those ingredients that it already knows and loves to further repair and protect itself.
The brand was founded by Fabienne Sebaoun, a cosmetic chemist who developed a patented formulation called SMR-C5 Complex, made up of five active ingredients that are already present in the skin that help to strengthen its structure.
Something I love is that there are currently only four products in the collection. As a beauty editor, I know just how overwhelming the skincare industry can be, but I like the brand’s simpler approach. With a cleanser, moisturiser, serum and face oil on offer, I was able to complete almost my entire skincare routine with this range, so keep on scrolling to hear my thoughts.
My skin after using Mimétique products.
Mimétique Skincare Review
1. Mimétique Skin Cloud Baume Demaquillant
Mimétique
Skin Cloud Baume Demaquillant
First up is this balm cleanser. I’m personally a big fan of cleansing balms, and I like to use them as the first step in my evening skincare routine to take off my makeup. That being said, as someone with combination skin, I don’t like an overly greasy formula, and instead favour a lightweight product that makes light work of cleansing the skin. Luckily, this Mimétique balm does exactly that.
Suitable for all skin types, this cloud-like formula removes my makeup (even stubborn mascara) and leaves my skin feeling silky soft, without an oily residue. You’ll notice that it transforms into a cleansing milk when mixed with water, which really helps to give it this more lightweight feel.
It contains squalane, rice waves, plum and grape oil to hydrate the complexion, while bisabolol works to soothe any irritation. As you can imagine, my sensitive skin lapped this up.
I did go in with a water-based cleanser after using this, as I always double cleanse at night, but this was a welcome addition to my routine. I liked the fact that it came in a tube rather than a bulky tub like most cleansing balms, as it will be great for travelling, too. The only thing I didn’t love was the scent. Although it’s unfragranced, some of the ingredients had a natural scent that I wasn’t a huge fan of, but apart from that, I couldn’t fault it.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Removes stubborn makeup
- Hydrating yet lightweight formula
- Sleek packaging
2. Mimétique Skin Revive Serum
Mimétique
Skin Revive Serum
Next up is what I like to call a bit of a do-it-all serum. Now, it’s worth noting that this is the most expensive product in the entire range. At £76, it certainly doesn’t come cheap. However, the great thing about this is that it can probably replace most of the serums in your current routine, making it great value for money, IMO.
The concentrated formula is powered by the SMR-C5 complex alongside niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate and vitamin C to brighten and nourish the skin. Plus, it also helps to regulate sebum production.
It pretty much ticks all the boxes for me, and after applying this as part of my evening skincare routine, my skin was practically glowing.
Pros
- Packed with skin-loving ingredients
- Replaces multiple serums in your routine
3. Mimétique Skin Restore Crème Visage
Mimétique
Skin Restore Crème Visage
One of the most popular products from the brand is the Skin Restore Crème Visage, and I can totally see why. After trying this moisturiser out for myself, all I can say is wow.
Working to plump, firm and hydrate the skin, this formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients, including the SMR-C5 complex, hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycine soja and artemisia abrotanum. My complexion looked plump and juicy after using this and it felt super smooth to touch.
While it is suitable for all skin types and suitable to apply both morning and night, I would say that this would be particularly beneficial for those of you with dry skin. Don’t get me wrong, it’s pretty lightweight for a richer moisturiser and it does sink in quickly, but it might be a little too rich for super oily skin types.
Pros
- Packed with skin-loving ingredients
- Slim packaging
Cons
- May be too rich for oily skin types
4. Mimétique Skin Booster Huile Visage
Mimétique
Skin Booster Huile Visage
Last but by no means least, let me introduce you to the face oil. Now, not everyone will want to add a face oil into their routine, but if you are thinking about it, this is a great one to invest in.
It has a lightweight texture (well, as lightweight as an oil can be), and is powered by bakuchiol, a very clever ingredient that works to improve your skin tone and texture while also stimulating collagen production.
I found it a little hard to get the product out of the bottle at first, but a good shake quickly did the trick. I was impressed by how quickly this product absorbed into the skin, and while I wouldn’t make it a mainstay in my everyday skincare routine, it’s definitely one to reach for during those winter months when your skin is feeling dry and lacklustre.
Pros
- Packed with effective ingredients
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Not everyone will want to add a face oil into their routine
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