When Passport & Cult Beauty Collide - The Very French Embryolisse Lait Creme

The more skincare I get my greedy little hands on, the more I am convinced that I could very well be little bit of a fancy French girl. The bathroom cabinets and numerous shelves in my vicinity are stacked full of French pharmacy brands but even more telling of this is my own skincare routine where France makes an appearance quite frequently. 
I find that the European beauty market in general does seem to focus more on quality skincare than makeup, which is something I am very passionate about as well. After all, if the complexion is in bad shape all the pretty makeup colors will never get to shine to their fullest extent so it only makes sense to take care of the primary canvas first. France is definitively on the forefront of this skin loving trend and hopefully North America will continue to follow.

I am not sure when I first heard about Embryolisse but I know I have had a tube of their famous Lait-Creme Concentre ($16.00 for 1 fl.oz. or $28.00 for 2.6 fl.oz.) for a little over a year and since then I've become quite attached to its miracle effects. The Embryolisse gained its popularity through its users and not some marketing or advertising campaigns, meaning that it earned its reputation strictly based on results and recommendation from its happy customers. So many YouTube gurus, beauty bloggers and professional makeup artists swear by this stuff and it has been rumored that this low-key cream is used backstage to get models’ skin hydrated and plumped and ready for action. With endorsements like that its no wonder it reached cult beauty status around the world! 

It’s not very often that I come across a product that really exceeds my expectations. In the case of Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre, my expectations were not only exceeded, but I now find myself wondering how I ever lived without it. I didnt know I could be dramatic like that but there it is...

Official Description;
Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream) is a rich moisturizing lotion. This specially formulated lotion is quite versatile; throw it in your travel bag when you don’t have enough space for numerous products. Our creamy lotion is really three products in one: the make-up artists use it as a primer, moisturizer, and make-up remover. It also reduces irritation after shaving!

Ingredients;

AAqua. Paraffinum Liquidum. Stearic Acid. Glyceryl Stearate. Triethanolamine. Cera Alba. Cetyl Palmitate. Butyrospermum Parkii, Steareth-10. Polyacrylamide C13-14 Isoparaffin. Laureth-7. Propylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Aloe Barbadensis. 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol. Tropolone. Parfum.Note: Paraben Free and Not Tested on Animals

The first thing you need to know about the Lait Creme Concentre is that I don't use it everyday - in fact my utilization of this wonder cream is different from what you'd expect! I can be a rebel like that but to each its own.

This can be summed up as my special occasion creme - I use it as a moisture-surge mask, makeup base (primer), sunburn relief coolant, DIY tinted moisturizer and even make-up remover. As a huge fan of multi-tasking products I can really appreciate the versatility this offers especially because no matter how I use it the results are always the same - healthy looking, smooth, nourished, moisturized, plumped, dewy, glowy skin! My mantra is that you cant argue with results and Embryolisse is a true testament to that! The nourishing and softening abilities of this French formula are derived from shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, and soya proteins. These work together to restore natural moisture balance and promote skin renewal process. It basically motivates and strengthens your own skin cells to preform the metabolic processes that slow or lessen with normal aging. 

The term concentre in the name alludes to the rich hydrating powers of this cream, which it delivers beautifully but what is surprising (at least to me) is the texture itself. Embryolisse might be concentrated and ultra-nourishing but the light consistency makes it suitable for all skin-types because its absorbed quickly, sinks in deep and hydrates without adding more grease to the skin surface. It feels luxurious and light at the same time which is a rare feature in a moisturizer that is said to cater to all skin types and the lack of strong fragrance appeals to sensitive individuals as well. Huge brownie points for that last bit!

The beauty of this product is really in its simplicity. The only thing that I would change or rather add is inclusion of SPF in the formula to make it more suitable for daily use as a primary moisturizer. There is the issue of availability as well but that's really not a product quality issue so it would be unfair to count that against it but it is worth mentioning. 

Currently you can order the Embryolisse products on their website, Amazon, Birchbox Shop, Ebay and of course if you are lucky Paris itself. 

Thank you for reading!

Have you tried Embryolisse? What is your favorite French skincare brand?

XOXO

ANJA

Passport Beauty - NARUKO Narcissus Total Defense Night Gelly

As a certified skincare junkie there is nothing I love more than discovering a new brand or even better an innovative product that introduces me to a completely different way I can pamper my complexion. If said item comes from a part of the world that focuses on and appreciates good skin-loving ingredients, then I have obviously hit the Skincare Jackpot. 

Asia has always been ahead of the western world when it comes to caring for the skin, with most skincare trends starting exactly there. BB Creams and Sheet Masks are excellent examples of game-changing products that were used for years before making their way to North America. There is a deliberate pattern of more importance placed on treating the skin than covering everything up with heavy makeup. I love that concept because it really rings true - if your complexion is unhealthy then makeup application will be that much harder. Asian brands are on the forefront of that concept and inclusion of skin-friendly ingredients continues to spill over into their makeup products as well.

Because of my appreciation for Asian skincare and as part of the Passport Beauty series I wanted to feature a few standout products from the far east.
NARUKO Narcussus Total Defense Night Gelly is the first one and it came to me all the way from sunny Taiwan.


Description;

Naruko Narcissus Night Gelly is a new formulated night gelly works ideally as an overnight mask. Enriched with narcissus bulb extract and the patented Phytoferulin® complex provides the skin with hydration and anti-oxidants and enhances the skin's natural self-defense and self-repairing system. Overnight mask to quench skin's thirst. Wonderfully moisturized, deeply nourished and plumped, skin emerges infinitely regenerated. Leaves your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated from the surface right down to the core.

