If you have ever wondered what do Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Greta Garbo have in common, aside from being world treasures and icons of beauty and fashion, then you came to the right place. In today's post I am going to talk about Hollywood's A-list skincare brand, as well as maestro himself, Erno Laszlo.
About the Brand
Before moving to New York and working with Hollywood celebrities, Dr. Laszlo was already famous in Europe for healing acne of Princess Stephanie of Hungary and pioneering a plethora of groundbreaking formulations and products for various skin types. He is the father of the "double-cleansing" concept (which I swear by) as well as customized cleansing oils, bars, SPF and acne-prone skincare products. So, next time you look at your cleansing oil, you might as well send Dr. Laszlo a [cosmic] kiss.
My Skin
Skin type: Dry, dehydrated, sensitive. Concerns: dryness, texture, clogged pores.
Double Cleansing
If you have been here before (welcome back!), then you already know just how much I believe in double cleansing. In case you are new to the concept, here is how it works: at first you dissolve grease, melt makeup and lift impurities by using a cleansing oil (or balm); but since there is still quite a bit of grime left, you then use a second-step cleanser (could be a micellar water, liquid creme/gel cleanser or good old bar) in order to further purify, refresh and rejuvenate your skin.
Erno Laszlo has curated a one of a kind double cleanse skincare regimen back in the 1930s, offering special solutions for people with different skin concerns. I guess, you can already tell that this brand was never a one-trick pony. If you also have a Sahara-skin (just like moi), then Hydra-Therapy Collection is what you need to look at.
By the way, the brand's mini travel kits are a perfect way to try out iconic skincare products, without breaking the bank. What you see here is Hydra-Therapy Double Cleanse Travel Set (28 USD). You get a mini sized cleansing oil and soap, housed in a hygienic (and portable) travel case.
Here comes my embarassing confession - I am one of those annoying people, who don't like reading manuals or "how-to's". Occasionally, I fall victim to my own lack of judgement, so to keep a long story short: the first time I used this duo, I made a horrible mistake of trying to rinse oil with water. Nah-ah. This is not your run-of-the-mill cleansing oil, which is why please read carefully what I am about to say.
How To Use:
Hydra-Therapy Cleansing Oil has a wonderful light texture and beautiful natural scent to it; fair enough - it is actually packed with jojoba, grape, avocado, apricot, carrot and many other nutrient-rich oils, that are going to not only efficiently cleanse your skin, but also leave it feeling smooth and that extra bit hydrated. That being said, unlike your usual cleansing oil (something like Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil for example) you should not put any water on top of it, until you have used Phelityl Cleansing Bar; otherwise water will make oil pieces "float to the top" and you will have a hard time removing the whole thing from both your face and hands.
Instead you should follow these steps: (1) oil, (2) lather, (3) rinse.
Now, I've never used a bar to cleanse my face, mainly because [in my mind] anything that has that solid soap shape must be quite drying. Thankfully, my concerns have nothing to do with Phelityl Cleansing Bar. I kid you not, I feel like I might be a bar convert now. This cleanser is antioxidant- and fatty-acid rich. It is made of safflower, jojoba, palm, apricot and sesame oils, as well as rosemary extract and macadamia nuts to further hydrate and nourish your already dry and sensitive skin.
Once I have applied oil to my skin, I then dip Erno Laszlo bar into water and massage my face with it (you could also lather it in your hands instead, both methods work fine). I gently move it in a circular motion from one area to another and once I feel like I have enough product on my skin, I then rinse everything off with warm water. You can remove your mascara with Hydra-Therapy Cleansing Oil, but personally I do prefer to use Caudalie for that (an extra step for those with very sensitive eyes like mine).
Verdict:
Yes, yes and yes. This duo is magical and what is even better - there are multiple options for different skin types out there (whether your concern is hypersensitivity, oiliness, detox or even brightening). I would never think of using oil and soap together, but it is 2018 and here I am. Oil breaks down even the most stubborn makeup (waterproof mascara included) and soap will then remove every little piece of dirt, revealing radiant and baby-soft skin. As a result, my face feels ah-mazing. Whenever I use a toner right after, there is literally zero makeup/grime residue on a cotton pad. Needless to say, I am a firm believer in this routine and highly recommend both products. My only (mini) grudge is, if you are a neat freak like me, make sure to rinse your sink with a bit of hot water right after to make sure that there is no oily residue left on the surface.
