Ode to the Magic of Edward Bess from Guest Reviewer Alexa

Today we have a lovely review from Alexa (aka Nekochama on MUA)! She is another Edward Bess enthusiast lucky enough to live in NYC and convinced me that I needed that Nude Eyeshadow, describing it as "not quite matte . . . has a subtle luster" and as a "fantastic basic to have in your stash" even if you already own Laura Mercier Buttercream and Nars Biarritz. She is one of my top resources because she's swatched and tried just about everything from EB in person.

Nars Biarritz, Laura Mercier Buttercream, Edward Bess Nude

Tell us a bit about yourself! I just turned 40 this year, so I've been rethinking my makeup choices, going for more elegant looks that are flattering rather than fashionable. For my skintone coloring, I'm a very warm NC20/25 with golden brown hair and hazel eyes.

How would you describe your beauty style? My beauty style is laid-back elegance. I like to look casual and effortless, but I will spend money on quality items like shoes, jewelry and luxury personal care.

How did you find out about the line? I live in NYC and have been going to the Bergdorf Goodman beauty level for nearly twenty years. I ran into Edward several years ago when he debuted his lipstick line. I'm embarrassed to say that I remember rushing by him to hit the Shu counter. Back then I just stuck with the established brands I read about in magazines. Sorry, Edward!

What do you love best about EB? I love Edward's dedication to quality! Each of his products are thoughtfully conceived, carefully manufactured and then elegantly presented. There's no flash over substance. You pay top dollar, but what you get is worth every cent. I hope he is able to protect these high standards as he becomes a mainstream brand.

Do you have any staples or top picks from the line? The first two products I bought are still my favorites: Deep Lust lipstick and Dark Blossom lip gloss. Both are sepia-toned reds that are somehow retro and modern at the same time. I also love his Sunlight luminizer, the texture is terrific and it gives me a subtle glow, making me feel fresh and dewy (never sparkly.) His eyeshadow in Intimate is another masterpiece: taupe can be ghastly with my warm coloring, but his is complex and plush, very flattering.

Nude and Intimate

Since you've been able to test many of his products, was there anything that didn't work for you? Yes: I bought the lipstick in Secret Desire, thinking it would be a dusty pink. Alas, it leans terracotta on me, and does not have enough pigmentation to cover my naturally rosy lips. But I adore every other lipstick of his that I have -- and I think I have eight or nine of them!

What other brands and products does an Edward Bess Girl love? Most of my other makeup is NARS. I particularly like his lipstick colors, so many deep tones and unique shades, but the texture and quality are not as good as Edward's. Products I cannot live without are Shu Uemura Basic mascara and cleansing oil, and Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.

Anything else you want to share with us? I have to add that I really love the scent of Edward Bess products. The lipsticks and glosses, even the bronzer, has a delicate wild fig scent that is just so lovely. I usually don't like my cosmetics to be perfumed, but he really hit the nail on the head with this one. I adore it. Perhaps he can add a fragrance to his line... pretty please?