Sophisticated eyes by Edward Bess

Today’s review is a bit of a departure for Scent Hive. My blog usually focuses on natural or nearly natural fragrances and beauty products, but not today. Actually, I can’t speak to the ingredients in the products I am about to rave about, as I have not even read the labels! Nor do I want to. That’s right, we’re having out first “ignorance-is-bliss” post.

It all began in the beauty department of Bergdorf Goodman. Over ten years ago, I lived in Manhattan, but never ventured into BG’s hallowed halls of retail until this past Novemeber when I had a midtown meet-up with Gaia of The Non Blonde and Jessica of Now Smell This. The moment we stepped off the escalator and into BG’s lower level of beauty, everything was shiny and golden, with no clocks or windows to interfere with notions of time or reality. This casino-esque bastion of cosmetics and perfume beheld many things I was interested in, but was not necessarily planning to buy. Yet, once I approached the Edward Bess counter and Mr. Bess himself began applying makeup on my face, I was a goner.

Edward Bess, Gaia, me, Jessica

Mr. Bess’s good looks, charm and exceptional line of cosmetics made it virtually impossible for me not to succumb to several purchases, especially when it came to his eyeshadows. You’re not going to find kaleidoscope colors or glittery chunks at the Edward Bess counter which is fine by me as I have always been partial to subtly shimmery neutrals. At first glance the eyeshadows look lovely in the display case, but I didn’t think I would be tempted by them. It wasn’t until the colors were swept across my lids that I realized how pretty they really are.

Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow in Nude (left) Intimate (middle) and Dusk (right)

Intimate and Dusk both lean taupey, Intimate being a neutral beige and Dusk is cooler and can look slightly gray or khaki depending on the light. Their application is creamy smooth and very easy to blend and build color as you like. While I was duly impressed with the understated sophistication and uniqueness of Intimate and Dusk, I was thoroughly amazed that they lasted an entire day with no creasing and without a primer. That’s a first for me. I am so glad I snatched up Nude as well since it’s staying power as a sumptuous champagne wash is unparalleled.

Eyeshadow Trio in Soft Smoke and the Luxury Eye Brush

I felt pretty confident I would love the three individual eyeshadows I chose, but went out on a limb when I also chose the trio in Soft Smoke. I can manage a fairly decent smoky brown eye, but my smoky charcoal attempts have been disastrous. But after Edward used this trio on my eyes, I had to give it a go as I loved the subtly smoldering look he achieved. Because his shadows are so finely milled and of such high quality, I managed to get (almost) the same look Edward gave me that day in Bergdorf Goodman and I’ve done so several times. I must also mention that his Luxury Eye Brush makes blending and smoking out darker colors a cinch, even with eyeshadows of lesser quality.

Defining Eyeliner in Deep Black

The Defining Eyeliner in Deep Black finishes off the smoky eye perfectly, and I love that it’s retractable so no sharpening is needed. It goes on smoothly without any tugging or pulling, and even though it doesn’t last the entire day like the eyeshadows, it provides several hours of intense pigment.

So there you have it, I love my Edward Bess purchases and fully recommend every one of them. Sometimes being green means buying the best that’s out there, so you end up buying less in the long run.

Edward Bess is currently available at Bergdorf Goodman in NY or at his website, EdwardBess.com. Eyeshadows $30, Eyeshadow Trio $60, Eyeliner $29, Eye Brush $40.

Want more of Edward?

Intimate and Dusk Eyeshadows at Cafe Makeup

Luxury Eye Brush Review at The Non Blonde

Soft Smoke Trio at Cafe Makeup

Nude Eyeshadow at Beauty Look Book

Posted by ~Trish

Photos by ~Trish