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Do these products live up to the hype?
We can say without hesitation that the ones listed here certainly do. Our criteria for what made the cut was clear-cut. Innovation mattered a lot, and looks did too, because, well, it's GQ after all. But what really counted was what was on the inside, and we can firmly say that everything here did what they set out to do, and we're all the better for it. And now you will be too. Consider the products that lie ahead best in class: Folks, it's the GQ Grooming Awards.
Face oil may no longer be a niche beauty product, but our current favorite comes from a niche (at least to an American audience) French apothecary line. Olivier Midy’s antioxidant-rich, brightening and hydrating Anti-Aging Santal Face Oil is a glow-up in a bottle. - Editors of GQ magazine
I loved how Essence Midy felt on my skin—lightweight and water-like. The clean, plant-based formula helped the rest of my skin care absorb and worked well with my moisturizer. Plus, it features all the usual skin-boosting suspects like AHAs, niacinamide, lactic acid, and key ingredient argireline—all in one easy step. —Stephanie McNeal, Senior Editor
A few months ago, a friend introduced me to this beauty brand, described to me as “French-based skin care with an LA vibe.” The plant-based, genderless anti-aging line includes an oil-to-milk face wash, an essence with vegan peptides and niacinamide, and a face oil. The price is hefty (full disclosure, I was gifted the set), but next time I’m feeling a bit flush I definitely plan to replenish my supply: In just a few months of using it on the reg, my complexion appears more even and supple, thanks to the products’ collagen-boosting and smoothing properties. - Christina Amoroso, Bustle Editorial Director
If you’ve ever bought a bottle of whatever just because it looked good in your bathroom, join the club. And also, check out a new-old line from France. Olivier Midy is a handsome collection of three products—cleanser, essence, and face oil—with an ancestry dating back to the early 18th century, when François Midy established a pharmaceutical company in Paris. The plant-based products employ as many as 27 seed oils and extracts per bottle. While it may be hard to get excited about a cleanser, Lait Midy is pretty thrilling. It starts as an oil and becomes a milky emulsion on wet skin, sweeping away makeup and sunscreen quickly and thoroughly. The face oil, Éclat Midy, is loaded with antioxidants and the scent of sandalwood, apricot, and turmeric. I love the way it made my skin feel and smell and the glowing effect the collection has on my bathroom shelves. —Linda Wells, Editor
We are thrilled to see the beautiful Alessandra Ambrosio using Olivier Midy as she prepped for her big night this week! Celeb Makeup Artist Georgi Sandev created a vision with a touch of glow for one of the largest media events of the year. He writes, “For Alessandra Ambrosio’s stunning look for the VMAs we channel iconic rock ‘n’ roll mixed with supermodel vibes. I started by prepping (her) skin with ESSENCE MIDY anti-aging resurfacing treatment followed by ÉCLAT MIDY anti-aging santal face oil. This combination ensures a flawless, radiant complexion. For a touch of glam, use the same oil as a highlighter on cheekbones and even on legs for added luster. Finish the look with sexy, cool eyes to capture that rock ‘n’ roll allure.”- @georgisandev
Over the past few months, our beauty team, along with several board-certified dermatologists, professional hairstylists, and trichologists tested hundreds of products. Their mission: Identify the best skincare and haircare on the market.
Our selection process was steep. After reviewing thousands of applicants, we crafted a shortlist with over 600 brands. Our editors and judges took a long, hard look at efficacy, ingredients, and texture. In the end, we found the best formulas in the beauty world, proudly stating that every product has been thoroughly tested and deemed undeniably transformative.
“A few drops of this facial oil before bed is my secret to glowing skin in the morning. The formula is rich in antioxidants, helps decrease inflammation, and has left me with a much more even skin tone after just a few weeks of use.” - Marie Claire Editor Team
We all know how beneficial exfoliating our skin can be, especially when the product contains resurfacing ingredients like AHAS (alpha-hydroxy acids) and gentle PHA’s (polyhydroxy acids). The new serum-essence from French skincare brand Olivier Midy does exactly this, combining these power ingredients with additional lactic and mandelic acid to enhance radiance, and boost elasticity and firmness. Plus, for those who experience hyperpigmentation, the essence includes niacinamide to help smooth skin and a vegan peptide which promises to boost collagen production by 40%. Safe to use morning and night, the serum-essence hybrid hydrates and brightens the skin's surface." Alicia Lansom, Beauty Editor
©Maire Claire - Nov 2023
“I was recently introduced to Olivier Midy, a luxury skincare brand born out of a famous French Pharmacy. To say I’m extremely impressed with the entire line would be an understatement. The naturally-sourced, highly active ingredients are incredibly efficacious, leaving my skin feeling hydrated and looking bright. The brand is famous for their face oil (it’s incredible), but the newly launched Lait Midy, an oil-to-milk cleanser, is my personal favorite. It completely takes off all my makeup and leaves my skin feeling soft and supple.” - Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
©Vanity Fair - December 2022
"From the French experts of plant-based solutions, Olivier Midy’s new face oil, Éclat Midy, hydrates and rejuvenates tired skin with a luxurious blend of 18 exotic seed oils for that ultimate glow!"
©Harper's Bazaar - October 2022
- Tips 'n Style
©New York Times Magazine, T List - January 2022
"Face oils are getting a Gallic spin from makers representing storied family businesses. Olivier Midy, the namesake brand of the great-grandson of François Midy, founder of Paris’s oldest pharmacy in the 18th century, channels that ancestral knowledge in its Éclat Midy Face Oil, which improves elasticity and calms inflammation via a 24-ingredient blend that includes sea buckthorn, evening primrose and rooibos extract." - Caitie Kelly, Beauty Editor
©Forbes - October 2021
"With 100% plant-based active ingredients, this anti-aging face oil gets right to business to hydrate and increase collagen and elasticity. Formulated with 24 seed oils and plant extracts, it includes meadowfoam, sea buckthorn, moringa, microalgae and sandalwood. Loaded with antioxidants, it’s also an anti-inflammatory, so it helps prevent free radical damage, breakouts and dark spots." - Celia Shatzman, Beauty Editor
©Robb Report - October 2021
"For overnight rejuvenation: Nineteen (!) oils and a few additional extracts give Olivier Midy’s formula supreme power against antioxidants, stress, and malnourishment. Apply a couple of drops of this French brand’s oil before bed to give your rejuvenation cycle a boost, and you’ll wake with firmer, brighter, youthful skin. Regular use will help perpetuate that youthfulness for the long haul, too." - Adam Hurly, Men's Grooming Editor
©Wondercade - October 2021
"If you saw last weeks debut issue of Wondercade, you read my groomer Amy Komorowski's fall skin tips. Years ago she turned me on to facial oils, I've been subjecting my moneymaker to them ever since. A few weeks ago I've subjected my skin to Olivier Midy's, and my skin has never been dewier. Dew try it." - Neil Patrick Harris, Wondercade