Day 4 of the series Cosmetic Brands You Need to Know features the line ELLIS FAAS. Ellis Faas enthusiast Barb introduces us to the line.
 Ellis Faas makeup is such a unique and user-friendly system of face, lip and eye colors that it could very well make all of your other makeup obsolete. The line is currently sold at Bergdorf Goodman in NYC, where I made my purchase via telephone. It can also be purchased online (prices listed in Euros.) The Ellis Faas website gives a brief history of the creator of the line and great descriptions of the products and usage. My only complaint is that the color swatches are not true to the actual shades — they appear much “cooler” in the online pictures than they are in real life. That said, the Bergdorf Goodman staffers (Claudia and Colin) are very adept at color descriptions and can help with shade choices.
 All the products are in liquid form, except for the pressed powder. Each product comes in a pen-like applicator which then fits into a sleek silver cylindrical “holder.” As you turn the holder, a lip or eye or foundation pen will pop up for easy access. I wanted to start with a full holder, which would include a foundation (in the center hole) and six lip and/or eye shades. The powder compact fits neatly into the holder’s lid. I thought a full holder might be too heavy or awkward for travel, but I was wrong; it’s lightweight and convenient.
The lip colors come in three formulas: creamy (full coverage), milky (stain to moderate) and glazed (glossy.) The eye shadows come in two formulas, creamy (opaque) and milky (rich and more sheer.) I opted for a foundation, concealer, powder, creamy eyes, milky eyes, milky lips and eye liner. Unfortunately, I haven’t had an opportunity to receive the eye liner yet since the mechanism is in the process of being reworked by the company. The shades have no names, just numbers, which I find much more difficult to learn and use as reference. All of the shades I chose are extremely workable: L203 lip color, which is a neutral plummy brown; E109 eye shadow, a creamy off-white with a tinge of khaki; E203 eye shadow, a luscious, sheer deep gray with a hint of plum; S102 foundation (the second lightest shade); S201 concealer (the lightest shade); S401 powder (fair translucent); and, S302 blush (a stunning medium pinky peach.)
 Let’s talk about texture, which is what this line is about. The foundation has a perfect finish–neither greasy nor drying, not goopy or watery– making my combination (aging!) skin even-toned and luminous. I don’t always use the powder, but may do so more in the warmer months, concentrating on the T-zone to keep the shine down. The concealer has a fairly thin consistency with the ability to give excellent coverage in the under eye area without settling into fine lines. The blush imparts a natural flush to my cheeks. I use the creamy shadow all over and then the milky shade on the lids for emphasis and contour. This look lasts all day, from 7 am until 10 pm, and that’s not an exaggeration. The best part: no tools other than fingers are needed for a full face of makeup application. Each pen has either a brush-tip or sponge-tip applicator that can be washed periodically. I prefer an initial pen application, using my fingers to then blend out the colors. These pens are so simple to use and the holder (genius!) looks great sitting out on a vanity or dresser.
I cannot wait to get to New York and see all of the Ellis Faas shades up close and personal. I plan on investing in more lip and eye shades in addition to the eye liner mentioned above. As with most boutique lines, it’s a little pricey but not outrageously so. For anyone who is really into quality makeup, EF is definitely worth it.
Read the rest of the series:
Day 1- Team Edward Bess
Day 2 – Old World Glamour with Besame
Day 3 – Meow! Cat Cosmetics
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