Elizabeth Arden-Like An Old Friend

Good Day to you!  I always feel quite honored when you stop in to read my blog posts.  It really means a lot to me!
**CORRESPONDING VIDEO, PLEASE WATCH**:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN4Ys6YlmhM
Today I'd like to introduce to you my long time friend, Elizabeth.  She and I go way back.  You see, my Mother introduced me to her when I was about 12 years old and we've been friends since then.  We drifted apart for a few years but we're together again at last!
Of course I'm talking about Elizabeth Arden, the cosmetics company.  Here's a wee bit of history on the woman and the company:

Florence Nightingale Graham (December 31, 1884 – October 18, 1966), who went by the business name Elizabeth Arden, was a Canadian-American businesswoman who built a cosmetics empire in the United States. At the peak of her career, she was one of the wealthiest women in the world.

In 1909 Arden formed a partnership with Elizabeth Hubbard, another culturist. When the partnership dissolved, she coined the business name "Elizabeth Arden" from her former partner and from Tennyson's poem "Enoch Arden".

In 1912 Arden travelled to France to learn beauty and facial massage techniques used in the Paris beauty salons. She returned with a collection of rouges and tinted powders she had created. In an era when it was generally only acceptable for entertainers to wear makeup, Arden introduced modern eye makeup to North America. She also introduced the concept of the "makeover" in her salons.

Arden collaborated with A. Fabian Swanson, a chemist, to create a "fluffy" face cream. The success of the cream, Venetian Cream Amoretta, and corresponding lotion, Arden Skin Tonic, led to a long-lasting business relationship. This revolutionized cosmetics, bringing a scientific approach to formulations. Other innovations included creating foundations that matched a person's skin tone; creating the idea of the "Total Look" in which lip, cheek, and fingernail colors matched or coordinated; and the first to make a cosmetics commercial shown in movie houses.

During World War II, Arden recognized the changing needs of the American woman entering the work force. She showed women how to apply makeup and dress appropriately for careers outside the home. She created a lipstick called Montezuma Red, for the women in the armed forces that would match the red on their uniforms. 

In recognition of her contribution to the cosmetic industry, she was awarded the Légion d'Honneur by the French government in 1962.

Arden died in New York City in 1966 and was interred in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, New York under the name Elizabeth N. Graham. (taken from a Wikipedia article-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Arden)

When I was young my Mother used to use Elizabeth Arden products and one of my all time favorite perfumes is Red Door by this company.  It reminds me of so many good things from my past including my wedding day.  

Recently I found the EA counter in my local Dillard's store and had some money my Mother had given me for my Birthday.  The sweetest most genuine little woman from Jerusalem was working.  She spent well over 30 minutes talking with us, showing us things (but not pushing to buy), explaining in great detail how they work and about the company and gave us several hefty samples of some of their most expensive products.  She even said if she ever retires she would call me to take her job.  WOW!  What a dream that would be for me.  *sigh*

The first thing she showed us is the Ceramide capsules. (there is one for the face and another for the eyes) Here's what the package claims:

Pure, potent, intensive single dose capsules. Our innovative CLX Complex delivers the restorative power of Ceramides and essential lipids to help strengthen skin's barrier against the visible signs of time.

- Visibly improves skin tone and clarity.

- Supports skin's own natural collagen levels for a firmer, more resilient look.

- Works to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

- Retexturizes skin for a noticeably softer, smoother look.

- Fragrance, preservative and emulsifier free.

To open capsules twist tab around twice. 

I've been using them for five days now and I really feel they are amazing.  My skin feels a little firmer, smoother and definitely softer!  I am considering purchasing them even though they are a bit on the pricey side.  (maybe I should have asked for them for my Birthday..too late.) The ones for face and throat are $58 for a two month supply and the eye formulation is $52 for two months.  Pricey but not out of sight in my opinion.

The next thing she showed us was the Prevage serum.  Here are the claims on the packaging:

PREVAGE® transforms anti-aging skincare with advanced Idebenone technology, the most powerful antioxidant available today* with an EPF® rating of 95. Re-engineered to help create a reserve within the skin to release protective and corrective benefits when and where needed most. Measurably diminishes the appearance of lines, wrinkles, minor scars, redness, age spots and sun damage so skin looks younger than ever.

PREVAGE® Face addresses major skincare concerns with proven results:

- Fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and discolorations appear reduced.

- Redness and minor scars and existing sun damage look minimized.

- Skin looks firmer and more radiant.

I have also been using this for five days and I can honestly say the appearance of the discolorations on my face from acne scarring/hyper pigmentation has faded some.  You apply this cream in the morning and top it with your normal moisturizer.  The only thing I don't like about this product is the price...$155 for a 7 month supply.  I realize it's for 7 whole months but I just can't shell out that much money at once.  But oh how I would love to because I think it would really work to help the my skin's appearance and in turn I wouldn't have to use such a full coverage foundation.  Maybe one day....there's always Christmas!  LOL

The item I actually went to the counter FOR is this:

It's a skin protectant, moisturizer, glosser and more.  A lot of MUA's use it to "glossify" a model's skin, eye lids, lips etc.  You can use it to keep your brows in place, for your dry elbows, feet, hands etc.  I actually ended up getting a promotional package that contained the original cream, a hand cream and a lip treatment all for $25.  And they are all full size products! In the video I show you what it looks like and more.  Hopefully this was helpful to some of you who are searching for something to help your skin.  Thank you for stopping in today!