Emily in Paris’ Lily Collins, French Pharmacy Creams, and the Parisian Skincare Secret Revealed
Lily Collins’ skincare essentials and the Embryolisse cream behind Parisian radiance—your full guide to this cult French beauty ritual.

Emily in Paris’ Beauty Secret: Lily Collins and the Cult of French Pharmacy Skincare
As the face of the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris, Lily Collins has become a global inspiration—known not just for her fashion, but for her radiant skin. At the heart of her luminous look is a distinctly Parisian routine, built on simple steps and the legendary Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. Whether on set or in her personal life, Collins embodies the effortless French beauty admired worldwide.
The Parisian Philosophy: Simplicity, Efficacy, and Embryolisse
What makes French skincare iconic is its simplicity and effectiveness. Instead of costly trends or multi-step regimens, Parisian women—and increasingly, celebrities like Lily Collins—turn to pharmacy finds loved and trusted for generations. The Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré stands out in this landscape, combining gentle hydration with versatile use for all skin types.
Why French Pharmacy Brands Capture Global Attention
- Minimalist formulas—few ingredients, potent results
- Gentle for sensitive skin
- Affordably priced yet highly effective
- Recommended by dermatologists, makeup artists, and celebrities
- Multi-purpose products (hydrator, primer, mask)
Lily Collins’ Skincare Routine: Morning to Night
Rarely does a celebrity reveal a routine as honest and attainable as Lily Collins. Her signature glow is less about layers and more about nurturing skin health—and her routine, grounded in French pharmacy staples, is as practical as it is luxurious.
Morning Rituals: Parisian Freshness Begins
- Wake-Up Splash: Collins begins her mornings with cold water and a thermal mist, counteracting the variable effects of tap water in different cities and maintaining hydration.
- Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner: Lily uses this gentle classic to refine pores, boost glow, and maintain even skin tone.
- Hydration with Serums and Sheet Masks: Especially while traveling, Collins favors moisture-rich serums or quick sheet masks to keep her complexion dewy and fresh.
- Calming Botanicals: When skin is stressed, she leans into natural oils and botanical balms often found in French pharmacies. These include thick healing creams suitable even for babies.
Key Products in Lily Collins’ Morning Skincare
Step | Main Product | Purpose |
---|---|---|
1. Cleanse/Splash | Thermal Water Spray | Refresh, soothe, hydrate |
2. Tone | Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner | Refine pores, even skin tone |
3. Hydrate | Serum/Sheet Mask | Deep moisture, plumpness |
4. Soothe | Botanical Oil/Baby Cream | Calm irritation, heal dryness |
5. Moisturize | Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré | Seal hydration, prep for makeup |
6. Protect | SPF 50 Sunscreen | Defend against UV damage |
French Pharmacy Favs: The Power of Multipurpose
Collins—and her character Emily Cooper—gravitate towards products that pull triple duty: think hydration, protection, and a perfect makeup base in one application.
- Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré: Legendary for its cult following, this cream acts as a moisturizer, primer, and even a mask. Makeup artists use it to prep skin for a dewy, smooth finish.
- Thermal Water Sprays: These sprays hydrate, soothe irritation, and are ideal for sensitive complexions.
- Witch Hazel and Rose Toners: Both classic French pharmacy staples, they gently clarify without stripping moisture.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré: The Star of French Skincare
Launched in the 1950s by a Parisian dermatologist, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is a classic for its simplicity and multitasking power. Even the busiest models, makeup artists, and actors—like Collins—keep it on hand for prepping skin, creating a flawless canvas, and emergency hydration.
Features and Benefits
- Multi-Use: Moisturizer, primer, mask, post-shave balm
- Universal Appeal: Suitable for sensitive, dry, and combination skin
- Simple formula: Infused with shea butter, aloe, and soy proteins
- Celebrity favorite: Trusted by Lily Collins, makeup artists, and models
- French pharmacy classic: Iconic status within French beauty rituals
Notable Users and Endorsements
- Lily Collins (Emily in Paris)
- Professional makeup artists
- Fashion models and TV stars
- Global celebrities and beauty editors
The French Girl Approach: Effortless Radiance, Everyday Protection
What keeps Lily Collins’ skin camera-ready—even on demanding shooting schedules—is the marriage of Parisian simplicity and American discipline. Beyond Embryolisse, her routine emphasizes hydration, protection, and gentle nurturing.
- SPF 50 Always: Daily sunscreen, as Collins admits once forgetting SPF but now applies religiously—even inside or on cloudy days.
