Givenchy Ange ou Demon Le Secret

My newest perfume obsession is one of my first from Givenchy. My past few fragrance loves have all been florals and have all been light enough to wear in this spring. I have been looking fragrances with notes of roses, violets, and cherry blossoms. Normally, I don't go for jasmine fragrances this time of the year and had I not been given a sample of this fragrance last time that I was at Sephora, I might not have even noticed this fragrance. Jasmine is a favorite note of mine and I usually have to reserve it for the cooler weather months but with this fragrance, I can bring it into spring.

This fragrance is placed into the class of "florals" from Sephora. It also mixes it up a bit with a tea note, lessening the sweetness of the florals. "Fresh and luminous, the secret of this caressing, fruity floral is its "jasmine tea" theme. The fragrance faithfully reflects its in inspiration's transparency and delicacy. The result is an unimistakable signature, very Givenchy."

The notes of the fragrance are: Cranberry, Green Tea, White Peony, Sambac, Jasmine, Blond Woods, White Musks.

This is a very distinctive fragrance because of the cranberry and green tea notes. I don't own any other floral fragrances that smell even close to this one. I smell the cranberry and the green tea more than I smell any of the floral notes which is surprising since jasmine usually is one of the strongest notes in any fragrance. This fact in itself makes this fragrance appropriate for spring and very different than any other jasmine fragrance that I have used before. This fragrance has a light to medium intensity and will not overwhelm anyone standing next to you. This fragrance has a lasting power that is on the weaker side and I only get about two to three hours of wear from it. Maybe in humid weather this is will change but it is another aspect that makes this fragrance appropriate for warm weather (though I really prefer a longer lasting fragrance, I was not impressed that it was almost totally faded within two hours).

I like that I can wear jasmine in the summer with this fragrance and I like how unique it is. The green tea note sets it apart from all the other florals that have been released so far this saeaon (and last year too, I feel that this was first released sometime last year). This fragrance is one of the weakest lasting ones that I have worked with in quite a few months. The lasting power might have to do with the fact that most of the notes listed in this fragrance are considered as traditional top notes in fragrances. Therefore, these wear off the fastest and normally do not have the lasting power that ambers, woods, and musks do.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Givenchy Fall 2009 Collection - Les Poetiques

The fall collections that I have left to look at are winding down but I still have a couple more to complete the season, Today, we are going to look at Givenchy's latest offerings for this season. I have to admit that while I usually love everything I see at the Givenchy counter, I somehow never ending buying all that much from the company. I think that it is due in fact to my Urban Decay-itis (as I have now coined the term. So let's see what this company has in store for us for this season.

The description of the both the collection and the inspiration for the collection are rather long and quite detailed. "From wintery winds to the winds of time, echoing melancholy's mire, beauty emerges so sublime, painting a landscape of desire. At conformity, the mind rebels, yields to emotions running raw, in romantic dreams, elatedly dwells; why live, if not under passion's law? Just as fireworks need darkness to give birth to color, Romantics use shadows to exalt their passions, and let flowers grow. Born of winter and universal black, my 2009 autmumn-winter collection exhibits its uncontrolled sensibilities and the strength of its passions. Poetically, it borrows from the natural and enhances it with mystery. The dream emerges...a bed of roses...a stormy night...a first kiss...in a watercolour of emotions. Each woman has her mood, and each day, its surprise. Like feelings that "flood" the face, "Les Poetiques" naturally reveals the high-romance feminity of the Givenchy Woman. Each passion, and each woman, is unique." This description comes from the creator of the collection, Nicolas Degennes.

First thoughts? I love very pretty romantic makeup and I am getting pretty excited to look at the products in this collection.

Here we go...

Gloss Poetique - Limited Edition. The key to this poetic narrative is a romantic pink. A touch of dark mystery for feminine and romantic lips...Gloss Poetique, a pink gel in a black case, creates natural-looking lips, one of the collection's must-haves. Once seen out of it's black jar, this mysterious pink, crystalline gel, as soft as a caress, blossoms like the rose celebrated by the poets. The transparent pink "Poetique Rose", the collection's "flush of colour" enhances the natural hue of the lips by reacting to the natural pH level. Gel, translucent, and crystal-clear shiny texture, soft and melting, non sticky and gliding. Lips are glossy and naturally colored for a "bitten lips" effect.

