The Cult Cream Every Makeup Artist Owns Now Comes In A Retinol Like Version
Sarah Tarca is a beauty journalist, writer and co-founder of Australia’s first dedicated beauty newsletter, gloss etc. Her skills involve applying lipstick without a mirror, bullying people to wear sunscreen and procrastinating washing her hair. She loves her kids, skincare and potatoes in equal measure — almost as much as she loves SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. Almost. Find her on socials @tarca
In Partnership With Embryolisse.
I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to call yourself a makeup artist and not be obsessed with Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré.
In fact, this spans beyond just makeup artists: like can you call yourself a beauty lover if you don’t own a tube — or ten?
Since you’re reading this I’m just going to go right ahead and assume you not only know what it’s about, but you have a stash in your vanity too (excellent choice, btw).
BUT! On the off chance that you know someone who, say, doesn’t have the internet, here’s what you need to know...
The OG Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré.
The famous Embryolisse lait crème concentré was created in Paris in 1950 by a French dermatologist and the formulation is 95% natural, using things like beeswax, aloe vera, shea butter and soy proteins for a beautiful lightweight cream that softens and hydrates the skin.
It slides on and melts right in, and because of its texture is often used as a primer by makeup artists, but it doesn't’ just have one use — oh no, it has five (overachiever, much?).
Cult does not even begin to cut it, this Embryolisse moisturiser is in a class of its own, selling one every 20 seconds, globally.
All About The Next-Gen Embryolisse Lait-crème Concentré - Embryolisse Lait-crème Concentré Retinol-Like.
The formula of the original remains untouched since the ‘50s, because, well, they nailed the brief.
But that doesn’t stop the company (which is still family-owned by the way) from innovating, bringing out new variants to target specific skin concerns.
And you’re about to read about one of them: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Retinol-Like.
This variant targets texture and ageing concerns, whilst still delivering the same 5-in-one benefits of the original.
But, what is retinol-like?
Well, as a brand, Embryolisse are very respectful of the skin barrier, with an aim to preserve its integrity and keep it happy.
It’s for this reason their entire range steers away from aggressive actives and high percentages of acids.
As some skins can’t tolerate retinols/retinals, they’ve replaced the traditional retinol face cream here with a gentler alternative, using a phyto-retinol — that is plant-based ingredients that act in a similar way to the (synthetic) retinol.
In this formulation they’ve chosen an alfalfa extract from French big clover to help stimulate collagen production and also help with textures and fine lines.
And the best bit? It’s suitable for even the most sensitive skins, and pregnant women too.
What Is The Embryolisse Lait Creme Retinol-Like?
Well, first things first: it’s an overachiever.
The five uses include: an anti-wrinkle moisturiser, smoothing make-up base, regenerating mask, redensifying night cream, and it can even be used as a revitalising body lotion — which really makes your normal moisturiser seem a bit lazy doesn’t it?
One important thing to note is that the core product remains the same, but this one just has added benefits if you’re starting to feel concerned with niggling ageing stuff, so don’t be shy in smothering it over hands, neck and decolletage too (yes, that is part of your face).
Because it has the essence of the original, and it’s so gentle, it lays down like a dream, and doesn’t have even a hint of spiciness on the skin which means it’s also perfect for retinol beginners, and like I mentioned before, this is the one you want to buy for your pregnant friends too, because it’s totally pregnancy safe!
And - and! Another huge plus is that because it’s not a synthetic retinol it doesn’t have issues with photo-sensitivity so it can be used during the day too — what can’t it do?
My Embryolisse Lait Creme Retinol-Like Review.
Like a dedicated beauty patient I used this morning and night for over a month, and here are my thoughts:
- Zero irritation, as advertised. I am prone to overdoing it (and have the perpetually damaged skin barrier to prove it) however, even using this twice a day, there was no spicy, tingly vibes.
- It feels exactly like the original, and that is a good thing. What I mean is; it’s lightweight, layers well, and holds up to its multi-functional promise. I love it as a primer, a day moisturiser, and a thick layer when I’m soaking in the tub.
- For more advanced retinol users (me!) it worked well layered with a retinol serum on alternate nights.
- I cannot state this enough: I truly LOVED being able to use it during the day. This was a revelation, just knowing my day skincare was actually working hard for me. And because it stays true to the OG formula, it’s probably one of the best pre-makeup moisturisers I’ve ever used. That many makeup artists can’t be wrong.
- Also, as an unexpected perk: it makes travel packing so easy, because one product!
Final Verdict...
Honestly, I didn’t think you could improve on perfection, yet here we are. An excellent, overachieving moisturiser that works on everyone. No notes.
Discover more of Embryolisse's radiant skin-giving products below:
