Review : Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist

Product Description
Refresh, set, go! This refreshing facial mist instantly awakens the skin with a soothing touch of hydration in an ultra-fine spray. Powered by our superfruit blend, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, this ultra-fine mist leaves skin feeling reinvigorated and looking healthy.

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist is a TSA approved size of 100ml so you can definitely bring this on your travels. It comes in a clear plastic bottle with a nozzle that dispenses the right amount of mist without feeling that its too fine or too heavy to the point of being drenched.

There is a subtle energizing scent of  lemon water, rose and bergamot which reinvigorate your skin and senses. Unfortunately, it contains perfume which I rather do without.

Performance and Ingredients

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist is perfect for that mist in the morning, post-sweat, pre touch-up or before beauty sleep. I usually use it as a toner, after cleansing and before serum. I also use it whenever my skin feels oily and needs a refresh.

The hydrating mist provides that instant hit of hydration, making one feel refreshed and calmed. It evaporates pretty fast so apply your serum within that time frame as products tend to absorb better on damp skin.

Occasionally I also use it like a mask in the mornings, where I pour the hydrating mist into those compressed mask ( you are supposed to soak the compressed mask in the liquid ), the mask would become swollen, unfold it and apply on your face like a sheet mask for 10 minutes. It makes my skin smooth and well-hydrated and my make-up goes on smoothly.

Do note that when I first started using the mist, there was a spicy sensation on the skin which lasted several weeks before its gone. And if I haven't use the mist for a while, the spicy sensation would appear again. This 100ml bottle lasted me for 5 months with once-a-day usage.

In terms of ingredients, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist contains a superfruit blend of Acai, Goji, Mangosteen, Noni, Pomegranate Fruit Extract and Coffee Seed which is said to provide antioxidant protection for healthy-looking skin. Th addition of Apple Leaf Extract helps to provide soothing relief to irritated skin. You can read the breakdown of the ingredients on Incidecoder.

The key ingredients with higher concentration are as follow :

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf : Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, is a succulent plant which offers many benefits and is suited for all skin types, especially dry, damaged, broken, sensitive and irritated skin. It offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, humectant and soothing, anti-itch qualities for skin.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract : Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Tea, Camellia sinensis, Theaceae, commonly known as the green tea extract. It shows good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There is a proven study demonstrating that green tea-containing cosmetic formulations have pronounced moisturizing effects and improve skin microrelief.

Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Parfum/Fragrance, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Pca, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

Where To Purchase : Shopee | Amazon
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist 
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist ( Shopee )

Conclusion 

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist is a decent product but I believe I can find better products with that price tag. It provides you with that immediate burst of hydration and if you need more hydration in the mornings ( due to lack of sleep or fatigue from the previous nights ), just douse them in the compressed mask and use it like a mask for 10 minutes before you apply make-up. It hydrates your skin, your makeup goes on smoothly and overall, gives you a less tired look instantly.

Review : Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion Sunscreen SPF15

Product Description
Creating a Visible Difference in your skin means giving it the right amount of hydration and protection all day. This gentle, oil-free lotion helps protect skin from UVA/UVB rays while providing the right amount of hydration all day long. Our special Alpha/Beta Hydroxy Compound also works to refine, and retexturize skin.
Non-acnegenic and dermatologist tested.

Key Ingredients :
Alpha/Beta Hydroxy Compound: Refines, clarifies and retexturizes your skin.
Retinyl Linoleate: An exclusive retinol derivative that gently and effectively retexturizes skin, improves skin tone and skin clarity, and helps repair the appearance of sun damage. Skin is left firmer and smoother looking.
Sodium Hyaluronate: Found naturally in the epidermis, this ingredient lubricates and attracts moisture to the skin.
Vitamin C Derivative: This stabilized form of Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and helps brighten the appearance of your skin.
Tocopherol Acetate: This Vitamin E derivative has antioxidant properties to provide free radical protection and help condition skin. Glycerin: Provides optimum hydration to replenish and revitalize skin’s appearance.
Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: Provides broad spectrum sun protection.

The last product from my Visible Difference stash, this lotion retails at $85 for a 50ml size. One is supposed to see a difference in their skin in as little as 6 days, as touted in their bold claims.

At the end of my sachets usage experience from each 2ml sized products ( Cleanser , Serum and Moisturiser ) my skin definitely feels smoother and plumped up with moisture. This line is meant for combination skin which works for my skin type, a cross between combination skin and dehydrated surface.

The balancing lotion sunscreen is basically a moisturiser with an added benefit of having SPF. With a SPF15, it is definitely too little to protect the skin under our humid local weather so as always, I will recommend one to layer a sunscreen on top of the moisturiser.