Prismissime Eyes No. 58 Poetique Blues - Limited Edition. If, as poets say, eyes are the mirrors to the soul, Prismissime Eyes will capture it. Pink is painted into two iridescent harmonies having in common the most romantic hue: a soft and tender pink, in shaded hues ranging of fanciful hues N. 58 Poetique Blues. Nine pans of three shades each offer an inifinite number of looks, from the softest to the stormiest. Softness and lightness go here with comfort. Pearly, soft, and creamy texture for a long lasting comfort to your Eyes.

Prismissime Eyes No. 59 Poetique Browns - Limited Edition. If, as poets say, eyes are the mirrors to the soul, Prismissime Eyes will capture it. Pink is painted into two iridescent harmonies having in common the most romantic hue: a soft and tender pink, in shaded hues ranging of fanciful hues ranging from lyrical browns N. 59 Poetique Browns. Nine pans of three shades each offer an inifinite number of looks, from the softest to the stormiest. Softness and lightness go here with comfort. Pearly, soft, and creamy texture for a long lasting comfort to your Eyes.

Phenomen Eyes Limited Edition - High precision - Panoramic mascara - Perfectly curled and separated lashes. The ultimate touch for a passionate look, imbued with mystery and sensuality. The new shade for this collection is called No. 4 Poetique Grey Lavender. Givenchy's "star" mascara comes in a new shade, a black tinged with grey-blue. A tempestuous colour to soften and emphasize the eyes. Eyes are intensified with a dark but soft shade.

Parad Eyes Liner Limited Edition - Fluid eyeliner. For a look enhanced with just a line...The new shade for this collection is called No. 5 Poetique Grey Lavender. A new one shot shade: an elegant luminous blue, with blue mother-of-pearl, perfectly matching the Phenomen Eyes Limited Edition. Eyes are underlined for a more seductive look.

Rouge Interdit Limited Edition - Satin lipstick. Irresistable color. When your lips become an inspiration for a passionate poem. The new shade for this collection is called No. 45 Poetique Iris, a new limited edition shade: a highly romantic light bluish pink. The pink color of your lips is highlighted yet natural.

Rouge Interdit Shine Limited Edition - Ultra-shiny lipstick. A touch of shine...for a touch of passion! The new shade for this collection is called No. 23 Poetique Camelia, a delicate coral pink with a thin white mother-of-pearl. Lips are delicately colored with a sparkling and feminine pink.

Prisme Libre Limited Edition - Air sensation loose powder quartet. A new tender hamony which embodies softness and evanescence. The new shade for this collection is calledNo. 75 Poetique Orchid, an apricot, pink, yellow, and white...a rose bouquet with soft and tender petals, quartet accentuates and enhances your porcelain glow. A porcelain complexion, natural and luminous.

Wow! This collection reminds me a lot of A Rose Romance from MAC, which turned out to be my favorite makeup collection of the entire year so far. This collection could be a very close second to that one. The two items that I want the most are the Gloss Poetique and the Prismissime Eyes in the browns. I would also like both of the new limited edition lipstick shades and I am interested in trying the Prisme Libre loose powder. I already love the Phenomen Eyes mascara but I prefer all of my mascaras to be black so I will passing on this one.

I love this collection, pinks and roses suit me perfectly!

photo courtesy of Givenchy

Givenchy Summer 2009 Collection

It is with a bit of confusion that I write this entry about the newest collection from Givenchy. I went to the Givenchy website to find out more about the newest offerings and that website stated that the last collection released (the one I discussed earlier this spring) was the collection for both spring and summer. However, I had remembered seeing new products offered while I was browing around on the Sephora website several days ago. So after I searched the Sephora site again, I released that this new collection was a Sephora exclusive. Mystery solved.

The Sephora website offers little in the way of a good description (this is the major reason that I preferred to try Givenchy's website first) but this is what they have to define this collection, "Inspired by the body-sculpting effects of the sun, Givenchy enhances the face, eyes, lips, and cheeks of summer with drops of copper and gold for a feminine, glamorous look". Yippee...more gold, more bronze (are we noticing a theme yet?!)...

Here is the collection...

Glow to Wear - A satiny body enhancer that delivers a warm tint to skin. Givenchy Glow to Wear allows you to sculpt and enhance your body up, down, and all around with an effortless bronzy tint and glow! This satiny body enhancer contains a high concentration of mother-of-pearl to create a wet and shimmering finish - giving your skin a luminious boost. Available in the shade Sun Satin.

Mister Bright Touch of Light Pen - A highlighter pen that imparts a bronze glow. Givenchy Mister Bright Touch of Light Pen allows you to illuminate your face with the swipe of a pen. It's made with a high concentration of tiny, white mother-of-pearl to effortlessly highlight and illuminate features and bestow a lit-from-within glow.

