Elizabeth Arden – Viridian Bloom & Violet Bloom Limited Edition Eye Shadow Trios

Disclosure: Press samples

EA Viridian Bloom and Violet Bloom opener

Taking inspiration from the kaleidoscope of flowers bursting into bloom in New York at this time of year, the two Limited Edition Eye Shadow Trios from the Elizabeth Arden ‘New York In Bloom’ Color Collection (Spring/Summer 2013) come in the brand’s newly revamped luxe gold-coloured compacts, embellished with whimsical floral enamelled covers – purple for the ‘Violet Bloom Eye Shadow Trio’ and azure for the ‘Viridian Bloom Eye Shadow Trio’. With a nice mix of textures in each compact and the ability to wear these shades either dry or wet, their versatility as well as portability makes these eye shadows perfect Summer essentials. According to the company:

“Created through a proprietary process, each pigment is coated with emollients and long wearing ingredients. Mineral Mica and Nylon act as optical diffusers, softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles”

… then there’s the adorable look of the floral texture embossed on each eye shadow trio – almost too pretty to use!

Elizabeth Arden – Viridian Bloom & Violet Bloom Eye Shadow Trios

Elizabeth Arden – Viridian Bloom & Violet Bloom Eye Shadow Trios (ingredients list)

Elizabeth Arden – Viridian Bloom Eye Shadow Trio

Viridian Bloom Eye Shadow Trio (CAD $38.00 5 g/.17 oz) – Three coordinating eye shadow stripes in shades of aqua/teal (iridescent shimmer), abalone (soft metallic), and earth (matte). I experienced a mild powdery kickback from each shade, although the texture remains very finely milled and pigmentation is quite consistent and solid with all – the lightest shade included. The multi-tonal shimmer of the teal shade is complex and totally unique, while blending was effortless with the three colours, with lasting power going well beyond the 8-hour mark.

Elizabeth Arden – Viridian Bloom Eye Shadow Trio (swatched on unprimed skin)

Elizabeth Arden – Violet Bloom Eye Shadow Trio

Violet Bloom Eye Shadow Trio (CAD $38.00 5 g/.17 oz) – Three coordinating eye shadow stripes in shades of taupe/mauve (iridescent shimmer), icy rose (soft metallic), and diffused aubergine (matte). Of the three colours in this palette, the darkest hues yielded the best colour payoff and application, with the pink center shade being slightly dryer and stiffer to work with when dry – much smoother and easier to apply when wet. Taupe-lovers will absolutely LOVE the version in this palette, with its complex iridescent shimmer and ultra-smooth application. The darkest colour is almost a soft-focus kind of shade, as it provides a beautiful depth of tone, without appearing harsh. As expected, lasting power was longest with the deeper tones, although the pink shade held its own when applied damp.

Elizabeth Arden – Violet Bloom Eye Shadow Trio (swatched on unprimed skin)

Last word: Of the two compacts, I absolutely love the deeper colours of Violet Bloom – although the three complimentary shades of Viridian Bloom are totally exquisite. The quality of each palette is surprisingly high-end (without the accompanying high-end price tag), displaying a richness to the eye shadow colours and with the exception of the palest pink hue, pigmentation payoff was excellent as well. All in all, there is much to recommend each trio and well worth checking them out in person next time you find yourself at an Elizabeth Arden counter.

The ‘New York In Bloom’ Spring/Summer 2013 Color Collection will be available for a limited time at all Elizabeth Arden counters. Feel free to follow the brand via twitter/facebook for all updates.