It has a similar floral scent that is not too heavy on the senses. The texture is lotion-like and non-greasy with a slippery feel that gets absorbed into the skin pretty quickly.
It manages to hydrate my skin moderately well, with just a tad of flakiness on bad days.

In terms of ingredients, it uses Oxybenzone and Octinoxate to provide sun protection, however do note that while there is full UVB protection but there is only partial UVA protection.

Octinoxate 6%
Octinoxate is the most widely used UVB blocking agent in the skin care industry. However, when Octinoxate is exposed to sunlight, "it is converted into a less UV absorbent form hence it is not very stable. This conversion can be partly prevented by certain other UV blockers, particularly bemotrizinol (Tinosorb M).
Note that if Octinoxate combined with Avobenzone, it degrades even faster.

According to the EWG, Octinoxate is a moderate hazard, primarily because it can lead to developmental and reproductive toxicity through enhanced skin absorption. It can produce estrogen-like effects and should not be used by pregnant women and children

Oxybenzone 3%
Oxybenzone primarily functions as a photostabilizer and sunscreen. It also helps preserve the integrity of other cosmetic ingredients, preventing their deterioration under the sun. For this reason, Oxybenzone is most often used in conjunction with other sunscreen agents.
According to the Environmental Working Group, it has been shown that the product penetrate the skin and cause photo-sensitivity. As a photocarcinogen, it has demonstrated an increase in the production of harmful free radicals and an ability to attack DNA cells.
The FDA has approved the use of Oxybenzone as a safe and effective OTC sunscreen ingredient, but only in concentrations up to 6%
It contains Advanced Filagrinol Complex™ which is a blend of botanical extracts (including Sage and Melissa Extracts, Squalene, Nuteline, Oligopeptides and AQUAXYL™ ) to act as a catalyst to provide a continuous supply of moisture to your skin, while also conditioning and firming the look of skin as well as Sodium Hyaluronate and Sea Algae Extract to supplement your skin’s own natural moisturizing components and smooth skin. Oligopeptides to support your skin’s own natural collagen to improve the appearance of elasticity and firmness.

Source : Elizabeth Arden, Feelunique

Review : Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Optimizing Skin Serum

Product Description
See a Visible Difference in as little as 6 days* when using the new Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Optimizing Skin Serum together with the spa-inspired skincare regimen. This serum uses Elizabeth Arden's retinyl complex to gently retexturise skin while preparing skin to receive the
benefits of your unique skin type regimen. Reveals healthy, glowing skin tone.

Active ingredients:
- Retinyl Linoleate: An exclusive retinol derivative that gently and effectively retexturises skin, improves skin tone and skin clarity, and helps repair the appearance of sun damage. Your skin is left firmer and smoother looking.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Found naturally in the epidermis, this ingredient lubricates and attracts moisture to your skin.
- Vitamin C Derivative: This stabilised form of Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and helps brighten the appearance your skin

I received Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference sachet package as part of my Bellabox goodies, which consisted of the exfoliating cleanser, the skin serum and the Balancing Lotion Sunscreen.
This Skin Balancing Regime is recommended for combination skin and for those seeking optimal balance in oil control, hydration and treatment. The regimen offers gentle exfoliation and toning while working with the skin’s natural repair process to create ideal moisture. Skin feels revitalized and looks healthy throughout the day, resulting in refined looking pores and a fresh glow.

Milky white in colour, the lotion texture is slightly sticky and oily with a nice floral scent that dissipates upon application. It sinks into the skin with a slightly tacky after-feel and moisturises the
skin moderately well. The 2ml sachet is too little to assess any long term effect for now.

The 30ml size retails for S$99.

Source : FeelUnique

Review : Elizabeth Arden Skin Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser

Product Description
When your skin is a combination of normal and oily, it’s important to use a cleanser that can do the job without overdoing oil control. That’s because healthy skin needs vital moisture to look and feel great. We’ve used 100 years of spa experience to create this multi-tasking foam that uses micro-beads to gently clean and remove dead skin without upsetting the delicate balance your skin requires. Leaves your skin feeling revitalized and looking healthy throughout the day, Be sure to follow with a toner for refined looking pores and a fresh, soft glow.

Key Ingredients
Micro-Beads: Gentle, round micro-beads remove dead skin cells without damaging your skin.
Tocopherol Acetate: This Vitamin E derivative has antioxidant properties to provide free radical protection and help condition and restore your skin.
Glycerin: Provides optimum hydration to replenish and revitalize your skin’s appearance.