How to use;

1. Use the spoon included in the package to scoop out a small amount of the night gelly.
2. Apply the gelly with the middle and ring fingers to blend it evenly on the face.
3. Use the fingertips to gently massage and press it thoroughly. No need to rinse it with water.

Key Ingredients;

Narcissus Bulb Extract 

Patented Phytoferulin® complex 

NARUKO Narcissus Night Gelly is essentially an overnight, hydrating mask that is used to "seal" in all the treatments applied during your nighttime skincare routine. Its very similar to the Origins Overnight Drink-Up hydrating mask. I like to call this my sleeping mask.

The key ingredients Narcissus Bulb Extract and Phytoferulin combined provide deep hydration, antioxidant protection and activation of the skin's own self-defense & self-repairing systems. The next morning your skin will look brighter, plumped up, dewy and radiant. I was actually surprised at just how visible the brightening effect was on my complexion.


The texture of the Night Gelly is light like jello and feels so soothing and silky on the skin surface. I used this on a few stuffy, hot nights and it had a significant cooling effect, on top of all the other skin benefits. I suggest putting it in the fridge about 20 minutes prior to using it and the icy factor will be beyond refreshing, while the light botanical scent will help relax and soothe your thoughts away. Thats something we all need at bedtime!


I don't usually make comments about the outer packaging of my products but NARUKO deserves a special mention. This company has taken a very unique concept for the reuse & recycle movement by making the outer box transformable into a cute stationary stand. That little detail earns bonus points in my book!

My final conclusion is definitively positive and I would definitively recommend the NARUKO Narcissus Total Defense Night Gelly to everyone because I really believe in its performance. Its a joy to use in the summer and delivers an extra kick of hydration without making me feel greasy. I cant comment on its long term effects just yet but as far as instant gratification goes this is as good as it gets. The brightening results are very noticeable and that alone is an excellent reason to continue using it.


You can find NARUKO products, including the Night Gelly at SASA ($17.60) or Amazon ($22). 

Have you tried NARUKO skincare? What's your favorite nighttime mask?

XOXO

ANJA


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Passport Beauty - European Skincare - The Underrated Version

There are so many excellent blog posts and bloggers out there raving about some amazing beauty cosmetics coming to us from all corners of the world. Basically things that were considered "local secrets" in their own communities are now getting fully blasted across the blogosphere and in some cases becoming "cult" products almost overnight! Its so great to see the influence word-of-mouth and a couple raves can have on brands that would have otherwise never been able to gain that kind of exposure or advertising! Sometimes products like that can end up becoming more hype than actual quality results but for the most part they are worth at least trying. 
Here is my contribution to the French skincare buzz. I chose 2 of the less "popular" products because I think they deserve a lot more attention and clarity than they've been given. 

Avibon 

Avibon has been around for generations but only gained popularity in North America after Gweneth Paltrow featured it on her blog (Goop) and included it in her French Pharmacy picks. Since then there has been such a demand, that the number of online sellers who now ship to the USA and Canada is constantly growing (here). The price is significantly higher here than in Paris but after experiencing the clear results of Avibon I am happy to invest anytime. 

Essentially Avibon is a very concentrated Vitamin A ointment - specifically Retinyl Palmitate which is a compound very similar to the Retinol we are all used to! Since this pomade contains high concentrations of Lanolin and Vitamin A it can preform its anti-aging duties without drying out the skin and because of that it can be used on its own or mixed with your night-time moisturizer.There is actually nothing very glamorous about this balmy gel - its greasy and can take forever to absorb (use sparingly), its got a distinct "grandma potpourri  fragrance that may prove to be too much, the metal tube is not even a little charming and can ooze out if you are not careful. After all these rather cumbersome faults you might be wondering why i like it in the first place? Simple - it works and does everything Retinol promises but with 0 redness, no irritation or dryness and its significantly cheaper than traditional Retin-A. 

I can describe the results as slow but steady -  you wont see a transformation the next day but if you give it a few weeks, the difference is undeniable. 

Main ingredient: concentrated synthetic vitamin A (1,000,000 i.u.)
Other ingredients: lanolin, vaseline, polysorbate 80, perfume T 1415


Biafine 

This water based, vaseline-like balm isn't really considered a traditional skin care product! Its not going to make you beautiful, erase wrinkles, plump up lips or even look pretty in your purse. What it will do is heal, soothe, protect, cool and speed up recovery of any kind of "boo-boo" you might have to face out there in the big bad world. Biafine is a unique kind of ointment that is as gentle on any kind of delicate skin as it is powerful when it comes to protecting and healing even serious wounds. Dermatologists and hospitals alike use Biafine on a regular basis treating superficial abrasions, common sunburns, dermatitis, psoriasis, radiation skin exposure, skin grafts and even 2nd degree wounds! If it can do all that can you imagine how effective it would be in treating our "minor emergencies" involving skinned knees, insect bites and even flat-iron burns? 
Unfortunately its not readily available in North America but if you are lucky enough to have family in Europe or can convince a good friend to visit a common pharmacy in France then its definitively worth searching out. 
If you are willing to pay the price and order then click here
  
Ingredients; 
purified water, liquid paraffin, ethylene glycol monostearate, stearic acid, propylene glycol, paraffin wax, squalane, avocado oil, trolamine/sodium alginate, triethanolamine, cetyl palmitate, methylparaben (sodium salt), sorbic acid (potassium salt), propylparaben (sodium salt), and fragrance.

I hope that was helpful! What are your favourites from abroad? 

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)