Bess Is More

Another review of Edward Bess Cosmetics
by Jessica M


When Annie first wrote about Edward Bess and his cosmetics line, Edward was showing his products on a small set of shelves on Bergdorf’s beauty floor. Three years have passed, and now he has a counter of his own, a sales staff, and a full-page ad in the latest Bergdorf Goodman catalog. Have you already seen it? Isn’t it a feast for the eyes? (It reminds me of Audrey Flack’s fantastic photorealist paintings from the 1970s.)

I recently visited Edward at Bergdorf with my friends and fellow bloggers Gaia (The Non-Blonde) and Trish (Scent Hive), and I asked him to touch up my makeup using a few of the products I already own and a few that I was planning to purchase that day. I’m making two beauty resolutions for the new year: first, to buy only high-quality products that I truly need and love, and second, to use these products every day, rather than save them for “special occasions.” Edward Bess Cosmetics fits the bill, since it’s such a well-edited, well-crafted line, and the pretty, natural look that Edward gave me is the one I’ll be wearing every day.

I already own and two Ultra Slick Lipsticks, a my-lips-but-better mauve named Forever Yours and a warm pinkish nude called Tender Love. (When I wear Tender Love, I often add a touch of Deep Shine Lip Gloss in Dark Blossom, which looks almost brick-colored in the tube but shows up as a flattering reddish neutral against my skin.) My new favorite is Rose Demure, a recent addition to the line. It’s the ideal rose-petal shade with a creamy finish, and like all Edward Bess lipsticks, it feels as lush as it looks. (Notice the new square tube!)

My favorite Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow is Intimate. Photographs don’t really do it justice: it’s a khaki-taupe with a hint of very fine shimmer, and its texture is incredibly smooth. A light sweep of Intimate is a simple but polished effect for daytime, and a more intense application works well for evening. And a shadow this good deserves Edward’s Luxury Eye Brush, a magic wand for eye makeup. It has a weighted metal handle and tapered, flexible bristles that deposit just the right amount of color to the lid, the crease, or the browbone, depending on the angle you’re holding it. (Speaking of the browbone, I think I’ll be investing in a Nude shadow or an All Over Seduction highlighter in Sunlight on my next visit.) Defining Eyeliner in Deep Brown, a swivel-up liner that applies easily and precisely, is the perfect complement. I’m also looking forward to the new mascara that will be released in the spring.



I’m often afraid to wear blush, because I don’t want to overdo it, but Blush Imperiale in Soft Orchid is a fresh clover-blossom pink that gives a healthy flush to paler skin tones like mine. And Edward’s Luxury Face Brush is so soft and full that I’m able to apply the blush with a gentle touch. Just like everything else that I’ve purchased from this line, it’s a pleasure to use. I can’t decide whether to call all these products “basic luxuries” or “luxurious basics.” Either one will do!


Do you have any favorites from Edward Bess, or any new beauty resolutions? Feel free to share!

Edward Bess Cosmetics are available at Bergdorf Goodman (http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com
or call 212-872-8826) and at selected Neiman Marcus stores.

Disclaimer: all products pictured and mentioned were purchased by the reviewer, with the exception of the Dark Blossom gloss, which was a gift with purchase.

Photograph credits: Jessica M for Blogdorf Goodman.