Edward Bess Mystery Eye Shadow

We haven't had an Edward Bess morning in a while, and there are still a few of his marvelous Ultra Luminous Eye Shadows that I haven't shown or discussed here, so let's have a look at Mystery. Once again, Edward Bess takes an unassuming neutral brownish shade and infuses it with his magic. It's usually hard to be excited about a simple cool brown color- haven't we all been wearing them from the very beginning of our love affair with makeup? But as some of you already know, it's all in the way these eye shadows look on your lids.

Between the silky smooth finely-milled texture, the way it melds with the skin and Edward Bess' way of selecting pigments that bring out the best in one's skin and eyes, the Ultra Luminous eye shadows have become one of my favorite go-to no-brainer items. I wear them alone, combined or as a backdrop for a bold hint of color on the lid or lash line and know I can always trust them to look polished and just right. It's one less thing to stress about when doing my makeup- if I don't have the time or inclination to experiment I wear Edward Bess. However, as Edward himself has shown me a couple of times, the eye shadows can also be used more heavily to create some of the more dramatic and sultry looks. Smoky eyes, big dark lids- a look out of an old black and white movie with the same products you use for a clean everyday look.

Mystery is cooler and darker than Escape but more brown than Intimate and Dusk. It looks more shimmery in the pan than it is on my eyes- it truly is Luminous, not sparkly. It adds dimension and focus to the most simple eye looks, and works beautifully under the lower lashes without ever spreading all over the place or making me into a sleepless brown raccoon. The eye shadow can be applied with a pencil-type brush, packed on with a flat sable one or sheered and diffused with a fluffy crease/blending brush such as Edward Bess eye brush.

Bottom Line: essential and versatile.

Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Eye Shadows ($30) are available from Bergdorf Goodman, select Neiman Marcus location (as well as online) and edwardbess.com.

All photos are mine.

Edward Bess Island Escape Eye Shadow Trio

The Island Escape (01) eye shadow trio by Edward Bess is a makeup bag essential and a staple for those mornings that the idea of choosing, matching and planning an eye look before the second cup of tea is too excruciating for words. The trio looks like the most mundane basic brown eye shadow palette, but we're talking Edward Bess here, so you know it's special.

The eye shadow trio includes  a shimmery ivory (brighter and more shimmery than Edward Bess single color in Nude), a medium matte brown and a dark matte. The colors are different than any of the singles, so there's no redundancy (not that I would mind a travel-friendly palette made of the mono shades). They are also incredibly beautiful when applied; blending them is easy, fool-proof and results in a very professional and sophisticated look. Edward Bess uses his own  eye brush to apply, define and blend all three colors into a very French style- add some black eyeliner and mascara and it's done (red lip optional). I don't have his brush skills, so I prefer using a couple more tools when applying the eye shadows, especially when working on the details. A contour brush and a smudger/liner brush are important to me, as well as a smoky liner (like Laura Mercier's) if I'm going between and under the bottom lashes.

Like all Edward Bess eye shadows, Island Escape trio is soft and luxurious. The powder melds with your skin and becomes one with it, staying put over a primer the entire day. This palette has seen a lot of action since I've taken the first photos and has traveled with me quite a bit. It doesn't take much space and the velvet pouch keeps the compact scratch-free and in nice shape. It makes life easier on the go and can be easily spruced up by blending a smidgen of a  bolder color (navy, jade, teal...) onto the lid.

Bottom Line: a must-have for me.

Edward Bess Island Escape Eye Shadow Trio ($60) is available from edwardbess.com, Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus stores as well as online.

All photos by me.

Edward Bess Mirage Eye Shadow

Mirage is the second eye shadow color just released by Edward Bess for spring. As I've mentioned before, both  Storm and Mirage come in a new packaging- it's the same amount of product but the eye shadow surface is wider (allowing for a bigger brush) and round. They got rid of the tiny sponge applicator but that's not a real loss.

Mirage is a high shine golden peach shade. It can be worn sheer or packed up for more intensity- the pigment is strong and the texture is light and silky, an ideal combination for maximum control. While the color is definitely warm, it's not too yellow to work for most of us and I find that it plays very well with a wide range of colors. Eileen, a long time reader whose exquisite taste and observations are always spot-on suggested pairing it with Edward Bess eye shadow in Escape, a warm brown. I don't have Escape (the situation will be rectified soon) but I own both Mystery and Intimate (I'll talk about them soon and show pictures and swatches)- both are more neutral and work beautifully with Mirage.

I've gone methodically through my drawers to find similar colors to Mirage. Admittedly, I'm not usually a peach/gold person. The Edward Bess color works for me and blends with everything I throw its way, but I don't have any other single eye shadow that resembles it. I checked palettes, quads and and sets and the closest I've found come from a couple of long-gone limited edition items- Givenchy Prismissime Poetique Browns has two colors that are very close and there was a cream eye shadow in one of Le Metier de Beaute's little sets, but that's about it. I also compared Mirage to the two NARS Soft Shadow Pencils in Hollywoodland and Goddess, but of course the texture is very different and the color falls somewhere in the middle.

