Elizabeth Arden - Inspired Living SA

Beauty, Reviews and Features, Video Reviews

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Makeup

My most recent beauty review for the Beauty Bulletin, is of the Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Makeup. You may recall my review of the Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Radiance Blush, which was the first Elizabeth Arden product that I had used. I have been most impressed with the blush and was really excited to try this foundation.

I am quite fussy when it comes to choosing a foundation for myself, not only is my skin quite oily in parts but I also have pigmentaion. A foundation has to fulfill a fair amount of requirements for me – it has to give good coverage with out being too thick and pasty and while I like it to be moisturising, it cannot be overly so and make me look like an oil-slick.

I have tried quite a few mineral foundations, with not much success and liquid foundations can be a bit light on the coverage front, which is why I really like a compact foundation. Not only are they neat, easy to store and carry in your makeup bag but I find the application is much more even.

The Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Makeup, which I have been using is the perfect mix of moisturising and great coverage. The colour that I have tried is Cognac, no.56. I was a bit worried at first that the colour was a bit dark for my skin but I have been happy with the colour and the overall appearance of my skin after application. The end result definitely lives up to the promise of a flawless finish 🙂

The makeup comes in a neat gold compact, with a sponge applicator and a handy compartment to store it. Perfect for makeup touch-ups on the run!

Makeup application is very much personal preference. Some people prefer to apply foundation with a sponge for applicator but you can also use a foundation brush or your finger tips, to apply it to your skin. I have used the sponge applicator with this makeup, as well as my finger tips to apply it and would recommend either of these, over brush application. The main thing is to ensure that your hands are clean and that you either wash or replace the sponge regularly, to avoid a build up of bacteria!

My general routine is to apply serum, moisturiser and a bit of concealer or primer. I usually wait for approximately 10 minutes before I apply my foundation and the rest of my makeup. I have also made a video review for you so that you can see the makeup application in the “flesh” – I hope you enjoy it and would love you to subscribe to my YouTube Channel, so that you do not miss out on future reviews and tutorials!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roTq4RJGS08&feature=share&list=UUW-Ptg2fpKFHowi0_J6Po_w[/youtube]

This product is available from all major retail outlets with beauty counters, as well as certain pharmacies and Edgars Red Square Stores.

Beauty, Beauty Products

Elizabeth Arden Radiance Blush Review

I recently received this Elizabeth Arden Blush, from the Beauty Bulletin to review. The timing could not have been better because I was really running low on my current blush! I have not used this product before so I was really keen to try it out and see what results I got.

I love using blush! I feel it gives your overall look that extra polish but in saying that, you must be careful not to over do blush, otherwise you could end up looking like a clown!

The Elizabeth Arden Blush that I received is from the Beautiful Colour Collection and the shade is Plum Perfection 03. This Radiance Blush, is colour-true and high-pigmented, to provide the ultimate definition, for a natural, radiant glow. It is also enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to help soothe and protect the skin.

Many people are afraid of using blush but the key things you need to remember are: everything in moderation and find a colour to suit your complexion! If you stick to these principles you will be left with a look that is natural and sculpted rather than over done and clown-like.

To apply blush successfully you also need the correct brush, so do yourself a favour and buy a proper blusher brush. I use a Kabuki brush, similar to the MAC one shown above. I find this type of blush brush works brilliantly for me but you need to find one that does the job for you.

I have put together a short video on how to apply blush, which also includes my thoughts on this product and a few other makeup tips. You can also subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep up to date with future beauty reviews.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/bUwxRlky0sA[/youtube]

Disclaimer: I received the Elizabeth Arden Blush from the Beauty Bulletin to review but I was not paid for this post and all the opinions are my own.

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My Top Beauty Must Haves for Aging Skin

As you begin to age it is most apparent that your skin needs a bit more TLC! Turning the corner and leaving my 30’s behind, has been quite an interesting journey emotionally and I am trying my hardest to embrace this new stage in my life!

The down side of aging is that it does begin to show on your skin! If you were good and started using a Serum and Eye Cream in your 20’s you will definitely be smiling!(sans the wrinkles and fine lines) For those of you who did not, well there is no time like the present to start!

I have put together a list of My Top Beauty Must Haves for Aging Skin, this is by no means all you should do to take care of your skin but these are my priority products. Brands are a personal choice and I am simply sharing what I am using at the moment for illustration purposes but you can choose a brand that suits your budget and skin type.

Eye Cream ~ I am using the Payot Soothing Eye Contour Care at the moment and it really does help relieve puffiness around the eye and I do find it very soothing and cooling on my skin. It is perfect if you have had a late night, apply before bed and again after you have cleansed in the morning. I am one of those lucky people who does not have many fine-lines or wrinkles around my eyes but I am not taking any chances! Other recommended Eye Creams: Loreal Revitalift, Estèe Lauder Advanced Night Eye Repair, Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream and Simple Soothing Eye Balm.

Face Mask ~ Using a face mask has always been part of my beauty routine but would love to have the time, to apply them more often! I find that I always remember to apply a face mask when I am in a hurry and most of them need between 10-20 minutes to activate, which does not work if you are short of time. This is why I love the Obey Your Body(OYB) Thermal Mask so much! It takes a maximum of 5 minutes to activate, which is perfect for someone with a busy life. What I have started doing is alternating the masks I use because although I enjoy the OYB Thermal Mask, I also love using a clay or cream mask. I usually save those for the evenings, when I have more time to pamper myself and soak in the tub with a mask on for 20 minutes plus! One of my other favourite face masks is the Sisley Facial Mask with Linden Blossom! Other recommended Face Masks:Elizabeth Arden Peel and Reveal Revitalising Treatment, Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask and Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque.

Night Cream ~ This is a product which I wish I had started using sooner but because I have a combination skin, which tends to become oily if over moisturised, I always thought I did not need a night cream. I now realise that I simply needed to find one to suit my skin type! I am loving the OYB Night Cream I am reviewing and also found the Payot Nutricia Crème great for night-time use. Other recommended Night Creams: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Loreal Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex and Clinque Youth Surge Night Age Decelarating Night Moisturiser.

Serum ~ Last but certainly not least and a top priority in my beauty routine is a Serum! As I mentioned in my review I am loving the OYB Radiance Serum and I can really feel the difference if I do not use it for a day. I have been using a serum twice a day for a while now and do find my skin firmer and more radiant! I cleanse and tone my skin and then apply the serum to dry skin, waiting a few minutes before I apply my moisturiser. Other recommended Serums: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Face Advanced Anti-aging Serun, Estee Lauder Repair Serum Fruition Extra Multi-Action Complex, Clarins Double Serum and Gosh All Day Moisture Serum.

What are your must have products? I would love you to share your beauty tips and secrets in the comment section below!

For more interesting posts in My Top 4 Series click here