There are two ways I get intimate with a product: I put it in my kit, try it out on different people and observe loosely; or I try it on myself and observe mega closely. Both methods have their own limitations so I just try to learn as much as I can with the time and circumstances given to me. 

I have had the Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré (PHP 899 / 30ml, dtcmakeup.com) for quite a while in my kit, and have generally reserved it for dry skin types.

I encounter all kinds of skin types in my line of work, but I guess what irritates me the most is dry, textured skin. Oily skin is easily cleansed and toned. Even if some grease remains, facial oil meshes well with most foundations.

But dry skin? Dry skin is a mess. It is the bane of my makeup experience. Foundation looks awful on top of it. Put too little and holes will form. Put too much, holes will still form. That is, if it will even set. Foundation doesn’t really ‘stick’ to dry skin. So if at a glance, I know a model or client’s skin will be giving me this kind of trouble, I whip out the ever reliable Embryolisse.

How and When to Use Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré in Your Makeup Routine

I take one or two pea-size dollops and massage fully over the skin. It will feel suspiciously wet and as if it is sitting on top of skin at first, so I let it absorb while I mix up foundation, prepare false eyelashes and settle on my makeup strategy for the person’s face. Once it has set, I’ve found that it works amazingly in finally helping foundation layer nicely on top of dry skin. Skin feels more receptive to foundation, and the product also addresses minor cracking! Even foundation that normally looks good only on perfect skin, was now usable on dry, textured skin. It is one of my favorite makeup prep skincare items.

The Self Theft

When I started to notice it was delivering such good results across so many different dry and dehydrated skin types, I pilfered it out of my kit and have not looked back since. (Okay, I’m kidding. I have lined up a stock of it in my kit because I only like working with the ~best~ tools.)

My problem, personally, is that my skin is a moisture vampire and will suck the moisture out of most foundations throughout the day. This leads to cracks or holes in foundation, even with my full skincare routine trying so hard to pretend like my skin is not dry and dehydrated. When I use Embryolisse, my foundation looks better, wears longer and generally gives me supple skin that I rarely experience. 

Since I appreciate a mostly cosmetic effect with it (surface-smoothening vs long-lasting perfect skin) I like to keep using it in the daytime. However, I have used it as a final or pre-final step in my night routine, especially when I feel like my previous steps don’t really have enough oil-based moisture, such as during the Laneige Fresh Calming trial.

Beauty by Tellie score: 5 / 5 – dry skin holy grail, especially for liquid foundation wearers

Do note that this has worked really well for my dry and dehydrated skin. With water as the first ingredient, and mineral oil as the second, I feel Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré fully, completely, and accurately addresses all my dry and dehydrated skin concerns. That said, I have mistakenly used too much of it and it formed a cream barrier over skin. I’ve also used it on oily skin and created such a sticky, heavy canvass that I had to completely start over. It’s potent, potent stuff so when used right, it’s fantastic; but when used wrong, my rave will feel like false advertisement.