Bottom Line: Gorgeous.

Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Eye Shadows ($30) are available from edwardbess.com, Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus locations (also online). The new colors, Storm and Mirage, are already on Edward Bess website and also available at the counters and can be ordered by phone.

All photos are mine.

Edward Bess Storm Eye Shadow

I had some time to play with my new Edward Bess eye shadows and I'm in love. The perfectly soft and blendable texture, the colors and finishes- it's everything I've learned to expect from Edward Bess. I use the eye shadows over a primer and get at least 14 hours of exceptional color without fading, oxidizing or losing the finish and intensity.

Today we're looking at Storm, a cool taupe with an almost purple/mauve cast and a delicate shimmery finish. The color is much lighter than I thought it was going to be based on the initial description, but actually more unique. Storm is the lightest taupe in my arsenal and you can see it compared to some favorite neutrals from Le Metier de Beaute* and in the last photo also to Chanel Taupe Grise. As you can see, the Edward Bess is very different. I don't have any Dior, Shu or Bobbi Brown single that's even in the ballpark.

Edward Bess Storm works in many looks, either with other neutrals or as a blending background for a green or navy (the last few days weren't turquoise-appropriate so I haven't tried this combination yet). My favorite look so far is using Storm all over the lid (adding Edward Bess Nude just under the brow as a highlight) to just above the crease with a black liquid/gel liner, winged according to taste. It's a modern take on the classic (retro) look.

Bottom Line: Big Love.

Edward Bess Luminous Eye Shadow in Storm (and Mirage, the other new shade, $30 each) are already at the Bergdorf Goodman counter and edwardbess.com.

All photos are mine.

* I promise to dedicate a few posts to the LMdB shadows soon.

Edward Bess New Eye Shadows: Storm and Mirage

Here's a sneak peek of the two just-released Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Eye Shadows in Storm and Mirage. The UPS guy has just brought them, so these are the first very quick snapshots I took (with the help of Sophie, naturally). As you can see, the made a slight change to the packaging- no more stupid tiny sponge applicator and a wider and round product surface. The amount of product you get is the same (2 gr) and they kept the little fabric pouch.

Storm is a mauvish taupe that will make all the taupe-obsessed among us deliriously happy. I'll do a comparative swatching with some Le Metier de Beaute favorites for the full review. Mirage is a peachy gold, quite warm and summery. It has a shinier finish than Storm but just as wearable. I promise better swatch photos once I get to play more (and have better light).

The new eye shadows ($30 each) are already available on the Edward Bess website and should reach the counter any day now.

All photos are mine.

Edward Bess Bess-Lash Mascara

I wasn't a big fan of the original Edward Bess mascara, so the news of a new formula and format thrilled me to no end: such an amazing makeup line like Edward Bess should also offer an outstanding mascara. The new Bess-Lash is exactly what I would hoped it would be. An elegant mascara that works with Edward's refined colors and subtly enhances the eyes.

Bess-Lash is a volumizing mascara and doesn't add any extra length. That's perfectly fine with me, considering my natural lashes are longer than average, though they stick straight ahead instead of gracefully pointing upwards. When I curl my lashes before using this Edward Bess mascara I get the desired look, and since Bess-Lash formula doesn't add fibers and particles that weigh it down, it holds the curl perfectly for hours. The formula is creamy and as I've been using it exclusively in the two weeks since I got it (including on some miserable no-makeup sick days) I have yet to encounter any goops and clumps.

The brush applicator is actually a plastic comb that does an excellent job separating the lashes and keeping the look clean and polished. The wand is so narrow and effective I can even use it to touch up my lower lashes, which is something I rarely do. The mascara is quick to dry and doesn't smudge. I didn't get 'coon eyes after a quick walk in the rain (it was a very short walk in the mall's parking lot, but still).

It occurred to me that Bess-Lash might be the solution for men who desperately seek some discreet lash action without looking like they're wearing makeup. Since this mascara also comes in a dark brown shade, this might be worth checking out if you're a guy whose lashes have been turning gray or are just too sparse. A gentle touch with the Bess-Lash comb could be all that's needed, just avoid the black mascara because it's a bit too obvious on a guy unless your lashes are naturally very black.

Us girls can easily wear the black one as it's not too glossy or too thick. I see the best results from two quick coats on top and a touch on the edges of the bottom lashes (though I could easily use the dark brown for that, as my lashes are almost-but-not-quite-black). The pretty look stays in place for 8-10 hours with no smearing. I do a touch up before leaving the house again at night, but it's not a must. The mascara is easy to remove with standard wipes or Bi-Facil.

Bottom Line: excellent.

Edward Bess Bess-Lash Mascara ($30) is already available at the Bergdorf Goodman counter. It's not online yet but you can give Jennifer or Susan a call  (212-872-8826) and place an order.

All photos are mine.

