Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24 HR Makeup

Some things are worth trying twice - and I am so glad I gave Elizabeth Arden's new foundation a second chance.

I have never been as excited about trying a product as I was trying Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin. I have been on a long quest for long-wear, full coverage makeup and after trying this and that I've always returned to old durable favourite, Estee Lauder Double Wear. Could this take Double's throne?

When Lizzy's new makeup came my direction I was dying to take all of my makeup off and shovel it back on again with the new contender, just to see if it really lasts for 24 hours (although seriously, in what world is a person up for 24 hours and still caring about if their makeup is still on?), if it stays matte and if skin looks enhanced rather than masked.

I refrained, and waited till I got home to take it too the test. That was my first mistake. Putting makeup on in artificial light just doesn't give you the Real Look. My second mistake was using an oil as a primer. What was I thinking?

Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin is designed as medium to full coverage foundation for normal to oily skin. I have oily skin. Why oh why would I put an oil base underneath makeup that's supposed to control shine? I'm putting it down to tiredness and enthusiasm (by the way a review for Lancome's Precious Oil is coming soon!)

Anyway, I had to wait ages and ages for the oil to stop being so, well, oily and when I applied the Flawless Finish the result, well, it wasn't good. Predictably, it didn't - it couldn't - work properly with an oil slick underneath. The coverage seemed very light and I had to top it up an hour later. The key, therefore, is to prep your face properly.

So, this morning, I cleansed, moisturised and primed (with my new favourite Dermalogica Redness Relief Primer) and applied the foundation. Ta-da! There was that full coverage pastiness I so require. The difference applying it on a properly primed face was incredible. It dries really fast so you have to be quick with your application and it's best to press in the makeup after smearing on the first layer to really get it right. It's buildable, so layering when required is possible, and there's no horrible cakey effect. The pastiness may be an issue for some people but let it be known that it doesn't feel pasty once it's set.

There is absolutely no need for powder, and while it sets with a matte finish there's still a luminosity that shines through (in a good way!) I usually pile on the concealer, pat on powder and spray with a fixer after foundation but today the only finishing touch I added was a dab of blusher on each cheek and that was enough! Let it be known that I have deep black eye bags and blemish upon blemish.

Elizabeth Arden would like you to believe that your skin looks perfected rather than masked but it definitely looks like you're wearing foundation. I don't mind this, but for those who want the truly natural look, stick with BB or CC creams. Still, the finish is pretty 'flawless' (as much as my imperfect skin can be) and it feels very light. It does rub off quite easily, however, so ease off on hugging people wearing white shirts.

Staying Power Monitor: After two hours it still looked fresh, but after three it had slightly worn off around my nose and chin. Update: It's been 8 hours and alas, I definitely need a top up. It looks quite powdery. However, I must add that I met a gal who was wearing the same foundation today and it looked fabulous on her at 3 o'clock!

It's available in 10 shades. I tried Alabaster which is the lightest of the light and it was perfect for me - if a little too light! I like it, it's a stellar foundation but at €38 it doesn't come cheap. However, the lack of need for concealer or powder may make up for this.

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24 HR Makeup is available at Elizabeth Arden counters now. Has it peaked your interest? Does it sound like something you need? Let's comment!