Givenchy Rouge Interdit 39 Absolutely Irresistible Red Satin Lipstick Limited Edition

Because there can never be enough perfect red lipsticks.

Givenchy makeup deserves to have brand ambassadors that are better than the average bored Sephora SA. The luxurious formulas and rich colors are lost in the general chaos and tackiness of the stores. Rouge Interdit lipsticks are especially fabulous- an almost glossy-creamy texture with a beautiful satin finish and impressive tenacity (very little if any transfers to your glass and some of the pigment is still visible after dinner). The lipstick glides on effortlessly and applies like a dream with or without a brush (do use a brush if you're getting a dark shade). It glosses over any imperfection and feels comfortable and a little moisturizing.

Absolutely Irresistible Red (#39) is as classic as they come, all Hollywood in its golden age. It has a pink(ish) base that doesn't come across in the tube but can be noticed in the swatches- both on paper and on my arm. I find it incredibly flattering and sexy. And quite irresistible.

Bottom Line: bold and beautiful.

Givenchy Rouge Interdit 39 Absolutely Irresistible Red ($28) is a limited edition and exclusive to Sephora, in store and online.

All photos are mine (and let's keep it that way).

Givenchy Rouge Interdit 39 Absolutely Irresistible Red Satin Lipstick Limited Edition

Because there can never be enough perfect red lipsticks.

Givenchy makeup deserves to have brand ambassadors that are better than the average bored Sephora SA. The luxurious formulas and rich colors are lost in the general chaos and tackiness of the stores. Rouge Interdit lipsticks are especially fabulous- an almost glossy-creamy texture with a beautiful satin finish and impressive tenacity (very little if any transfers to your glass and some of the pigment is still visible after dinner). The lipstick glides on effortlessly and applies like a dream with or without a brush (do use a brush if you're getting a dark shade). It glosses over any imperfection and feels comfortable and a little moisturizing.

Absolutely Irresistible Red (#39) is as classic as they come, all Hollywood in its golden age. It has a pink(ish) base that doesn't come across in the tube but can be noticed in the swatches- both on paper and on my arm. I find it incredibly flattering and sexy. And quite irresistible.

Bottom Line: bold and beautiful.

Givenchy Rouge Interdit 39 Absolutely Irresistible Red ($28) is a limited edition and exclusive to Sephora, in store and online.

All photos are mine (and let's keep it that way).

Givenchy Rouge Interdit 39 Absolutely Irresistible Red Satin Lipstick Limited Edition

Because there can never be enough perfect red lipsticks.

Givenchy makeup deserves to have brand ambassadors that are better than the average bored Sephora SA. The luxurious formulas and rich colors are lost in the general chaos and tackiness of the stores. Rouge Interdit lipsticks are especially fabulous- an almost glossy-creamy texture with a beautiful satin finish and impressive tenacity (very little if any transfers to your glass and some of the pigment is still visible after dinner). The lipstick glides on effortlessly and applies like a dream with or without a brush (do use a brush if you're getting a dark shade). It glosses over any imperfection and feels comfortable and a little moisturizing.

Absolutely Irresistible Red (#39) is as classic as they come, all Hollywood in its golden age. It has a pink(ish) base that doesn't come across in the tube but can be noticed in the swatches- both on paper and on my arm. I find it incredibly flattering and sexy. And quite irresistible.

Bottom Line: bold and beautiful.

Givenchy Rouge Interdit 39 Absolutely Irresistible Red ($28) is a limited edition and exclusive to Sephora, in store and online.

All photos are mine (and let's keep it that way).

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue

Here's some more blue mascara love. I'm on my third regular black Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes mascara, so a new addition to this range and a blue one at that was very welcome. Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension has the same spheric brush of the original Phenomen'Eyes, but the formula is noticeably different. It's a bit thinner and is decidedly more lengthening than volumizing. The result is less dramatic, especially in this muted blue shade, but quite sophisticated.

