Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow in Mirage and Storm

Edward Bess is a man who knows eye shadow. His two newest Ultra Luminous Eyeshadows ($30) are elegant eye shadows, not eye candy. Mirage (at left above) and Storm (at right) are my kind of makeup!

With luminous color that is incredibly smooth to the touch, Ultra Luminious Eyeshadows have an ultra-rich texture that adds depth and dimension without screaming "Look at me." Instead, they divert one's attention to a woman's eyes, the gateway to her heart.

Mirage and Storm, beautifully profiled last week by Gaia at The Non-Blonde (pop over here and here), finally arrived at my house. I had worried that UPS might have swallowed them. When they finally floated in, on the wings of a warm-hearted delivery guy, they made my day (I should say night because my UPS deliveries usually arrive in the evening). I tore into them immediately, something I don't necessarily do at night. I have been wiped out since I went back to work in my office.

I love them both so much, I can't select a favorite. My photos won't convince you to run to an Edward Bess counter or jump online. I said they were shadows, and I meant that. Each shade leaves a wash of color on the eyelid. They are gorgeous, but don't lend themselves to great arm swatch photos.

Mirage is gold, and I am a gold groupie. I look good in gold (I think). It brings out the blue in my eyes, dressing them up without looking artificial. Storm isn't a storm, per se, but instead a storm warning, maybe a shift in the clouds or an overcast sky. It's a hybrid between grey and taupe, and it's buildable, so you can apply more or less, depending on your mood.

I should have applied some moisturizer on my arm to enliven the swatch colors. I didn't have time. I applied each shadow with a sponge-tipped applicator and darted outside before I ran off to work. The sun was out, but it was partially obscured by clouds. Mirage is shown at the top, and Storm below.

I don't know if you can appreciate the complexity of these shades from my photos. I hope you can see that Storm is unique. It's a shade you may not own - and one you should. While I have many gold eye shadows (remember I'm a gold groupie), I will reach for Mirage often. It straddles a perfect line between gleaming and sparkling. I love it.

Your skin tone may determine how these colors appear. They look different on Gaia than they look on me. As with many Edward Bess colors, they will morph to enhance your personal look. You have so many options to layer them - either with other Edward Bess Luminous Eyeshadow colors or with eye shadows in your collection. I think you're going to love their quiet sophistication.

From one of my earlier features about Edward Bess...

There's a refined, Southern aesthetic in Edward Bess's makeup. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina - a magical place - that has served as inspiration for artists for centuries. The artifacts of Charleston's past survive in its landscape, furniture, silver, art, homes, churches, cuisine, baskets, gardens tucked behind historic homes South of Broad, society, and superstitions.

Every day, Charleston comes to mind in my home, where I can enjoy and preserve a table from the Ravenal estate and a punch ladle that was made in New York for a Charleston couple's wedding in the 18th century, mementos that carry their history into my home. I associate Edward Bess's cosmetics with Charleston. I treat the makeup with the same reverence reserved for my antique treasures. Each piece evokes memories that have become part of my own history. Those touched by Charleston may leave, but Charleston never leaves them.

From the gardens tucked away from the street behind Charleston homes to Rainbow Row, with its pastel town homes, color is part of Charleston's milieu. That's why colors are Edward's specialty. These eye shadows are unique. Enjoy them!

Until recently, Edward Bess cosmetics were only available from Edward Bess online or Bergdorf Goodman. Last year, Edward launched his line at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills and Neiman Marcus at the Houston Galleria. Now, women across the country can experience the luxury of an Edward Bess counter purchase. I wish we had one in the DC area! I love immediate gratification, despite my love for my UPS guy.

Photos by BTiB