- Dawnlight - sheer pearlized pink

- Sunlight - sheer golden bronze

Prismissime Mat and Glow - Sun Caramel - A summertime checkerboard of colors to adda sunny glow to the face. Givenchy Prismissime Mat and Glow imparts just the right touch of caramel to the complexion. Choose your texture - matte or pearly - to match your mood and personalize your luminous look. Blend, shade, or apply in touches for a variety of sculpting, illuminating, and perfecting touches. The nine shades can be mixed together or applied separately to the face, eyes, or shoulders.

Prisme Again! Compact Powder Quartet - This stunning quartet evens out the complexion with a light, transparent matte surface and two luminous colors to create an irresistably radiant and healthy looking complexion. Elegant and discreet, this two-level case also contains a mirror and a brush.

- Sun Mango - bronze sunkissed for light to medium complexions

- Sun Cinnamon - bronze sunkissed for medium to dark complexions

Prisme Again! Eyeshadow Quartet - This chic compact contains two different powder textures, both of them very fine, gentle, and creamy for a variety of effects: matte, semi-matte, satiny, iridescent, or pearly shine - choose your weapon! The two matte textures are in the two upper pans of the case and the two iridescent textures are in the lower two pans. This sexy bi-level mini case also contains three integrated applicators: two shadow shaders and a liner brush.

- Sun Reflection - pale green shimmer/silver shimmer/pale blue shimmer/gold shimmer

Pop Gloss Crystal - This light textured, non-sticky gloss combines moisturizing agents like castor oil and Givenchy's exclusive Pulp Shine Complex of active ingredients including: Pulp'up, a biomimetic tripeptide that stimulates the synthesis of collagen which helps to boost the lips' volume and Vitalip, that helps stimulate cellular activity for the lips, to make lips look more vibrant. Vitalip also acts like a scrub that removes dead cells and stimulates new cells.

- Sun Coral - shimmering peachy pink

- Sun Rose - shimmering muted orange

From this collection, I would really like to try the Prismissime Mat and Glow in Sun Caramel to see how well this works to complement my fake tan. Since this product contains nine different shades, I would hope that it can help to make a fake tan look more natural. Sometimes, I feel that my face doesn't always looks quite like I got a natural tan because it almost appears all one color. If this product could help to correct that issue, it would become Holy Grail material in an instant.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Givenchy Spring 2009 Collection - Maharani Spring

This spring, Givenchy released a collection that is based on India and the looks of India women. This reminds me a of spring version of last fall’s collection from Lancôme. There is not much different in the colors but I really wasn’t a fan of that one and I doubt that I will be a fan of this one. Here is the description from Sephora, “Inspired by the sensual and refined beauty of Indian women, this precious collection offers touches of bright, joyful oranges and pinks that are evocative of the culture's ornate clothing and makeup. Together, the sultry shades create a seductive look expressed through a soft healthy complexion, sensual lips, and—most of all—intense, magnetic eyes.” The collection itself is called Maharani Spring (Lancôme’s was called Maharani Jewels). I might be a fan of the pinks in this collection but I will be skipping the oranges.

The collection…

Sari Glow Iridescent Blush - Givenchy Sari Glow Iridescent Blush produces a naturally luminous complexion. Its terracotta texture is silky soft with iridescent mother of pearls that add a gleaming pop of color to the skin. The powder is customized with Indian bindies for the ultimate twinkling and color touch.
- 43 Maharani Pink - luminous rosy pink
- 44 Maharani Orange - luminous golden peach

Prismissime 22 Maharani Apricots - Givenchy Prismissime - 22 Maharani Apricots contains a collection of pearly and matte shades for a radiant complexion that looks and feels completely natural.

Prismissime 21 Maharani Pinks - Givenchy Prismissime - 21 Maharani Pinks contains a collection of pearly shades for a radiant complexion that looks and feels completely natural.

Magic Kajal Eye Pencil - Givenchy Magic Kajal Eye Pencil reveals the beauty of eyes with a very intense carbon black shade to apply around the inner rim of the eyelids. Inspired by the kajal used by Indian women, the pencil contains wax and oil—making the texture creamy and generous. The formula is enriched with vitamin E for a smooth application and is long-lasting—allowing your dark, eye-catching look to last all day.
- 1 Magic Black - carbon black

Precious Sari Glittering Eye Shadow - Givenchy Precious Sari Glittering Eye shadow allows you to reproduce the shimmering effect of a mirror-embroidered sari on your eyelids. This glittering gel formula is non-sticky and non-oily, and it creates a fresh sensation when applied to the skin. The unique packaging features precious golden Indian bindies on all four sides.
- 1 Maharani Silver - true silver shimmer
- 2 Maharani Gold - true gold shimmer

Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick - Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick - Spring 2009 is the Maharani version of the brand's emblematic lipstick. Inspired by earthy and henna tones, these shades create naturally lush lips
- 40 Maharani Rose - deep vivid rose
- 41 Maharani Henna - warm brick red

I think I will be passing on this whole collection. It could be pretty for a women with a deeper skin tone but will not work on my super-pale face.

photo courtesy of Sephora

New Mascara Number 2 - Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara

The second mascara that I decided to try is the one that I was looking forward to the most. And in my experience, when I really look forward to using something, I usually get let down because I build it up to be something so big that no product can ever live up to. I am referring to Givenchy’s Phenomen’eyes, the mascara with the brush that resembles a medieval torture device. This mascara has been lauded and highly criticized at the same time, producing a somewhat a cult like following.

Givenchy has a ton of information available on this product so I have a lot to review and write about. First is Givenchy’s overall description of the mascara, “Its innovative new design and high-precision application method will make all existing mascaras a thing of the past. For many women, applying mascara is still a difficult process. Without a steady hand, it is hard to get precise results. That’s why Givenchy has taken a leaf out of this daring new design offering a brand-new way to apply mascara. Givenchy’s groundbreaking patented spherical brush reaches everywhere. It simplifies application, for perfectly shaped eyes and spectacular panoramic results.”

Here is their description of the ball shaped brush, “The Phenomen’Eyes brush is made of an elastomer that helps it glide over the lashes. Shaped like a perfect sphere, with carefully distributed bristles, it offers precise application of the product and optimal separation of the lashes, with no clumping. Its spherical brush allows for high-precision application with freedom of movement through 360°. It seeks out every single lash, even the most difficult to reach, coating and shaping them from the base to the very tip.”

The description of the texture of the mascara, “The formula is based on water and a cutting-edge polymer. When the mascara is applied, the water evaporates, allowing the polymer to put its shaping, separating and lengthening powers to work in an optimal way. A dense, structured network forms on the lashes, which are shaped into a lasting supple curl with a spectacular panoramic effect. The formula contains D-Panthenol, which fortifies and restructures the lashes from the inside, making them denser and thicker.”

This was the hardest mascara so far that I have ever used. First, the directions said to start at the outside of the eye and sweep it all over the lashes, working your way to the inside of your eyes. The first time that I used it, I started by doing that then took the brush and starting at the inside of the eye, did the exact same thing to the in the opposite direction. Not a good idea - I ended up with about two huge, clumpy lashes. The best way to use this product is to start with the strategy that the company recommends then to take the ball and go over each lash by itself.
The result - huge, perfectly defined lashes!

Of course there are several things about this mascara that I don’t love. The formula is very wet and I feel that it never really dries so it smudges and clumps all the time. Also, it is hard to remove at night and usually takes some scrubbing with the eye makeup remover. Even after the scrubbing, I am still usually left with some traces of black residue under my eyes. This mascara gives a very dramatic effect and I have found that it can overwhelm some of the more minimal makeup looks that I do sometimes. So I alternate this mascara with Awake Stardom Mascara (more on this one later).

The verdict - I love this mascara for dramatic lashes and I feel that the drawbacks are not enough to stop me from loving it. I do recommend to alternate this mascara with another one because it gives a very dramatic effect. This one really didn’t disappoint like I was afraid that it would.
photo courtesy of Sephora

Givenchy Holiday 2008 Collection

I haven’t owned many products from Givenchy but since I really did love many of the products from their Fall 2008 Collection, I was quite excited to look at what they were coming out with for this Holiday. I was not disappointed by this collection. I am beginning to think that going forward, I will begin to regard Givenchy up there with NARS and Urban Decay in my personal favorite brands. The official description as found on the Sephora website is as follows, “Designed for women who like a little “sparkle” for a sophisticated evening look. Givenchy’s newest holiday collection offers a stunning complexion sculpted by touches of glowing light, shades of pink and purple shimmer on the lips, and bewitching deep shades for the eyes.” I love this collection! I am so excited to see pinks and purples instead of the traditional blacks and reds that are offered every single holiday. According to the Sephora website, this entire collection is exclusive to Sephora (however, I have heard that many times before and it often is not totally accurate).

