In 2005 when I first started assisting the greats and doing the shows in London, Paris and Milan, I was introduced to the amazing variety of products favoured by makeup artists, fashionistas, hairdressers and supermodels. What did they all have in common? The ability to find and seek out the best kept secrets used only by the elite in the industry. Now years after working with these people, especially the models who do an average of 4 shows a day, the key was to keep skincare effective but yet gentle on their skins. And where does one find all this? Aladdin's Cave, more commonly known as the French Pharmacy!
We have Boots and Superdrugs on our high street but in Paris, there are literally tonnes of pharmacies along every street. And they hold some of the best & really affordable skincare and beauty products available. It was years ago when I was introduced to La Roche-Posay by a certain Supermodel who swears by their gentle but yet thorough products. So after years of lugging back huge makeup cases filled to the brim with makeup and products, I was very glad or more accurately my back was very happy to find that they are now available in Boots in the UK!
The brand, named after a town in France famous for it's thermal springs and water. It has about 18 different ranges, all of which targets different skin and hair problems and concerns. Rosacea, acne, dryness, wrinkles, dullness etc? Anything's treatable with this brand. As a makeup artist working on the fast paced shows of Paris, Milan and London, my main concern is to get a model's face squeaky clean and in the best state for makeup asap. That is what La Roche-Posay does best. So what are the stand out products that are important to a makeup artist? Let me show you but a few.
1. Physiological Micellar 3-in-1 Cleansing Solution
A cleansing water that removes and cleanses makeup off the face, eyes and lips. Non-oily, soap, colorant and alcohol free, this gently cleanses the face while keeping it PH neutral and fresh, all ready for makeup. A cult classic which many of you know is the Bioderma H2OMicellar Solution is available in the UK and does the same thing so instead of going to France to get it, I shall now be happy to switch to this! which is only available in France. Well the
2. Toleriane Monodose Eye Makeup Remover
Handy single dose remover? How ingenious is that? Gentle but effective, this eye makeup remover is targeted at waterproof makeup. The Toleriane range was created for the most sensitive and intolerant of skin types so it's perfectly gentle but yet effective. Saturated with thermal spring waters for hydration, it strives to maintain a minimum amount of ingredients, is perfume, alcohol and preservative free.
3. Lipikar Baume AP
A light, quick drying moisturiser for extremely dry skin on the body. Thermal waters rich in Selenium, Shea Butter to restore comfort, Glycerin to hydrate, Canola Oil for it's anti-oxidant properties and also an effective anti-inflammatory, all work in this ultra-penetrating, non-sticky formula. Also promising to relief itchiness due to dryness, it's perfect even for children due to it's gentle ingredients.
A little tip I have is to use it for facial skin that is sensitive and itchy before makeup. The gorgeous melt-into-the-skin balm restores a balance and has a beautiful base for application of foundation.
A little tip I have is to use it for facial skin that is sensitive and itchy before makeup. The gorgeous melt-into-the-skin balm restores a balance and has a beautiful base for application of foundation.
4. Anthelios AC SPF 30 and Anthelios XL SPF 50+
I always carry sunscreens when I go to shoots abroad as it's my responsibility to maintain the health of my model and it would be horrendous to let have the model change in skin tones throughout the trip! These non-perfumes, paraben-free sun lotions are water resistant and perfect for the face and body. My main concern has always been the greasy film traditional sun creams leave on the face and it's awful to work makeup on top of that. The Anthelios products are a light fluid that melts into the skin and leaves no residue and provides the highest possible SPF and filters.
Ah wow. I keep meaning to try this brand being a skincare blogger!) but my basket is full and i need to use that stuff up first, don't I? (looks guiltily in cupboard of half used products!) Emma x
ReplyDelete@Computergirl: Yes I hear you, I'm the same, so many half used products as I can't wait to try newer things but I've been using La Roche for years back when it was only available in Paris and not london and it's good. Fuss free non irritating skincare! Try it and let me know how you get on. Well after you finish all your products first! Lol. Thanks hon xx
ReplyDeleteI love love love La Roche Posay, especially their suncare. They are inexpensive but awesome! x
ReplyDelete@poseylass: Yup I agree! For the price, the quality exceeds anything on the market really. Thanks for commenting xx
ReplyDelete..Although I will need to replace my eye makeup remover shortly. And i hate morning panda eyes.. this looks good. x
ReplyDelete@Computergirl: I love their eyemakeup remover! It's so non irritating and I use it all the time if I have to take off heavy eye makeup, it just melts off! And they now come in single dosage tubes! x
ReplyDeleteDef trying this once my current products run out! & by the way, reading an old interview of yours & using this as my mantra while I launch my own venture - 'never to be limited by guidelines and fear' xx
ReplyDeleteI love LRP. Am planning to re stock my kit with it. Hello Boots Advantage points! x
ReplyDelete@Lmckmakeup: Aww thanks hon! That's really sweet of you to say. Definitely give this brand a try, it's a good 'un! XX
ReplyDelete@Rebecca:Hehe yup advantage points indeed! Love it! xx
I've never tried the Cleansing Solution but I love the other three products. I'm a huge LRP fan, it's an amazing brand for my v sensitive skin.
ReplyDelete@cornflakegirl: Yup it's a good product, non greasy all in one cleanser, handy for when you're in a rush and not near a water source! Thank you for reading & commenting! x
ReplyDeleteI'm going to pick some of this up soon. This is the only brand that my Mum uses and swears by - she picked it up on holiday a few years ago when she forgot to pack her toiletries! My Mum is the person least interested in beauty and cosmetics that I know, so it must be good! X
ReplyDelete@TBBB: Indeed! I never knew about it as well but like I said, was only aware of it when working in Paris. It's good isn't it? Thanks for the read & comment! x
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great review I've been thinking of trying these products for ages - must actually do so. Have you tried any of their moisturisers?
ReplyDeleteSB x
@Strawberry Blonde: Thanks lovely, yes I think the range is great. The only moisturiser I have tried from them was one for sensitive skin, think it was called Hydreane or something. Used it on the models during fashion week as their skin was all tired and sensitive from having so much makeup on. Thanks for the comment! xx
ReplyDeleteI love the Lipikar Baume AP, it has really saved my skin. Thanks for the tip about using it on the face as well, I will try it! x Klara
ReplyDelete@Klara: Hey Klara, thanks for reading and commenting. Yup it's good for times when skin's a little bit sensitive. XX
ReplyDeleteThank you for the info Kenneth I will definitely be trying this brand out. Sounds like something I could enjoy using xx
ReplyDelete@cmlewis: Hey hon, you're very welcome. Give it a go, it's a good range with very affordable prices. xx
ReplyDeleteI've used Anthelios, it's great stuff.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: Isn't it just? I'm a big fan. x
ReplyDelete