40 Days and 40 Nights of Beauty Brand Reviews

Day 11, Elizabeth Arden

Cavewoman: Whenever I hear the name Elizabeth Arden, I remember a little story about her that I read in a book called "Fire And Ice," the biography of Charles Revson who founded the company Revlon. The two had a huge rivalry and they detested each other. She called him "that nail man" and he called her "that horsewoman."

Elizabeth Arden cosmetics counters hold some of the most beautiful products. I've worn the Flawless Finish Mousse Foundation for years, and I appreciate their serious commitment to research in skincare. Lately, limited edition eyeshadow compacts have captivated me, some with beautiful drawings taken from coromandel screens owned by Miss Arden herself. And I always have to stop and admire the stunning photographs of their spokesmodel, Catherine Zeta-Jones.
My favorite product from the Arden line is a simple pressed powder compact called Flawless Finish Ultra Smooth Pressed Powder. I was looking for a very sheer translucent powder that had just a touch of luminosity. In pressed powders, that's not always easy to find. And often these days, translucent powders don't receive much attention at the counters, it seems more the trend right now to match a colored powder to the face, and I don't hear much about translucents anymore. But one little swipe of the finger on the tester unit, and I wanted to try this powder on my face. My MA was a very young woman who had impeccably beautiful skin, much like the spokesmodel. Even her coloring was similar to Zeta-Jones' dark hair and eyes. She told me she was wearing this very powder and she handed me a brush to try it on for myself.
The powder is about as creamy as I've ever found in a pressed powder product. It is as light as a feather on the face, adds no color whatsoever, but glows like candlelight on the skin. There is the most minimal touch of shimmer that does not appear glittery or shiny. The compact itself is elegant and quiet, made of a smoky brown lucite with the words "Elizabeth Arden" written in gold underneath the lucite cover. A little gold button releases the lid, almost like a pocket watch. The presentation is lovely and the powder inside is superb.
If you haven't been to an Arden counter lately, you are in for some most pleasant surprises. Especially Flawless Finish Ultra Smooth Pressed Powder. Try the Translucent. Think of The Horsewoman and The Nail Man and enjoy a little giggle of cosmetic history. And get a glow while you're at it.


Annieytown: Elizabeth Arden makes the most creamy and rich eye shadows on the market. They have the texture of a buttery cashmere.
The shadows are little pieces of luxury.
I currently have a hardcore addiction to Arden palettes. They are stunning and useful at the same time.

The color intrigue palettes this spring are adorable.

There is the warm toned palette which houses Topaz, Vanilla and Dream shades along with the cheek color called Romance. Romance is a non-shimmery Orgasm shade. It comes in handy with my smoky eye experiments. It is a great color to give your cheeks a slight flush. (picture on the far left)

The cool palette features Smoke, Moonbeam and Chiffon eye shadows along with the blush called Pink Star.
I am crazy for the Smoke shade. It rivals Becca's Lame and Stila's Diamond Lil.
Available at your local Elizabeth Arden counter.

Disclosure: The products in this review were press samples and purchases.