- Consistent Cleansing: Religious about removing makeup and impurities at the end of the day, using a non-abrasive cleanser.
- Calming Extras: Soothing balms and botanical oils for post-makeup recovery and stress relief.
- Moisture Maintenance: Collins uses richer creams at night, such as the Lancôme Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturizing Cream, for deeper overnight repair.
Behind-the-Scenes: Emily in Paris Makeup Artist Tips
The show’s makeup department also swears by French pharmacy staples for prepping Lily’s skin before filming. Embryolisse is often the base for makeup looks, giving her skin a healthy, subtle glow that reads well on camera.
Makeup Artist Techniques for Lasting Glow
- Prime with Embryolisse: Smooths texture, boosts glow, prevents cakiness.
- Lightweight Foundation: Only minimal coverage, echoing Collins’ real-life preference for “less is more.”
- Refreshing Mists: Thermal sprays rehydrate skin between takes.
- Jade Roller: Used chilled, reduces puffiness and firms skin before makeup.
Why Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Is a Cult Favorite
Whether you’re recreating an Emily in Paris look or seeking French-style glow, Embryolisse excels because it simplifies the routine—hydrating, softening, and prepping in one step. It’s recommended not just by Collins but by generations of beauty insiders.
Benefit | How Embryolisse Delivers |
---|---|
Instant Hydration | Rich blend of fatty acids and vitamins for plump skin |
Gentle Priming | Smooths skin texture for flawless makeup application |
Repair & Soothe | Soothes redness, irritation, and post-procedure skin |
Universal Tolerance | Safe for infants, sensitive skin, and allergy-prone users |
Shopping the French Pharmacy: How to Build Your Own Parisian Skincare Routine
Inspired by Lily Collins? Here’s how to get started with staples found in every French woman’s beauty cabinet:
- Cleansing Water or Gentle Face Wash
- Thermal Water Spray
- Alcohol-Free Toner (witch hazel, rose, aloe)
- Hydrating Serum or Day Mask
- Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
- SPF 50 Sunscreen
Application Tips from French Beauty Experts
- Always apply moisturizer while the skin is slightly damp
- Let creams absorb fully before layering makeup
- Spritz thermal water after applying makeup for a dewy finish
- Use masks and serums more frequently when traveling or exposed to harsh environments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré and how do you use it?
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is a multi-purpose French moisturizer celebrated by makeup artists and celebrities. Use it as a daily face cream, hydrating mask, primer before makeup, or a gentle balm for irritated skin.
Is Embryolisse suitable for all skin types?
Yes. Its gentle, non-comedogenic formula makes it ideal for sensitive, dry, and combination skin. It can even be used on infants for minor skin irritations.
How does Lily Collins achieve her signature glow in Emily in Paris?
Collins relies on Parisian simplicity: cleansing, hydrating, soothing irritation, and layering products like Embryolisse for soft, dewy radiance—plus daily SPF protection for lasting health and luminosity.
Can you use Embryolisse as a makeup primer?
Absolutely. The formula is beloved backstage for smoothing skin texture, prepping for foundation, and creating a long-lasting natural glow.
What are other must-have French pharmacy beauty staples?
- Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
- Avène Eau Thermale Spray
- Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF
How to Get the Emily in Paris Look: Step-by-Step Recap
- Step 1: Cleanse and spritz with thermal water
- Step 2: Wipe with alcohol-free toner
- Step 3: Hydrate deeply (serum/sheet mask)
- Step 4: Soothe with plant-based oils or creams
- Step 5: Moisturize and prime with Embryolisse
- Step 6: Always finish with SPF
Conclusion: French Pharmacy Beauty for All
Lily Collins’ luminous skin in Emily in Paris comes down to the philosophy of French skincare—less is more, but efficacy is everything. With essentials like Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, anyone can replicate the Parisian glow. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Paris, backstage on a film set, or simply seeking lasting beauty at home, these cult classics offer radiant results—no expertise required.
References
- https://www.trulybeauty.com/blogs/skincare/lily-collins-skincare-routine
- https://www.getthegloss.com/beauty/hair/lily-collins-skincare-and-makeup-everything-she-uses-to-look-flawless-all-the-time/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpDuNzO_rwA
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/skin/a63066977/lily-collins-skincare-routine/
- https://www.lancome-usa.com/beauty-magazine/skincare/lily-collins-beauty-routine.html
- https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2023/02/11280477/lily-collins-bangs-beauty-routine
- https://harpersbazaar.com.au/skincare-tips-lily-collins-lives-by/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL8dlU4pSzM
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