Everything you need to know about French skincare brand Guinot – and where to try their fabulous facials in some of Ireland’s finest salons …
We’re upgrading our skincare for autumn – so we’re turning to French skincare expertise. Do you know about Guinot? It’s the top salon brand in France, where it was founded more than 50 years ago. Guinot’s results-driven skincare is all made in France, at the pharmaceutical-grade Guinot Lab near Paris. The brand is perhaps best known for its groundbreaking Hydradermie facial treatments, which utilise mild galvanic currents to offer non-invasive skin toning, at salons all around the world – including some of Ireland’s finest. These results-driven facials offer a great alternative to injectables and other invasive treatments.
First, the skincare. Guinot’s range is extensive and wide-ranging, offering routines for every skin type and concern, at every age. Here’s our pick of Guinot’s products, for a perfect routine:
FOR DRY SKIN
Masque Essentiel Nutri Confort (€44) has been raved about by industry experts from Ruby Hammer to India Knight. A problem-solver for dry skin, it restores the lipid barrier and is packed with essential oils, from wild thyme to rosemary, plus evening primrose and avocado oils, to nourish the skin.
FOR DAILY SKIN CARE
Crème Hydra Beauté (€67.50) is a hard-working daily moisturiser, with shea butter and vitamin E. It’s a protective and hydrating daily skin treat.
FOR MATURE SKIN
Age Immune Serum (€318) is Guinot’s star serum for mature skin – an intensive daily treatment designed to repair damaged cells and plump and smooth the skin.
FOR NIGHT-TIME NOURISHING
Crème Night Logic (€92) is a nourishing cream that offers protective vitamin E, and helps to reduce signs of tiredness and stress.
FOR TIRED SKIN
Nouvelle Vie Cream (€112) is like sleep in a jar – it tones skin and stimulates cell metabolism, while replenishing moisture and protecting skin with antioxidants.
FOR RADIANCE
Crème Bioxygene (€100) is an oxygenating radiance cream, and provides long-lasting moisture. For best results, complete your routine with the Bioxygene serum, cleansing mousse, mist and masque.
WE LOVE…
Our own favourite pick from the range is the Age Summum moisturiser (€271), a luxurious treat – it’s ideal for mature skin that’s lacking moisture and tone. With stabilised vitamin C and protective Immune Complex, Age Summum melts into skin lightly, with a subtle scent. It feels smoothing and brightening, and delivers a great base for make-up, too.
Guinot’s salon treatments
We asked skin expert Agnes Gajewska what makes Guinot salon treatments unique: “Guinot have a long-standing reputation, with treatments only performed by certified, rigorously trained facialists. Guinot facials are tailored to address specific skin concerns and conditions, and there are many loyal customers who travel specially to have one; they’re designed for all age groups. My favourite Guinot products include Longue Vie Cellulaire moisturiser (a similar concept to luxury dermatologist-led moisturisers); Gommage Biologic Exfoliating Gel, gentle enough for Irish skin types; and Youth Perfect Finish SPF50, a bestseller at Essentials Clinic.”
Having experienced a Hydradermie facial, we think of it as a gym workout for the face. Guinot’s patented Hydradermie Lift, first developed in the 1970s by a French biochemist, was the first machine-based facial using galvanic currents and high-frequency technology to help to stimulate circulation and oxygenation. The facial also features massage to stimulate and tone muscles and define contours. It’s both relaxing and effective, with the combination of technology, lymphatic drainage and facial muscle stimulation. Experts recommend an initial course of three (Hydradermie Facial, from €98 for 85 minutes; course of three €262).
Choose from various options:
FOR A QUICK FIX If you’re short of time, the Hydradermie Lift Express (from €55, 30 minutes) is ideal for a quick lunch-hour visit before an evening event.
FOR AN INSTANT BOOST for mature skin, The Age Summum facial is a luxurious pro-collagen skin treatment, using pure vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and pro-collagen along with customised facial massage (from €95, 85 minutes).
FOR A DEEP CLEANSE The Hydraclean Facial (from €63) is specially designed to purify and detoxify the skin.
WHERE TO BOOK:
Treatments start from around €65 for 30-minute treatments. Book in with one of these expert facialists, or find your nearest salon at www.guinotshop.co.uk:
Adrienne Wallace at Park Beauty Clinic, The Walkway, 63 Deerpark Road, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin; www.parkbeautyclinic.ie.
Rosanna Crothers at Rosanna Crothers, 89 Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4; www.rosannacrothers.com.
Agnes Gajewska at Essentials, 7 Upper Baggot Street, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4; www.essentials.ie.
Guinot products and treatments are available at salons and stockists nationwide and on www.guinotshop.co.uk.