I received a sachet of this cleanser as part of my August Bellabox. My skin can never take well to foaming cleansers but I do like exfoliating cleaners which I have used before, under Biotherm and I like it very much.

Meant for normal and oily skin and being a foaming cleanser, I was not really keen on it, except for the exfoliation part. Foaming cleansers usually left a squeaky clean feeling and making my skin too dry. Surprisingly, despite having the exfoliating beads in it, its not drying but leave the skin feeling soft, supple and smooth. Still, there was a very slight flakiness around my nostrils.

The beads are tiny and hardly abrasive. It gives a good deep cleanse to the skin at the end of the day.
However, I avoid the cleanser on my eczema flare-up days or when my skin is irritated or dehydrated.
I like to use it on clogged skin, oily skin or optimal skin, just to exfoliate away the dead cells for a fresh new look.

Review : Elizabeth Arden Hydrating Mask

Product Description
An intensive hydrating treatment in the form of a mask where regular use helps to maintain suppleness of complexion, resulting in a younger and firmer looking skin.

I hardly ever purchase Elizabeth Arden products as it just does not appeal to me, for some reason. However, during a trip to Hong Kong some time back, I picked up this 100ml sized hydrating mask for HKD68 since it was so affordable.
I am glad that I have given this brand a chance as this hydrating mask has been an excellent emergency mask that works beautifully when the skin needs it so very badly.

Soft and creamy, the texture is reminiscent of a clay mask and provides a cool minty touch to the skin, after application. On parched areas, it stings slightly.
The tube, made of soft pliable material, has a large gap that has the cream oozes out easily when its being depressed. It gets slightly cumbersome once the contents are at the end as you have to depress the tube with more strength, just to get the contents out.

10 minutes is all it needs to work its magic on parched skin. It delivers moisture to all the dehydrated areas just where you need it most. Flakiness disappeared, leaving in its place, well-hydrated, refreshed and comfortable skin. Redness that is caused by dehydrated or parched skin will also be greatly reduced. However, this mask is best used as an emergency hydrating mask because the effects do not last very long. For that important date in the evening or an important meeting with a client in 2 hours' time, this mask definitely helps.
You do need daily application for several days before the effects last beyond a day.

It scored 4 from 22 users on Makeupalley.

Update (30th Oct 13) :
With my second tube, I realized its not that effective on my skin anymore. Flakiness is still apparent after usage. I probably would not get the next tube.

Source : Strawberrynet

Review : Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment

Product Description
The perfect companion to the original classic for your face, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment is a fast-absorbing gel cream that contains soothing emollients to smooth and soften rough, weather-exposed skin.
This luxurious Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment will fight signs of dryness and cracking, so hands look and feel soft and touchable. The feeling will of course last for up to eight hours!

I picked up the 30ml hand cream size from my local airport mid last year, which looks like just the right size for me to use it in the office. It comes in a ruby red tube that screams sexy, in my opinion. The kind of red that resembles a dress with a matching pair of red heels on the red carpet.

Elizabeth Arden is a brand that I usually associate with the mature crowd and "eight hour" is one of their raved range of products. I have never use any of their products before, except for their fragrance "Arden Beauty" which is one of my favourites. This hand cream is a Winner of Glamour Magazines 20 Best Beauty Buys! Touted as "One long-lasting hand cream". It also garnered awards from Harper's Bazaar Magazine (Singapore), 2007; InStyle Magazine (Australia), 2006

Features:
An all-purpose fast absorbing gel cream.
Moisturizes up to eight hours.
For symptoms of chapped or peeling due to sunburn or windburn.
Special smoothing for rough spots on feet hands or anywhere on body.
Soothes and comforts minor weather burns, scrapes or abrasions.
Dermatologist, allergy and clinically tested.

Benefits:
Helps protect, soothe and moisturize skin.
Soothes dry skin and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Protects the skin against environmental damage and fights free radicals

Being a poor scent descriptor, I can only say it smells slightly of the herbal scent though its not pungent. The white cream looks and feels light but goes on abit thick on the hands yet absorbed totally into the hands. There is no greasy residue.

Considering that its touted as an intensive moisturizing hand treatment and that it should be able to last for at least 8 hours, I expected better results. But it doesn't really moisturise my hands that long and I tend to re-apply again because it seems to disappear without a trace after application. But it did leave my hands softer and smoother, just not moisturized.

It scored 3 from 48 reviewers on Makeupalley

Where To Purchase : Shopee

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant

Ingredients
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Decyl Oleate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Stearate SE, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Allantoin, Potassium Stearate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, BHT, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Fragrance, Citral Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Butylparaben, Etylparaben. isobutylparaben, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben