Exquisite.ie’s Aisling O’Loughlin has been announced as the brand ambassador for Académie Paris, a company that first launched in The City of Lights in 1890. ‘This is a huge honour considering the longevity and credibility of this brand. I’ve been using their products for years so it’s easy to share the good news,’ she said.

Over the coming months, Aisling will share her perspective on Académie’s top products, visiting the labs in Paris, where many of the breakthroughs have taken place over the years. ‘You simply cannot beat experience,’ Aisling says on Académie’s 127 year history, ‘it’s incredible to think this company has survived two world wars and has been on the forefront of some of the biggest innovations in the beauty industry. I’m honoured to be on board’.

A brief history…

The Maison Académie Scientifique de Beauté was founded by Dr Alexandre Lamotte 127 years ago and rapidly gained a reputation for its dedication to skincare and for looking after the needs of the city’s elite. In 1895, the Académie opened one of the first beauty salons in Paris on 376 Rue Saint Honoré. By 1920 the Académie had compiled a book on the art of massage and had introduced many of the techniques into its beauty treatments.

In 1926, Dr Lamotte hands ownership of the company to his close colleague Georges Gay who opens the first Beauty School in Paris in 1928, also on 376 Rue Saint Honoré. The School earns a reputation for excellence, graduates holding a diploma are highly regarded in the industry. In 1929 Georges Gay publishes two books on beauty, ‘Hygiene and Beauty’ and ‘Precious Beauty Advice’ with recommendations for different age categories. His motto is: Only use the highest quality products and work with the best technicians’.

1936 marks an important date not only for the Académie but for the beauty industry in general. For the first time collagen is introduced into skincare with the Maison Académie Scientifique de Beauté winnig a one year worldwide patent. And so begins the age of intense competition to gain beauty breakthroughs that continues to this day.

In 1949 the Académie launches its first suncare products, Bronzecran Sunscreen Cream and Fluid and in 1952 it introduces a moisturizing foundation, that hides imperfections without drying the skin, unlike most foundations of the time.

In 1953, George Gay’s son Gérard takes over the company bringing his pharmaceutical expertise to the brand. One year later, Hydraderm Cream is launched.

1960 sees the brand launch the world’s first tinted self-tanning lotion. Bronz’Express Tinted Lotion is a winner from the get-go and continues to this day to have a cult following for its authentic looking tan, no streaks and soft fade out.

In 1973, following the premature death of Gérard Gay, his wife Emma takes over the business and is one of the first to introduce jojoba oil into the brand’s formulations and throughout the 80s helping to make the brand popular in the glossies.

In 1993, the company launch their Age Recovery line, with products boosting the most highly concentrated active ingredients on the market with undeniable results.

In 2000, the brand introduces apple water into its ranges for it hydration benefits and continues to develop products, enhancing its men’s line and opening its first subsidiary in Germany. 

In 2011, George Gay’s great-grandchildren join the team seeing a fourth generation carry the mantle into the future.

In 2015, the company celebrates its 125th anniversary with the re-launch of its original ‘Princess Cream’ and continues to this day, to innovate and create products that work for women and men.

To see products go to: http://frenchbeautyroom.com