Givenchy Holiday 2009: Pricey Precious Pearls

Mon, 11/9/2009 by Karen | Posted in: Makeup

Givenchy holiday 2009 top

What shimmery pearls of makeup wisdom can we derive from the eight pieces in Givenchy’s new pearl-inspired limited edition Holiday 2009 collection?

How about “less is more”?

These pearlescent shades of gray, pink and beige bring subtle back in a precious gemstone kinda way (read: expensive). I swatched five of the items today, and subtle was definitely *in the house*, particularly when it came to the lip colors.

Givenchy holiday 2009 gloss interdit
Gloss Interdit Ultra-Shiny Color Plumping Effect in 20 Tender Pearl (top) and 21 Elegant Pearl (bottom), each $25

givenchy holiday 2009 gloss interdit pearl shine
Rouge Interdit Shine Lipstick in 24 Pearl Shine, $27

givenchy holiday 2009 rouge interdit shine pearl shine packagaing

givenchy holiday 2009 parad eyes liner mister bright
Parad’Eyes Fluid Eye Liner in Elegant Pearl (top, $27) and Mister Bright Touch of Light Pen in Moon Light (bottom, $32)

givenchy holiday 2009 swatches gloss interdit pearl shine
Rouge Interdit Shine Lipstick in 24 Pearl Shine

givenchy holiday 2009 swatches gloss interdit gray
Gloss Interdit Ultra-Shiny Color Plumping Effect in 21 Elegant Pearl

givenchy holiday 2009 swatches gloss interdit pink
Gloss Interdit Ultra-Shiny Color Plumping Effect in 20 Tender Pearl

givenchy holiday 2009 swatches
From left to right: Mister Bright Touch of Light Pen in Moon Light, Parad’Eyes Fluid Eye Liner in Elegant Pearl, Gloss Interdit Ultra-Shiny Color Plumping Effect in 21 Elegant Pearl, Gloss Interdit Ultra-Shiny Color Plumping Effect in 20 Tender Pearl and Rouge Interdit Shine Lipstick in 24 Pearl Shine

I think the release lives up to Givenchy’s standards as far as packaging and texture are concerned, and I really like the liner and Mister Bright highlighter. Overall, I think cooler-toned girls who like super-subtle colors may get the most out of the collection, and I’ll need more time to experiment with the lip products. Like real pearls, these shades may work better as accessories, and I get the feeling they’d POP louder layered on top of brighter shades.

What say you? Big yay or no way?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

So far, 36 people have commented on this post. How cool is that?

  1. 1. CC said, on November 9th, 2009:

    I don’t think those colors would do much for me, but wow, they sure are gorgeous to look at!

  2. 2. Citrine said, on November 9th, 2009:

    Wow, I love that silver liner and glittery lipstick tube(or is it just the lightin?)Anna Sui used to have glitter embedded in the black rose lipstick tube but now they replaced the old Victorian style packaging with more “realistic” rose pattern…

  3. 3. Sheila said, on November 9th, 2009:

    Thats really pretty, but on the lips it seems it can be a little more pigmented. The Elegant Pearl doesn’t look so wearable in the tube, but on the lips its gorgeous.
    Sheila’s last blog post… Officially a VIB!

  4. 4. Sharon said, on November 9th, 2009:

    The eyeliner looks gorgeous. I imagine it can really make eyes pop especially when used with a bright eyeshadow:-) maybe a jungle green color. The mister bright looks gorgeous. Too bad i doubt they’d work on a ddd like me.

  5. 5. shontay said, on November 9th, 2009:

    I really want to get my hands on this stuff. I don’t own any Givenchy products, but I’ve been playing with it in Sephora lately, and I really want to buy some stuff. I love the shimmer in everything. I want the silver gloss to layer on top of some lipstick. This stuff is right up my alley.

  6. 6. Ashley said, on November 9th, 2009:

    The Mister Bright Touch of Light Pen looks amazing aswell as the eyeliner. I think for the price they could be a little more pigmented though. They all have the right amount of shimmer but I’m wondering.. Does the Gloss Interdit Ultra-Shiny Color Plumping Effect, actually plump up your lips? I don’t see a difference :(

  7. 7. Kajal Couture said, on November 9th, 2009:

    The Mr. Pearl looks interesting, as does the liner, but I don’t know if I can justify the prices for products that are not Amazing. With this brand, I think using the products makes one feel luxurious, even if the product itself is not extraordinary.
    Kajal Couture’s last blog post… Urban Decay Friends and Family is Back!!

