I was recently sent two press drops from Elizabeth Arden containing some stunning new makeup products – all of which I’ve been using and really enjoying.
First up is the Flawless Finish Everyday Perfection Bouncy Makeup (R485) available in 14 shades.
This unique compact powder foundation has a very light, weightless texture. While it covers imperfections and evens the skin tone, it also contains ingredients that awaken, energise and revitalize the skin such a peppermint, Ginseng and caffeine.
The texture is also quite innovative and is formulated with a network of polymers that mimic skin’s natural movement. The elastomer 3D Gel-Network seals pigments, essential oils and antioxidants to skin while brightening and blurring imperfections. The unique bouncy formula is a hybrid of a powder and a cream in a gel format, leaving skin with a soft, naturally luminous finish. Clever Hyaluronic Acid Micro-Sponge Technology works by assisting the skin to absorb moisture in the air.
I love the double-deck compact that is fab for traveling and touch-up’s on the go. Application is super simple; using a small amount of product, sweep evenly onto the skin starting at the centre of the face, working outward. Don’t forget to blend along the hairline and jawline to prevent “foundation mask”. If you feel you need a little more coverage, apply a second layer.
Next up is the High Performance Blurring Loose Powder (R560.00)
I firmly believe a loose powder is an essential item in any makeup kit. It works to set foundation and eliminate shine. This one also has wonderful blurring properties that work to perfect the look and tone of the skin, almost creating a “no makeup, makeup look”. It also has a pretty impressive list of ingredients like Ceramides to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier; Nylon 12 + Hyaluronic acid to smooth skin; optical diffusers to blur lines and wrinkles and mineral powders that help balance the skin, minimizing shine and dryness. Shade wise it’s available in Translucent 01 (my favourite), Medium 03 and Deep 05. You can wear it on it’s own (I was impressed at how it also blurred enlarged pores) or over makeup, just ensure you apply it with the correct applicator.
Which brings me to the High Performance Powder Brush (R380.00). Tools are an important part of makeup application as the correct ones ensure a professional looking finish. If you regularly wear loose powder or bronzer, you really should invest in a Kabuki brush. The High Performance Powder Brush is rounded to capture loose powder and impart perfect coverage. It comes with an elegant black suede pouch that you can pop the Kabuki into when traveling or on-the-go.
I don’t think I could survive without a concealer (well two, actually – one for under eyes, one for the face to cover any imperfection) so I was very excited to try the Stroke of Perfection Concealer (R299.00). I’m also very, VERY fussy with this particular product. Requirements include perfect coverage of dark circles without being too heavy and the formula must be hydrating and NOT pull the skin during application. Most importantly, it must not settle into fine lines. I’m happy to report that the Stroke of Perfection Concealer ticked all the above requirements. The formula is lovely and creamy and glides on evenly, while blending seamlessly. I certainly felt it covered dark circles very well and did give my under eye area a natural glow. Most importantly, it did not settle into fine lines. I don’t really suffer with puffiness, but I see ingredients have been added to counteract the look of puffiness too. All in all, I think this is one of the nicest concealers I’ve tried in a while.
I applied two coats of the Standing Ovation Mascara (R370.00 in Intense Black) to give my lashes a fanned out “false lash’ effect. The innovative, supersized brush and smooth, fiber infused formula work together to amplify, build and curl lashes. In addition, the formula softens and nourishes lashes, is smudge- and flake-free and clinically proven to increase lash volume by 128%.
I always get compliments when I rock bold eyeliner. Previously I just used to line my top lash line with a pop of bold colour, however I now prefer applying it all over the eye – including on the inner bottom lash line. To make my green eye pop, I usually opt for blue, but also love purple and gold.
I used the High Drama Eyeliner in Midnight Dream (R285.00) to create the look below. I love how this liner glides onto the eye and that you can blend it for a soft, smudged look thanks to the dual-ended applicator. Other colours that are available include Espresso, Purple Passion and Smokey Black.
The creamy liner glides on evenly for intense, long-lasting color. The dual-ended applicator can make a perfectly smooth line or a soft, smudged look. It’s also dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested (so is fine for sensitive eyes like mine), wax-based and has a waterproof formula that wears for up to 16 hours. Just ensure you remove it with a bi-phase eye makeup remover.