I find that I might actually prefer the original Phenomen'Eyes formula because I like the extra volume, but since it doesn't come in blue and this shade is lovely and elegant, I can deal. I have a feeling that Effet Extension Formula might not perform as well for those with sparse or fine lashes, because it would not have enough hold, thus resulting in smudging. It's just a hunch, though, and I can't prove it. My sister has similar lashes to mine and I suspect the husband wouldn't be thrilled if I used him as a test subject this time.

On my lashes there are no longevity or performance issues. The mascara holds from morning to night, responds well to curling and looks fabulous. I'd be happier if they offered this blue color in the original Phenomen'Eyes formula that gives a lot more visibility and volume, but on the other hand it makes Effet Extension daytime appropriate, so that's something.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue ($29) is a Sephora exclusive.

Photos are mine.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue

Here's some more blue mascara love. I'm on my third regular black Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes mascara, so a new addition to this range and a blue one at that was very welcome. Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension has the same spheric brush of the original Phenomen'Eyes, but the formula is noticeably different. It's a bit thinner and is decidedly more lengthening than volumizing. The result is less dramatic, especially in this muted blue shade, but quite sophisticated.

I find that I might actually prefer the original Phenomen'Eyes formula because I like the extra volume, but since it doesn't come in blue and this shade is lovely and elegant, I can deal. I have a feeling that Effet Extension Formula might not perform as well for those with sparse or fine lashes, because it would not have enough hold, thus resulting in smudging. It's just a hunch, though, and I can't prove it. My sister has similar lashes to mine and I suspect the husband wouldn't be thrilled if I used him as a test subject this time.

On my lashes there are no longevity or performance issues. The mascara holds from morning to night, responds well to curling and looks fabulous. I'd be happier if they offered this blue color in the original Phenomen'Eyes formula that gives a lot more visibility and volume, but on the other hand it makes Effet Extension daytime appropriate, so that's something.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue ($29) is a Sephora exclusive.

Photos are mine.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue

Here's some more blue mascara love. I'm on my third regular black Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes mascara, so a new addition to this range and a blue one at that was very welcome. Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension has the same spheric brush of the original Phenomen'Eyes, but the formula is noticeably different. It's a bit thinner and is decidedly more lengthening than volumizing. The result is less dramatic, especially in this muted blue shade, but quite sophisticated.

I find that I might actually prefer the original Phenomen'Eyes formula because I like the extra volume, but since it doesn't come in blue and this shade is lovely and elegant, I can deal. I have a feeling that Effet Extension Formula might not perform as well for those with sparse or fine lashes, because it would not have enough hold, thus resulting in smudging. It's just a hunch, though, and I can't prove it. My sister has similar lashes to mine and I suspect the husband wouldn't be thrilled if I used him as a test subject this time.

On my lashes there are no longevity or performance issues. The mascara holds from morning to night, responds well to curling and looks fabulous. I'd be happier if they offered this blue color in the original Phenomen'Eyes formula that gives a lot more visibility and volume, but on the other hand it makes Effet Extension daytime appropriate, so that's something.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Blue ($29) is a Sephora exclusive.

Photos are mine.

Givenchy Insensé

When Insensé was launched by Givenchy in 1993 the typical perfume shopper (be it the man or the woman who buys his grooming products) was not ready for it. Of course, that was before the niche perfume scene exploded- Serge Lutens has only opened his Salon a year earlier and Frederic Malle was still seven years away from launching his Editions de Parfums. A decade later, a men's fragrance in the style of Insensé might have been easy to accept from a smaller house, but in 1993 when designer scents started to be all about air and water, a big aldehydic fougere with a side of oakmoss had absolutely no chance.

Insensé is too complex for its own good. The aldehydes, lavender, bergamot and assorted greens make the top notes sharp and assertive. Insensé and its wearer are here to be noticed, and those sensitive to aldehydes are likely to recoil right away, especially if they associate this fizzy note with traditional and very French feminine fragrances. To keep things masculine there's quite a bit of greenery and balsamic resin. They are probably the reason Insensé was never fully embraced and adopted by women, unlike Givenchy Pi. Insensé, marketed as a masculine, has probably been perceived as neither here nor there and just too weird to have a mass appeal.

