In the backstage of a fashion show there is much more than foundation, lipsticks, and eyeshadows. On the professionals’ tables there are also moisturizers, serums and treatments that are essential to make the models’ skin look flawless on the runway. And among so many products, there are some that have been part of their kits for decades.
One of the brands we’ve seen during the latest Paris Fashion Week is Embryolisse, the historic French brand that began in the realm of the pharmacy and has become a benchmark among makeup artists. Its recognizable white packaging appeared on one of the backstage tables of Johanna Ortiz, who presented her Spring-Summer 2027 collection.
It is Lait-Crème Concentré, a moisturizing cream that was created more than 75 years ago and has managed to carve out a space in the world of professional makeup thanks to its versatility.
The French cream that was born in a pharmacy and conquered makeup artists
To know the origins of Embryolisse one must go back to 1950, when dermatologist Dr. Tricot developed at the Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris a cream intended to hydrate and nourish the skin. Its formula ended up becoming one of the most recognizable products in the French pharmacies, but its popularity soon went far beyond.
Over the years, makeup artists began incorporating it into their work routines. And Lait-Crème Concentré not only functions as a moisturizer but also allows preparing the face before applying foundation.
Among its ingredients we find shea butter, aloe vera and beeswax, which contribute to maintaining hydration and leaving the skin soft and comfortable. Its creamy texture is especially interesting when the face presents small dry areas, as it helps to achieve a smoother surface on which to work.
Embryolisse products at Paris Fashion Week.
In fact, one of the reasons it remains so prized is its ability to deliver that dewy and natural finish we seek when we want makeup to blend with the skin, rather than sit on top as a too-obvious layer.
Moreover, it is a multifunction product. It can be used as a daytime and nighttime moisturizer, as a nourishing mask, and even as a cleansing milk. All of this explains that, despite constant launches in the beauty industry, it remains one of the great classics of French cosmetics.
The secret of makeup artists lies in properly preparing the skin
It is not the only cream with a long history that has managed to carve a space among professionals. Something similar happens with Skin Food by Weleda, another classic that has been on the market for a century and that is also used to prepare the skin before makeup.
In this case, we are talking about a much denser formula, with plant extracts of calendula, chamomile and wild pansy, among other ingredients. Its nourishing texture is especially useful for bringing comfort to the driest areas of the face.
In fact, some makeup artists also turn to it to achieve a touch of luminosity at strategic points, such as the high points of the cheekbones, using a very small amount to avoid the skin becoming overly shiny.
Weleda Skin Food facial cream.
Although their textures are different, both creams have one thing in common: they demonstrate that good skin preparation can completely change the makeup result.
When the face is dehydrated, it is easier for foundation to accumulate in certain areas, to emphasize fine lines, or to leave an uneven finish. That is why, before starting to apply makeup, it is worth dedicating a few minutes to hydrate the skin and tailor the products to its needs.
How to use these creams to achieve more beautiful makeup
One of the most common mistakes when preparing the skin is thinking that the more product we use, the better the result will be. However, applying an excessive amount of cream right before putting on makeup can hinder the foundation from settling properly.
The ideal is to start with a clean face, spread a small amount of moisturizer and massage gently until it is distributed evenly. Then, it is advisable to wait a few minutes before continuing with the makeup.
In the case of Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré, its texture allows it to be used as a moisturizer for the entire face, adjusting the amount according to skin type. Weleda’s Skin Food, due to its thicker consistency, can be set aside for areas that need an extra dose of nourishment.
