The Hunt For The Perfect Lipstick -- A Pair From Elizabeth Arden

I've discovered Ulta, a Sephora-like cosmetic chain. Had to check it out. I mean, I can't let you, my faithful readers, buy from a store that doesn't meet my standards. :)

Here's a pair from Elizabeth Arden. For those of you who said "Who?" or "They're still around? I am happy to reply that EA is alive and kicking.





Candidate #1: Elizabeth Arden Ceremide Plump Perfect Lipstick, #15 (Perfect Pink)

Purchased: http://www.beauty.com/

Cost: $21.50

Candidate #2: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick With SPF 15, #4 (Plum)

Purchased: http://www.beauty.com/

Cost: $16.00

Brand Info: Elizabeth Arden, Inc.
Young Florence Nightingale Graham, a Canadian nursing student born in 1878, forsaw ways to use burn creams and skin salves as not just medicine, but preventative skin care to maintain healthy skin throughout life. At age 30, Florence moved to New York City and befriended a chemist, and together they began researching skin care lotions and potions. Florence also studied facial massage techniques with some of the city's best beauticians, the beginnings of what would become the Red Door Spas. Rechristening herself "Elizabeth Arden" in 1910, Florence opened her first Red Door Salon. She began putting together tinted rouge powders in 1912, and by 1916, Elizabeth Arden Cosmetics was fully born. In the 30s, the company expanded into fragrances; by the 40s, they'd added a clothing line; and by her death in 1966, Elizabeth Arden Beauty was a $60M business. After Arden's death, the company went through various corporate buyers until the board of directors took the company back from Unilever in 2003, creating "Elizabeth Arden, Inc.", a self-contained company once more.

The Tube: #1 is plastic-covered gold-toned and squarish, with slightly rounded edges. #2 is white plastic with a rubbery finish. The white tube has a silver ring mid-join that has "Elizabeth Arden" engraved on it. The gold tube has a gold-metallic disk at the top with the "Red Door", an engraved pic of Arden's "Red Door Salons". #1's top is about 3/4 of length of the whole tube and has "Elizabeth Arden" in gold metallic lettering. #1 has a goldtone sticker with black markings to indicate the color info, while #2 has a smaller white sticker with black print.

The Product: #1 is dark rose in the tube; #2 is plum. Bullet-shaped products with teardrop delivery point.

The Application: Both go on quite well. #1 is far pinker than it first appears. #2 is a sheer, gorgeous plum.

The Taste: #1 has no scent. #2 has a strong citronella scent.

The Blot: Both blot the same way--heavy first blot, light second blot.

The Wear: #1 stays and stays and stays #2, OTOH, comes off with minimal wear and tear (snacking, drinking water).

The Verdict: I'm not a fan of sheers or pink lipstick that screams "Pink!". I'll reserve judgement until after I review a red EA lipstick