The thing is, Insensé might be one of the best scents of the early 90s. It's beautifully done, multifaceted and interesting. It has a quiet, confident elegance that comes from the fougere (lavender and green) accord, the dark gravitas of oakmoss and a very smooth, suave base. I wear it, masculine or not, because I like it and think it smells good on me. I recently decided it was time to share with the husband, who without knowing anything about it said the opening was borderline feminine. He thinks it's nice but is not (yet) a convert. More for me.

Givenchy Insensé was repackaged, most likely (though unconfirmed) reformulated and its current production status is unclear. The EDT in the original blue and yellow packaging can still be found here and there. Don't confuse it with the many flankers that came out under the name Insense Ultramarine.

Image: Givenchy Insensé 1994 ad- couleurparfum.com

Givenchy Insensé

When Insensé was launched by Givenchy in 1993 the typical perfume shopper (be it the man or the woman who buys his grooming products) was not ready for it. Of course, that was before the niche perfume scene exploded- Serge Lutens has only opened his Salon a year earlier and Frederic Malle was still seven years away from launching his Editions de Parfums. A decade later, a men's fragrance in the style of Insensé might have been easy to accept from a smaller house, but in 1993 when designer scents started to be all about air and water, a big aldehydic fougere with a side of oakmoss had absolutely no chance.

Insensé is too complex for its own good. The aldehydes, lavender, bergamot and assorted greens make the top notes sharp and assertive. Insensé and its wearer are here to be noticed, and those sensitive to aldehydes are likely to recoil right away, especially if they associate this fizzy note with traditional and very French feminine fragrances. To keep things masculine there's quite a bit of greenery and balsamic resin. They are probably the reason Insensé was never fully embraced and adopted by women, unlike Givenchy Pi. Insensé, marketed as a masculine, has probably been perceived as neither here nor there and just too weird to have a mass appeal.

The thing is, Insensé might be one of the best scents of the early 90s. It's beautifully done, multifaceted and interesting. It has a quiet, confident elegance that comes from the fougere (lavender and green) accord, the dark gravitas of oakmoss and a very smooth, suave base. I wear it, masculine or not, because I like it and think it smells good on me. I recently decided it was time to share with the husband, who without knowing anything about it said the opening was borderline feminine. He thinks it's nice but is not (yet) a convert. More for me.

Givenchy Insensé was repackaged, most likely (though unconfirmed) reformulated and its current production status is unclear. The EDT in the original blue and yellow packaging can still be found here and there. Don't confuse it with the many flankers that came out under the name Insense Ultramarine.

Image: Givenchy Insensé 1994 ad- couleurparfum.com

Givenchy Insensé

When Insensé was launched by Givenchy in 1993 the typical perfume shopper (be it the man or the woman who buys his grooming products) was not ready for it. Of course, that was before the niche perfume scene exploded- Serge Lutens has only opened his Salon a year earlier and Frederic Malle was still seven years away from launching his Editions de Parfums. A decade later, a men's fragrance in the style of Insensé might have been easy to accept from a smaller house, but in 1993 when designer scents started to be all about air and water, a big aldehydic fougere with a side of oakmoss had absolutely no chance.

Insensé is too complex for its own good. The aldehydes, lavender, bergamot and assorted greens make the top notes sharp and assertive. Insensé and its wearer are here to be noticed, and those sensitive to aldehydes are likely to recoil right away, especially if they associate this fizzy note with traditional and very French feminine fragrances. To keep things masculine there's quite a bit of greenery and balsamic resin. They are probably the reason Insensé was never fully embraced and adopted by women, unlike Givenchy Pi. Insensé, marketed as a masculine, has probably been perceived as neither here nor there and just too weird to have a mass appeal.

