The present invention is a process of preparing an advanced cosmetic product by combining a high internal phase ratio (HIPR) emollient-in-water emulsion with a partial cosmetic formulation that typically contains water, fragrance, a rheology modifier, or a pH adjuster, or a combination thereof. The present invention is also a composition comprising two particular subclasses of HIPR emollient-in-water emulsions, namely an HIPR silicone elastomer-in-water emulsion and an HIPR sunscreen-in-water emulsion. The use of an HIPR emulsion of a cosmetic emollient provides a simple and flexible method of formulating the cosmetic product, due in part to the long shelf-stability of the HIPR emulsion (>1 year), and the low quantity of water in the emulsion (typically less than 20% by volume based on the volume of emollient and water).