The latest collection…

Prisme Again! Blush Quartet - Glowing Rose

Prismissime Eyes 9-Colors Eye Shadow - Tempting Chocolate

Phenomen’Eyes Mascara - Phenomen’Black

Rouge Interdit Shine Lipstick
- 02 Nude Shine - shimmering beige pink
- 07 Rose Shine - shimmering raspberry

Pop Gloss Crystal
- Rose by Night - sheer light pink with micro glitter
- Plum by Night - berry plum with micro glitter

Vernis Please! Nail Lacquer - Purple by Night - deep violet

I am in love right now. I actually haven’t been this excited about a Holiday collection since I looked at NARS (that is saying something HUGE)! I want the 07 Rose Shine lip gloss and I will not be resting until I get this color. I am wondering how close this color is to the always out of stock MAC Dazzleglasses. I will admit that I have never used a lip gloss from Givenchy so I can’t comment on the texture and wear of the Givenchy gloss. This color is all the motivation that I need to try this line out. I also really love the new blush shades in this collection but I would need to see this product in real life to decided whether or not to purchase it because I can’t quite tell from the pictures exactly how shimmery this color is and I am not a fan of really shimmery blushes. I love the idea of pinks and violets for this Holiday and I can’t wait to head out to Sephora to see this shades.

photo courtesy of Sephora

New Mascaras for Fall

Mascara fiend that I am, I made a list of all the new mascaras that I want to try in the upcoming months. Some of these are based on reviews from people, others are new products that have suckered me in.

They are…
- Guerlain Le 2 de Guerlain Two Brush Mascara
- Smashbox Bionic Mascara
- Givenchy Phenomen’eyes Mascara
- Excceptionnel de Chanel
- Too Faced Lash Injection Pin Point
- Benefit BadGal Lash in Blue
- Dior Diorshow Iconic
- Lancome Oscillation

What I will do is over the next few months, I will be buying and testing all of the above mascaras and deciding which are the best ones. The new Lancome one hasn’t come out yet and already has a very long waiting list, so this review might take a while…

Givenchy Fall 2008 Collection

One line that I haven’t tried anything from yet is Givenchy. Their colors and fragrances have never really had the ability to capture my business thus far. Until now. I fell instantly in love with their newest mascara offering the second that I saw it in a Sephora email. With that as the spark, I decided to do some investing about this line and look at all they had to offer in the area of makeup.

There are two must have products from this collection; the Pocket Beauty Case and the Prisme Again! Shimmer Eyes Limited Edition. I have seen both of these products in the beauty areas of the fall magazines but had never really given much thought to them other than liking them on first sight. We will discuss the Pocket Beauty Case first. It contains a pinky pigment that can be used on lips or cheeks and is housed in silver pocket-watch like accessory. Prisme Again! are two eye shadow compacts that allow the user to create the uber popular smoky eye look. Smoky Shimmer contains black shades and pigments to create a darker eye; Precious Shimmer contains one dark black shade and gold, pink, and white pearlescent shades to create a lighter smoky eye. These are housed in compacts that are based on the concept of the Givenchy suit. These two products alone throw Givenchy into a spot for front runner of the best fall makeup collection.

Oh but there is still more! There are two new shades in the Rogue Interdit lip color collection, Romantic Dandy and Fatal Dandy. Romantic Dandy is pinkish beige to giver a naturally flushed and innocent look. Fatal Dandy is just the opposite of this. It is an elegant red meant to draw major attention to the lips of the wearer. There are also two new shades of the Pop Gloss, also called Romantic Dandy and Fatal Dandy. Think the previous two descriptions lightened up on the pigment with a shimmery texture. Most importantly, Givenchy released a new shade in the Captiv Eyes mascara. Following the trend of this collection, it is called Dandy Black and it the deepest black that can be found in a mascara formula.

I haven’t even begun to discuss what originally drew me to this collection in the first place; the brand new, ultra innovative Phenomen Eyes Mascara. However, with all the raves about this product, it is important enough to me to warrant its own write up. So, my dear readers, you may have to wait a turn for me to write all about this amazing piece of craftsmanship in a mascara tube.

Lines That I Have Never Tried

When I look through my train case, it seems like I have makeup from every single line carried in Sephora and major department stores. However, as I read magazines and look through people’s reviews on Makeup Alley, I feel like I only own products from a couple of lines. So I complied a list of several lines that I hear a lot about but still haven’t had the chance to try any of the products from.

The lines are…
- Stila

- Lancome

- Shu Uemura

- Lorac

- Make Up Forever

- Clarins

- Bobbi Brown

- The Body Shop

- Givenchy

I think that I as I begin to look for new fall makeup, I am going to investigate many of these lines. My goal is that within the next six months to a year, I will have tried products from every single one of these line.