Three years in the making, the heavy-hitting skincare line from Elizabeth Arden, Prevage now has a foundation. Which as far as we're concerned, rounds off their anti-ageing offering quite nicely. We have had our mitts on this for a couple of weeks now, just to try it out, and while it acts like makeup, delivering colour, it has an instant firming and nourishing effect thanks to hydra-pigments and the powerhouse antioxidant, Idebenone. This particular antioxidant surpasses many others including vitamins C and E, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and kinetin for its ability to scavenge free radicals from the environment that damage skin, these include UV rays and pollution. In the same way a diet rich in antioxidants can have a protective effect when you're out in the daylight, layering a blend of powerful antioxidants on skin each day, can double your chance of staying safe in the sun. The finish of this makeup can be as light as a tinted moisturiser, with the same dewy glow, or add a dusting of powder, and you can get a heavier coverage. But in order to understand more about this new skin protector we asked Lavinia Popescu senior director of research and development for Elizabeth Arden, how this foundation can benefit not only the look, but the feel and texture of skin.
What inspired the development of a foundation in the Prevage line up?
We’ve heard from our consumers around the world that they wanted to get the anti-ageing benefits of Prevage in their cosmetics too. So we sought to create a foundation that infuses the environmental protection and anti-ageing benefits, with flawless colour coverage.
Regarding the formula, how is this foundation different from other existing Elizabeth Arden foundations?
While our foundation formulas provide skincare benefits the new Prevage foundation focuses specifically on providing superior anti-ageing benefits and environmental protection, to treat like skincare while perfecting like makeup. The lightweight formula combines Idebenone – the most powerful antioxidant with hydra-pigments that meld with the skin, creating a shield to help blur imperfections and retain moisture while delivering long-wearing colour.
What is the technology that enables this product to erase the signs of ageing?
The combination of vitamin C and L-Carnosine work to help boost skin’s natural collagen. This technology helps increase elasticity, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The overall clarity of skin is also improved.
With only eight shades, how does this foundation work for all skin tones?
We wanted to develop a lineup where one shade could span across a few different skin tones. The Elizabeth Arden existing foundation portfolio shade range has been developed using our 'Custom Color Technology'. This technology captures data for all skin colours from pink to neutral to gold undertones. That breaks the foundation undertones into four levels, targeting all ethnicities from our fairest Asian skin tones to our deepest South African skin tones. The formula also contains 'optical particles' that scatter any light that hits your face, so your natural skin tone is enhanced, making this foundation forgiving across all skin tones.
Can I skip my moisturiser when I use this foundation?
No, while the hydra-pigments in the formula help to deliver colour and hydrate skin, the foundation isn’t meant to act as your moisturiser. Your moisturiser will help add hydration to your skin, while the foundation helps to seal in moisture for the duration of the day.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-ageing Foundation SPF30, $106 comes in eight shades. Also new is Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF Hydrating Shield, $110, both are on counter August 1st.