Embryolisse Lait-Crème: How The Pros Use This Iconic Product

The key thing experts use Embryolisse for is to prep the skin for make-up. “You want to warm up a very small amount in your hands, then press it into your skin to create a perfect canvas for foundation to adhere to,” advises make-up artist Kenneth Soh. Known for its hydration levels, it deeply nourishes and protects your skin’s natural barrier, but with no sticky or greasy residue, which is why make-up sits on top of it so well. Kenneth adds: “Better still, as it preps the skin, it emphasises a beautiful glow, thanks to the wet, luminous texture of the cream that shines through any make-up – but without an overly oily finish. It’s unlike any other primer in that sense.” 

As well as wearing it under make-up, you can apply it on top. Kenneth continues: “I love to press a pea-sized amount – again rubbed into my hands and warmed up – to the skin, pressing it onto key areas I want to highlight. That includes the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and sometimes even a tiny amount over the eyelids to create a soft, believable luminosity.” 

Ultra-hydrating, the weightless consistency of Embryolisse is loved for its ability to nourish and plump, without ever suffocating the skin. “I have used the cream since day one of my career,” says A-list make-up artist Morgane Martini. “It’s a great make-up base, but a brilliant moisturiser too. I apply it more during winter as it soaks up dryness thanks to its creamy formulation that just so happens to have a beautiful, dewy quality too. A little goes a long way, so use just a nut size – or two depending on dryness – for your entire face.” 

Not only does it work well to highlight skin, it enhances other products already in your kit. Morgane explains: “The texture of it works well to thin out other products, including foundation, or overly heavy bronzers that you want to sheer out. You only need a tiny amount mixed in with either, and as you apply the two together, you’ll get a much healthier, glowy effect that maintains hydration within the skin. It’s an easy thing to do and it instantly restores the skin’s natural luminosity, giving tired, dull complexions a speedy boost.” 

The ingredients in Embryolisse make it so gentle for all. The second ingredient listed is mineral oil, which is well known for breaking up and dissolving make-up – hence why the cream is used as a remover by many. You’ll also find a few emollients inside which give the cream its silky texture, as well as soy protein and aloe vera – both of which strengthen and soothe skin. Paraben free, it’s kind to most skin types, but it does contain fragrance, so always test a small amount first before slathering it on. Use just a tiny amount to remove all make-up, or put a little onto a cotton bud to clean up any eye or lip make-up residue that may have slipped.

Finally, you can use a small amount of the cream to soothe irritated patches of skin. Created by dermatologists, it has an incredibly safe formula – though do test it first if fragrance can irritate your skin – so you can be confident it should calm and alleviate any inflammation at speed. Shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera and soy proteins all work in tandem to soak up dryness – especially on areas like the hands – while rebalancing the skin to maintain a supple, healthier appearance. It’s great for soothing irritation from minor issues like shaving, too.