As the beauty industry continues to grow at record speed, fewer and fewer products manage to achieve the cult status of icons past. Like the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. Which was first introduced in… wait for it… 1930. And remained a favorite of brand devotees for generations. To attract a new crop of beauty aficionados, the brand recently launched Eight Hour HydraPlay–an ancillary inspired by the classic. This newness is lightweight and nowhere near the ointment-like texture of the original. Personally, I find it so much more user-friendly, especially for daytime. More below.
What is the new Eight Hour moisturizer like?
If you’ve tried the classic Eight Hour Skin Moisturizer (also called Skin Protectant), you know the consistency is rather rich. I also found it to be a tad greasy. After countless attempts, I finally admit that it works best for me as a healing ointment. Usually, during a rare incident when I need to calm a burn or a cut. The new Eight Hour HydraPlay formula takes a 180 degree turn from the classic. It appears to be oil-free and makes for a great multi-tasking, fast-absorbing facial moisturizer that could work on all skin types.
What’s in the new moisturizer?
Elizabeth Arden focuses on delivering the perfect balance of hydration and moisture in the new HydraPlay formula. It contains Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Squalane to ensure your complexion feels soft and looks plump all day. Or at least for the eight hours after you apply it. The brand also highlights “Botanical Blurring Complex” which sounds a bit mysterious and claims to help mattify excess oil and blur imperfections. There is no tint to this formula and the ingredient list does not list any silicones so the said blurring is very subtle.
About the Eight Hour scent…
If you ever tried the OG Eight Hour Cream, you probably understand why it’s also available in a “Lightly-Scented” version. The scent is a bit intense. It’s herbal. It’s medicinal. It’s quite present and does linger. The most prominent note I detect is something along the lines of Oregano. Luckily, the HydraPlay Moisturizer has the signature aroma very toned down. It’s there but it’s faint. In other good news, it also dissipates fairly quickly.
My take on Eight Hour HydraPlay
I look at the new HydraPlay formula as a great starting point for those looking to build a solid skincare routine. The formula leans more basic but that’s not a bad thing. If you’re after a multitasking moisturizer that is lightweight yet provides ample moisture and hydration without a trace of shine, this is a pretty good option. My combination skin does well with it during the day and my tinted sunscreen never pills when applied on top. The tube packaging with a pump dispenser does not go unnoticed making it a convenient addition to my travel kit this summer.
If you’re interested in exploring more of the Eight Hour ancillaries, both the Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment and Miracle Hydrating Mist for the face are superb.
$45 (50ml) at dermstore.com where you can use my affiliate code OMGBART which brings the price down to $38.25. You can also pick it up at ulta.com.
