Eastern Experiments: Intervene Makeup by Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden
Intervene Makeup SPF 15
Soft Sunbeige

This new liquid makeup with Biodormin skincare benefits helps put a pause on aging signs. Micro-mineral pigment technology smooths away imperfections for brighter, even-toned skin, as it delivers all day coverage, color-true shades, and a soft natural finish.

If you’ve been around Beauty Bento Box long enough, you’d know that I’ve been searching for the right sort of foundation to use. Brief background on my makeup application preference, I like it natural-looking and low-maintenance. I’m all for easy applications cuz I spend too much time preparing as it is. I’m currently using mineral makeup and I’m a bit satisfied with it, however, I’m still yearning for something that’s easy to apply, will even out skin tones, provide maximum coverage, light on the skin, and long wearing. Tall order, yeah?

Trouble I’ve encountered with mineral makeup is that I have to make sure my skin isn’t wet during application, otherwise, the makeup has the tendency to stick in concentrated amounts on areas of the skin that’s wet. Same goes with any (loose) powder-based makeup. I often find it hard to make sure that I’d end up with even-toned skin, hence, spending more time fixing it. So, even when I have a foundation in hand, I’m more reliant on my concealer to do the work. Yea, that’s guerrilla-style makeup application.

I’ve toyed with the idea of getting liquid for sometime now but I’m plagued with memories of cake finishes, messy applications, makeup shades clashing with my skin tone and the feeling that I was wearing a mask. I guess, you can understand my hesitation, yea? However, getting the chance to sample Elizabeth Arden’s new liquid foundation, Intervene Makeup (with Biodorminý technology), I’ve managed to replace the memories of a horrific experience with a very positive one.

I’ve already read a lot of positive reviews on the makeup but I knew it had to be tested on my Asian skin. I’m one of the lucky ones who don’t have an acne problem but I’m in no way blemish-free. If you look closely at my skin pre-Intervene (photo on the left), you’ll see that I’ve got a lot of beauty marks, I do get zits, open pores, lines and wrinkles (hey, I’m 30!), veins showing near the mouth area, pox scars and dryness along the jawline lately (sigh). I have combo skin, highly dependent on humidity, but it’s manageable. But, boy, do I wish I could have flawless, porcelain-like skin.

Applying Intervene wasn’t as messy as I thought it would be. The dispenser allowed me to control the amounts of makeup I’d squeeze onto my fingertips (yea, I happen to think that the hands are the best beauty tools). I had more control in applying and blending. I was able to apply it quickly and effortlessly, it just glided over my skin. I had also expected a bit of discomfort, i.e. sticky, itchy and wet feeling, on my face but I was disappointed. It felt cool and wet at the start but I ended up with a powder-like finish. Then when I moved on to applying the rest of the makeup to complete the mini-makeover, I was also surprised how easy it was. It felt like I was simply applying makeup on bare skin.

Verdict? Wearing Intervene helped change how I view liquid makeup. It certainly didn’t make me feel like I had a mask on. I loved how my skin looked smooth, radiant and soft. The makeup looked natural enough — the shade Soft Sunbeige went well with my skin tone — that it can simply be mistaken as that of a glowing and healthy skin. Which also reminds me that since I’m not getting any younger, I do need to think about taking care of my skin more, ergo, using beauty products that will help in that department and I’m not just talking about hiding the lines and all. The Sun can cause a whole lot of damage on the skin (esp around the face where skin is sensitive), so wearing SPF or sun protection is always a good thing. Intervene has that, alongside antioxidant Vitamins C and E. It’s also non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic.

I’ve only just tried Intervene. I’m guessing I need a week or two to fully gauge if it really suits my skin. So far, I’ve got no complaints, though. I’ll update you guys if I’ve got new things to add. Meanwhile, here’s a look at the makeup after 6 hours (exposure: night, 26° C, humid and wet). No retouch.

Not bad, eh? Makeup’s still intact.

Mini-makeover includes: (all are Elizabeth Arden) Intervene Pause & Effect Moisture Cream SPF15, Intervene Makeup Bronze Beauty Color Intrigue Bronzing Powder Duo, Flawless Finish Maximum Coverage Concealer (Fair 01), Smoky Eyes Powder Pencil (Smoky Black 01), Lash Extending Treatment Mascara (Ceramide), and Crystal Clear Lip Gloss.

Intervene Makeup SPF 15 is available at Elizabeth Arden for only $36.