Review | Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® Cream 2012 Limited Edition Skin Protectant (The Original)

Fans of Elizabeth Arden’s iconic Eight Hour® Cream might be glad to know that it is now available in yet another limited edition version.

Like the new eyeshadows from the brand, the packaging draws inspiration from the Art Deco style. With its clean lines and symmetrical design, it’s also a tribute to the Art Deco architecture of New York, the birthplace of this world-famous skincare product. I particularly like the font that is employed – a timeless retro style, if that makes sense.

Though it’s described as a cream, it actually looks a little translucent…think honey. Well-known for its intensive moisturising properties, this amber-coloured salve promises to soothe chapped lips, smooth cuticles/nails, comfort dry skin, alleviate minor weather burns, scrapes and abrasions, and even act as a brow groomer.

I love my press sample for my knees – it immediately softens those rounded areas that are usually a little rough and sometimes chafed, especially with shaving. I also like how it offers palpable relief to my dry hands and cuticles, particularly after I’ve done a lot of washing.

Containing lanolin and mineral oil, it is a heavy-duty moisturiser that melts upon contact with the skin, leaving a somewhat oily sensation. It can seem greasy but thankfully, it sinks into the skin after a while. A little really goes a long way, so start with just a dollop before layering it on. Its thick texture locks moisture in, making it a good occlusive befitting its ‘skin protectant’ label.

Interestingly, it also contains salicylic acid which has mild exfoliating properties to encourage the shedding of dead skin cells, increasing the skin’s cell-turnover rate. This ingredient helps to unclog pores too.

Do note that a strong citronella fragrance – a herbal/medicinal sort of scent – permeates the cream but it eventually fades away post-application.

In Singapore, this limited edition jar retails at S$30 (50 ml).