There is nothing quite like a French pharmacy for beauty lovers. Those in the know, upon scouting the shelves of skincare products would have come across Payot. Those who were smart would have stocked up on their no-fuss skincare lines. Founded by Nadia Payot in 1920, she was famed for becoming one of the first female doctors of the time. From her innovative formulas which combined her medical, scientific and herbal expertise she not only helped to shape cosmetics into what we know them today but was also part of the women’s rights movements. Speaking to skin biology expert and the president of Payot Marie-Laure Simonin Braun, we discover how the brand has continued its legacy for almost a century.
What drew you to study skin biology?
As a child, I was attracted to chemistry, biology and trying to understand the complexity and marvels of the human body. Certainly, my mother was a great source of inspiration herself being a beautiful and glamorous woman. She would take me everywhere with her and I discovered the world of beauty by following her from her monthly facials and shopping trips to film sets of the TV advertisements she used to appear in for skincare brands.
Why did you join Payot?
My background gives me the ability to have a precise understanding of the latest scientific research and to coordinate the product development team to bring innovation to life faster. Now more than ever, you have to be agile and quick to embrace cutting-edge technology. Payot is a brand with a strong legacy, and I was attracted to the challenge of giving back to an authentic French brand and to help it achieve the place it deserves among the successful skincare brands of the 21st century.
What is the Payot philosophy when it comes to skincare?
Creative sharing and co-creation are probably our secret ingredients. Our in-house laboratory is fully integrated within the marketing and business teams, which allows for fast communication and a unique richness in the conceptualization and development of products.
What is the secret to a brand staying relevant over so many years?
Payot has a strong legacy: a founder who was a female doctor, products formulated “a la française”, a pioneering spirit to consider movement, as well as being pillars of its concepts. Many assets that allow a medical legitimacy in the pharmacy, a strong anchorage in the SPA business, true success stories within selective retail and agility to explore online opportunities. But overall, Payot has a consumer-centric vision and we do not hesitate to put our consumers at the heart of the development to allow them to be a part of the creation of a product.
What is Payot’s biggest beauty breakthrough to date?
“Blue Techni Liss”, the latest Payot “slow-age” line – cutting-edge technology; products designed to fight wrinkles and digital pollution. The “Blue Techni Liss” line contains several forms of hyaluronic acid targeting wrinkles combined with plant extracts fighting against the excess of free radicals created by blue light over-exposure. It offers an answer to the evolution of women’s lifestyle and proposes a simple routine: day/night/weekend.
What are Payot’s most iconic formulas?
“Pate Grise L’Originale”, is a mythical product launched 70 years ago, a best-seller and a market reference for acne prone-skin and pimples. “My Payot Jour” a playful, joyful product range with an addictive texture and fragrance. The “Unskin line” a major innovation that counteracts the influence of environment and lifestyle on skin complexion harmony. The perfect allies for the ‘no-filter’ selfie trend.
Do you have any personal beauty tips?
I do my best to practice Payot ‘Gym Beaute’ (facial fitness) on a daily basis, for its short-term benefits and long terms gratifications. It’s fun, it takes only 2 minutes, and you can exercise wherever, whenever, whatever. I started to take care of my eye-contour early and always put my eye care product in the fridge, in order to maximize the vasoconstrictive and micro-blood circulation stimulation to better fight puffiness and dark circles.
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