While it’s ultimately what’s on the inside that counts, a beautiful exterior is sometimes essential for attracting the person who’ll love you forever.

And, no, I’m not talking about the hottie who happens to catch your eye tonight (though the same principle can certainly apply ;)

I’m actually referring to my new love affair with the Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Eyeshadow Quad palettes and their special edition compacts.

Inspired by “The Pageant of Beauty,” a mural commissioned by Miss Elizabeth Arden herself in 1935, each special edition compact features one of history’s most timeless beauties. Gracing the covers of these compacts are Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, Mumtaz Mahal (the woman who inspired the Taj Mahal), and the “Twentieth Century Woman”, who represents the ideal of “modern” beauty in the 1930’s.

I recently received the “Neutral Cashmeres” palette and as taken as I was with the gorgeous image of the Twentieth Century Woman on the compact, I was also incredibly pleased with the eyeshadows that lay inside.

Ultra-silky and long-lasting, the Neutral Cashmeres palette includes four very wearable shades of eyeshadow. The three lighter shades have a nice, subdued shimmer that provides a subtle, non-sparkly sheen. The deep brown shade’s perfect when used as a liner or when layered on and blended for a more dramatic, smokey eye.

When applied without a primer, the color stays true for a good six hours before it begins to fade. This shadow also resisted any real creasing until after about eight hours.

As beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside, the Elizabeth Arden Color Intrique Eyeshadow Quad is a keeper and I recommend it.

The special edition palettes appear to be disappearing, though you may still be able to snag one at Macy’s. The regular palettes, however, are available at both Macy’s and at http://www.shop.elizabetharden.com ($30).