While I love finding the next big thing in beauty, I’m always on the lookout for hero products, too. Back when I was a celebrity makeup artist, I traveled the globe dabbing, swiping, and blending different products on my clients’ famous faces. That means I had to prioritize my product picks so I wasn’t constantly schlepping around every product on earth. I always had a few products on hand that could double or triple in use, which is why the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant was one of my top picks — and still is to this day.
You probably recognize the famous tube. Used by a myriad of stars from Reese Witherspoon to Zendaya, the highly moisturizing do-it-all product has been around since the 1930s, per the brand. The classic formula is made with emollient ingredients that create a protective barrier on skin like petrolatum and lanolin, as well as vitamin E and salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation. Thanks to its gentle and versatile ingredients, it soothes and heals skin, but can also be used as lip gloss and to tame flyaways.
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During winter months I suffer from random dry patches on my face. (Anyone else?) But instead of changing everything I use, I pat some of the Eight Hour Cream on the dry patches after my skincare routine. The next morning my skin is consistently smooth; it works on dry elbows and heels as well.
But the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant isn’t only for skin-repairing. If I’m feeling kind of blah, I fake the look of dewy skin by blending a small amount of the cream on the apples of my cheeks. Sometimes when I’m in an extra fancy mode, I’ll add some glow by dotting over the arch of my brows. In a pinch, I’ll use on my lips in place of lip gloss for softening and shine. And while I don’t love the over shiny leg look, smoothing some Eight Hour Cream on my legs before an event helps with that shimmery long-legged look. Plus, it works just as well on hair as it does skin. I’m obsessive about my brows, so I’ll use a tiny amount of the cream and smooth it on my brows in an upward motion to get them in place. I also use it for flyaways, frizz, and random split ends — you name it.
I’m not the only fan of the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant of course — it has more than 5,310 five-star ratings at Amazon. “I have been using this at night all around my eyes for 25 years,” one shopper wrote. “I am 65 and look 45. No wrinkles, thank you Elizabeth Arden.” Another customer with “super sensitive skin” and dry eyelids said the cream helped their skin go “back to normal.” Take it from one loyal fan who said they “would give this item six stars” if they could.
A few things to keep in mind: This isn’t a light or sheer product. It’s thick and goopy and takes a bit of work to get the right consistency. I’d advise experimenting by squeezing out a pea-sized amount, warming it in the palms of your hands and then applying. Also notable, even the most loyal users have a love/hate relationship with the smell, which can be slightly medicinal.
However, thanks to its versatility, it’s so worth the buy — trust me. Snag your own tube of Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant at Amazon for $29.