The thing is, Insensé might be one of the best scents of the early 90s. It's beautifully done, multifaceted and interesting. It has a quiet, confident elegance that comes from the fougere (lavender and green) accord, the dark gravitas of oakmoss and a very smooth, suave base. I wear it, masculine or not, because I like it and think it smells good on me. I recently decided it was time to share with the husband, who without knowing anything about it said the opening was borderline feminine. He thinks it's nice but is not (yet) a convert. More for me.

Givenchy Insensé was repackaged, most likely (though unconfirmed) reformulated and its current production status is unclear. The EDT in the original blue and yellow packaging can still be found here and there. Don't confuse it with the many flankers that came out under the name Insense Ultramarine.

Image: Givenchy Insensé 1994 ad- couleurparfum.com

Givenchy Midnight Look Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet

Josephine, the kitten in the photos, is not the only one enjoying Midnight Look, the new Givenchy Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet. I'm completely enamored with the sheer colors and the silky smooth application. Givenchy Le Prisme eye shadows have a way of having enough pigment to give a beautiful veil of colors without ever looking painted or harsh. Blending is quick and easy, so even a novice can get a sophisticated look with minimal effort. 

The swatches on my arm don't do justice to the color or texture. They're prettier and look far smoother (with no debris on skin, though there is some crumbling in the compact) on the lid. The colors in Midnight Look are cool toned and shimmery. They include a soft not-quite white pearl (1), light silver (2), gray (3) and midnight blue (4). They are fabulous for evening but I've worn 3 and 4 during the day (light application, of course, over a non-shimmery nude base) and liked the look.

Bottom Line: I'm already considering adding a Le Prisme Quartet in Khaki Egerie to my collection. You can see it in Karen's review here.

Givenchy Midnight Look Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet ($56) is a new addition to the permanent line. Exclusive to Sephora.

Photos, arm and kitten are all mine.

Givenchy Midnight Look Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet

Josephine, the kitten in the photos, is not the only one enjoying Midnight Look, the new Givenchy Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet. I'm completely enamored with the sheer colors and the silky smooth application. Givenchy Le Prisme eye shadows have a way of having enough pigment to give a beautiful veil of colors without ever looking painted or harsh. Blending is quick and easy, so even a novice can get a sophisticated look with minimal effort. 

The swatches on my arm don't do justice to the color or texture. They're prettier and look far smoother (with no debris on skin, though there is some crumbling in the compact) on the lid. The colors in Midnight Look are cool toned and shimmery. They include a soft not-quite white pearl (1), light silver (2), gray (3) and midnight blue (4). They are fabulous for evening but I've worn 3 and 4 during the day (light application, of course, over a non-shimmery nude base) and liked the look.

Bottom Line: I'm already considering adding a Le Prisme Quartet in Khaki Egerie to my collection. You can see it in Karen's review here.

Givenchy Midnight Look Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet ($56) is a new addition to the permanent line. Exclusive to Sephora.

Photos, arm and kitten are all mine.

Givenchy Midnight Look Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet

Josephine, the kitten in the photos, is not the only one enjoying Midnight Look, the new Givenchy Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet. I'm completely enamored with the sheer colors and the silky smooth application. Givenchy Le Prisme eye shadows have a way of having enough pigment to give a beautiful veil of colors without ever looking painted or harsh. Blending is quick and easy, so even a novice can get a sophisticated look with minimal effort. 

The swatches on my arm don't do justice to the color or texture. They're prettier and look far smoother (with no debris on skin, though there is some crumbling in the compact) on the lid. The colors in Midnight Look are cool toned and shimmery. They include a soft not-quite white pearl (1), light silver (2), gray (3) and midnight blue (4). They are fabulous for evening but I've worn 3 and 4 during the day (light application, of course, over a non-shimmery nude base) and liked the look.

Bottom Line: I'm already considering adding a Le Prisme Quartet in Khaki Egerie to my collection. You can see it in Karen's review here.

Givenchy Midnight Look Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet ($56) is a new addition to the permanent line. Exclusive to Sephora.

Photos, arm and kitten are all mine.