Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, the cult balm created in 1930, is currently on sale. A 50ml tube normally costs £31, but shoppers can reduce the price to £21.70 by using the discount code RPLC30, saving £9.30. The discount also applies to the rest of the Elizabeth Arden range, including perfumes, makeup and skincare.
Multi-purpose beauty staple
The bestselling balm is a beauty multitasker. It can be used to shape brows, smooth cuticles, add a glossy sheen to cheeks and soothe dry elbows, making it a product that earns its place in a bathroom cabinet long after trend-led skincare has come and gone.
Its appeal isn't just down to versatility; as its name suggests, the formula is clinically shown to hydrate and protect skin for eight hours. Elizabeth Arden recommends applying the cream liberally and as often as necessary, 'anytime, anywhere' it's needed, whether that's to tackle dry patches, soften rough skin or add a little extra glow.
Star backing and long-standing popularity
The cult product also has serious star backing. It has reportedly been a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, as well as celebrities including Victoria Beckham.
Another cult-classic moisturiser loved for years is Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+ (£55), formulated nearly six decades ago by dermatologist Dr Norman Orentreich and Vogue editor Carol Phillips. It aims to deliver hydration and soothing moisture while replenishing the skin's oil-water balance for a healthier-looking complexion.
Olay's Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid (£6.49, Superdrug) has been around since 1952 and remains popular for its lightweight, non-greasy daily hydration formula. It was designed specifically not to clog pores, making it suitable for various skin types, including normal, dry, and sensitive skin.
Shopper reviews
Back to Elizabeth Arden, the Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant has received more than 3,100 five-star reviews as of this writing. One fan shared: "My mom started using Eight Hour Cream more than 50 years ago. She passed at age 98 with a flawless complexion. This will always be an OG in our house."
Another wrote: "I was completely blown away by how light but moisturising and full coverage Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream skin protectant really is. At first, I was concerned it would be oily, but my skin was craving moisture, and it soaked right in. I have a problem with dry cuticles, and since applying this cream for a week, my cuticles have been healthy and moisturised and not cracked. I keep this in my purse because I need it at all times."
A third chimed in: "Wow! I love this product. I live in a very dry climate, and this product has saved my skin this winter. Even when I wake up the next morning, I can still tell my skin is moisturised." However, they noted: "The only negative I would say is it can be a little sticky (like lip gloss) and can get in your hair."
Another Elizabeth Arden devotee said: "This lifetime product has always been a winner. Over 50 years for me." And another added: "I didn't believe the hype but oh wow! What a cream! I've used it on my face, my hands, lips, hair (accidentally) and now my husband is using it on his weather-beaten skin too."