Multi-Task Eye Serum Mask
If we are friends on Instagram, then you know I love a good mask. I use mine at least 2-3 times a week and - again - my key concerns are fatigue and dryness. If you are also into your "eye patches", then you need to check these out.
Multi-Task Eye Serum Mask (35 USD) is an eye patch (6x2 per pack), that is supposed to tackle signs of under eye darkness, puffiness, fine lines and even wrinkles. Formula is great in my book: you get algae extract, niacinamide (aka vitamin B3), amino acids, hyaluronic acid and allantoin (prevents dry, itchy skin).
You should only wear these for 10 minutes, but I must admit, they feel so comfortable and soothing - I often wear them for 20. Each patch is made of hydrogel, which looks a lot like biocellulose (except I do like the latter a bit less). Unlike most eye patches I have tried before, these ones are quite thin and adhere easily; they fit perfectly under my eyes and don't slide around. There is a perfect amount of serum on each patch, which is amazing, because I really hate it when product residue drips down my face and neck.
Verdict:
These guys give you instant results - under eye looks plump, hydrated and healthy. I also notice that all the little fine lines practically disappear, however, my dark circles are still there; having hereditary panda under eye situation, I honestly feel that no magic lotion or potion can ever get rid of them, so I am not even mad at the product - it is what it is. Erno Laszlo eye serum though - this must be the best formula I have tried thus far. Multi-Task Eye Serum Mask will be great for traveling, special events or any occasions when you want your under eye to look 100% plump and juicy. Results are temporary, but I feel like if you use a product like this at least once a week as part of your routine, you might notice better results over time.
Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask
This, I feel, is a star of my entire review today. If you were on a hunt for a delicious overnight mask - look no further.
Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask (90 USD) is the brand's star product and for all the right reasons. I won't keep you waiting - it is bomb for those of us with extremely dry, dehydrated skin. Do you often wake up with a lacklustre and tired-looking skin? I sure do.
I have tried similar masks from various Korean brands or even big players like GlamGlow, but nothing even comes close to Erno Laszlo. Although this is 100% gel formula; I would say it feels a lot like actual Jell-O, so don't throw away a little spatula that comes with it - you will need it to scoop the mask out. Once this product gets in contact with the skin, it almost bursts and turns into a watery cream instantly melting into your skin and setting to a nice dewy finish; little does go a long way, so use it sparingly.
Great thing about a mask like this is that it is extremely lightweight and main ingredients here are known for their hydrating properties: prickly pear, green ginger, mugwort and winged kelp extracts are all great for attracting water and boosting natural collagen production. I have been using this mask for quite some time now and I honestly feel like it gives me better results than anything similar I have tried in the past; my complexion is radiant, there are no dry patches and even my blemishes heal a bit faster. P.S. you don't need to wear anything on top of this product; use it like a night cream and rinse in the morning.
Verdict:
I wish I could nag and say how much I disliked this 90 USD face mask (yes, it costs an arm and a leg) but I have a feeling that I do spend more on sheet masks every year, none of which give me results even remotely as good and long-lasting as this product. I almost want to call it a serum. So, when I put my two and two together - I realize how I am going to spend a chunk of my next paycheck. I have a feeling 40 ml / 1.35 fl.oz. jar should last you (with a weekly use) for 4-5 months minimum (that is if you don't go ham with it). If loss of moisture is one of your key concerns and you don't mind spending on good skincare, using a mask like this (in combination with other hydrating creams and serums on other days) will gradually bring your skin back to its healthy and restored state. Would I repurchase Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask? Absolutely. Plus, what works for Audrey, works perfectly well for me as well.
" I owe 50% of my beauty to my mother and the other 50% to Erno Laszlo."
-Audrey Hepburn
That's it for my very first Erno Laszlo review; to say I am impressed is to say nothing at all, which is why I am definitely looking forward to trying more from the brand in the future. If you have any product review suggestions or general questions, feel free to leave them in the comments!
PR samples, review is not sponsored; full disclaimer here.
