The Island Escape (01) eye shadow trio by Edward Bess is a makeup bag essential and a staple for those mornings that the idea of choosing, matching and planning an eye look before the second cup of tea is too excruciating for words. The trio looks like the most mundane basic brown eye shadow palette, but we're talking Edward Bess here, so you know it's special.
The eye shadow trio includes a shimmery ivory (brighter and more shimmery than Edward Bess single color in Nude), a medium matte brown and a dark matte. The colors are different than any of the singles, so there's no redundancy (not that I would mind a travel-friendly palette made of the mono shades). They are also incredibly beautiful when applied; blending them is easy, fool-proof and results in a very professional and sophisticated look. Edward Bess uses his own eye brush to apply, define and blend all three colors into a very French style- add some black eyeliner and mascara and it's done (red lip optional). I don't have his brush skills, so I prefer using a couple more tools when applying the eye shadows, especially when working on the details. A contour brush and a smudger/liner brush are important to me, as well as a smoky liner (like Laura Mercier's) if I'm going between and under the bottom lashes.
Like all Edward Bess eye shadows, Island Escape trio is soft and luxurious. The powder melds with your skin and becomes one with it, staying put over a primer the entire day. This palette has seen a lot of action since I've taken the first photos and has traveled with me quite a bit. It doesn't take much space and the velvet pouch keeps the compact scratch-free and in nice shape. It makes life easier on the go and can be easily spruced up by blending a smidgen of a bolder color (navy, jade, teal...) onto the lid.
Bottom Line: a must-have for me.
Edward Bess Island Escape Eye Shadow Trio ($60) is available from edwardbess.com, Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus stores as well as online.
All photos by me.