Edward Bess Nude Eye Shadow

The Nude eye shadow from Edward Bess is brought to you by the Can't Go Wrong With This department. No matter what eye makeup look I'm trying to create, 90% of the time I start with a light nude eye shadow that brightens and opens up the area. It's a similar idea to Bobbi Brown's base color approach, but her suggested  colors (like Navajo, Bone, Banana and Shell) end up as a translucent powder on my brow bone doing nothing other than making me look dusty.

Edward Bess Luminous Eye Shadow in Nude is a bit brighter than my other go-to base color, Le Metier de Beaute Naked. The LMdB shadow is matte but still lightens and brightens. I wear it so much I'm close to hitting pan, as it's most suitable for simple daytime looks. Nude by Edward Bess is a little more sophisticated. The eye shadow has the brand's typical satin finish- no obvious shimmer or shine, but a lit-from-within texture that makes it a great base and starting point for evening but is also perfectly suitable for neutral colors and low-key days.

I apply the Nude as an allover wash, then add the darker shades as desired. Edward uses his own eye shadow brush for the entire process- shading, contouring and blending. I prefer a wide brush like Bobbi Brown's Eye Sweep for Nude before I switch to the Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush to finish the look. No matter what else I use in terms of colors and tools, the eye shadow blends wonderfully and never fails to deliver and stay in place all day/night (over a primer).

Bottom Line: An essential.

Edward Bess Luminous Eye Shadows ($30) are available from Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus online and in select locations and edwardbess.com.

All photos are mine.

Edward Bess Warm Flame Deep Shine Lip Gloss

Warm Flame is one of Edward Bess original Deep Shine lip gloss colors and the reddest in the collection. In the tube it looks rather close to the newer Amor gloss, but as you can see from the swatches, Amor is pink-red while Warm Flame is true to its name. It can be worn alone or layered over lipstick. I've worn it with Edward Bess dramatic Midnight Bloom lipstick as well as atop low key nudes- it gives both shine and extra pigment.

Like all Edward Bess glosses, the only fault of Warm Flame is the strong fruity scent. It doesn't linger for too long and at this point I'm so used to the smell no longer bothers me, but I know some of you really dislike it. Still, the texture, color and the way Edward Bess lip products wear all make them an incredible treat and among the best you can find.

Edward Bess Deep Shine lip gloss ($30) in Warm Flame and other colors can be found at Bergdorf Goodman, select Neiman Marcus location as well as online. Also from edwardbess.com.

All photos are mine.

Edward Bess Island Rose Compact rouge

Island Rose is the third color in Edward Bess Compact Rouge line for cheeks and lips.  I have all three shades and find them pretty, wearable and versatile. Island Rose is the darkest and most intense of the three, so I use it with the lightest hand possible and make sure it's well-blended. If you have a deeper skin tone, this is probably the most flattering color for you. I use it as a pop of color on the apple of my cheeks and get that "just back from the cold" effect.

You can see Island Rose compared here to Love Affair, the middle shade, and you can see Island Rose has more of a red red base. In one of my testing I  also mixed the two together and loved the results. The color of Edward Bess Compact Rouge is easy to apply and blend with just about any face brush you can find. Ever since I saw Edward use cream products with his own natural fiber face brush I've been hooked. Yes, you need to wash the brushes more often, but nothing gives a better and more natural result.

Edward Bess Compact Rouge ($38) is available from Bergdorf Goodman, select Neiman Marcus locations (also online) and edwardbess.com.

All photos are mine.

Edward Bess Amor Deep Shine Lip Gloss

It's another Edward Bess Tuesday, which I hope would perk us all up considerably. I don't know about you, but  I can definitely use a fun color to combat the dreariness. Amor, one of the three new colors Edward Bess released in December (the other two, French Lace and Bare Rose are pretty pink little things. Gorgeous but too light for me). Amor was a natural choice  and an instant love for me- it's great on its own and has enough pigment to perk me up, but the real story is how wonderful this color works over lipstick. Layering Amor over Edward's Demi Buff creates one of my favorite looks of the season and works with everything- from innocent neutrals to a sultry smoky eye.

The packaging for the new lip gloss colors has been modified and no longer carries the Edward Bess logo on the tube, only his initials are on the cap. I liked the modern elegance of the previous version, but the new one is bigger and holds more product (0.2oz instead of 0.19), so yay. The scent is the same over-fruity fig jam, but it goes away eventually so I don't really mind. It's all about the color and I love the pink-red of Amor. If you're familiar with Edward's other bold lip gloss shade, Warm Flame, you'll notice they're similar. Warm Flame is more dramatic and red; I'll post a comparison soon, when I review Warm Flame.

I don't think the texture of Edward Bess lip glosses has changed any- they're as shiny, not too sticky and surprisingly tenacious for a gloss. There's no shimmer or sparkle in them, no gold sprinkles of any kind, just a beautiful glazed finish.

Bottom Line: one of the most flattering colors I own.

Edward Bess Amor Deep Shine Lip Gloss ($30) is available from Bergdorf Goodman, select Neiman Marcus stores and edwardbess.com.

All photos are mine.