  8. 8. Catherine said, on November 9th, 2009:

    Oh man, the packaging looks gorgeous, but the lipstick and glosses are just too expensive for the color payoff, especially as I don’t like wearing sparkly lips during the daytime.
    Catherine’s last blog post… Regular Blogging Interuppted…

  9. 9. amy said, on November 9th, 2009:

    The Elegant Pearl gloss is definitely *blingtasic*! with the silver sparkles. I can imagine it will look very lovely as an over gloss. Pearl shine is nice too.
    amy’s last blog post… Enter the World of Daisy: Marc Jacobs Daisy Luminous Body Lotion Review

  10. 10. Christy said, on November 9th, 2009:

    Elegant is pretty….*drool* I agree, they look like pieces that would be worth layering over brights. I’m going to go play at Givenchy once this bug goes away.
    Christy’s last blog post… FOTD: Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Flower Girl, Violet Femme & Plum Crazy

  11. 11. BlovetBeauty said, on November 9th, 2009:

    wow! these are mad gorgeous lippies.. esp pearl shine.. wat a sinful treat if I get these!!
    BlovetBeauty’s last blog post… Honey Love + Pink Nouveau + Jap. Mag.

  12. 12. Alexzandra said, on November 10th, 2009:

    The lipstick looks gorgeous, but for the price I wish it had a little more pigment.
    Alexzandra’s last blog post… Weekend Wishlist: Flu Season

  13. 13. Jasmine said, on November 10th, 2009:

    OMG Tender Pearl and Pearl Shine are totes my colour! You know after you’ve applied lip balm for some time and your lips are a hushed shade of pink? Lovesit!

  14. 14. wait4sum1 said, on November 10th, 2009:

    This collection kinda remind me of Platinum Collection from Bobbi Brown. .

  15. 15. gio said, on November 10th, 2009:

    The liner looks gorgeous but I’m not digging the lip products. They are too subtle esp considering the price.
    gio’s last blog post… QOTW: What’s your favourite palette?

  16. 16. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Gio,

    Yeah, I figured they were designed that way. For the girls that love subtle, though, it might be something to consider!

  17. 17. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Wait4sum1,

    It does have a similar BB Platinum vibe!

  18. 18. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Alexzandra,

    Yeah… I’m happy about the sparkle though. The items aren’t lacking in the bling department!

  19. 19. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi BlovetBeauty,

    Maybe use them as a reward to motivate yourself? Do you have any projects or goals that you want to finish or achieve?

  20. 20. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Christy,

    Feel better soon. :)

  21. 21. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Amy,

    Yah! I like the very faint touch of color in these… so quiet (shh!).

  22. 22. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Catherine,

    Really? Why no to the sparkles during the day?

  23. 23. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Kajal Couture,

    I do have to say these products do make me feel special. The packaging and textures are always so luxe.

  24. 24. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Ashley,

    I haven’t really noticed a difference. Then again, most plumping lipglosses do nothing for me.

  25. 25. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Shontay,

    You gotta let me know if you end up getting anything. :)

  26. 26. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Sharon,

    Hmm, maybe I’ll try the liner/jungle green combo today just for fun!

    Happy Tuesday. :)

  27. 27. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Sheila,

    I was surprised by how wearable it was on the lips. The texture feels really good, too — soft and non-gritty!

  28. 28. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Citrine,

    That’s too bad. I liked the old packaging.

  29. 29. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi CC,

    I know, right? I could just stare at the lipglosses all day. :)

  30. 30. Karen said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Hi Jasmine,

    I hope you give ‘em a go!

  31. 31. Marina said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Somehow I am not a big fan of Givenchy. I just have a lot of other brands. If someone is looking for such a pink shade like Elegant Pearl gloss I’d recommend Chanel Mica.
    Marina’s last blog post… L’Absolu Creme de Brilliance by Lancome Spring 2010

  32. 32. Glosslizard said, on November 10th, 2009:

    I love the look of the Elegant Pearl gloss, but I get so frustrated with products that are so sheer that you can’t even really tell you’re wearing them! Grrrr.

  33. 33. Lina said, on November 10th, 2009:

    That pink gloss looks pretty! I don’t know why I can’t ever get into Givenchy though. I think it’s their packaging. Perhaps I will try it out now though.
    Lina’s last blog post… The Beauty Look Book November Giveaway! Comment To Win . . .

  34. 34. Rebecca said, on November 10th, 2009:

    Ooh, everything’s so sparkly! I wish the shine lipstick had a bit more color; it looks so pretty in the tube!
    Rebecca’s last blog post… Korres Face Primer Review

  35. 35. Holiday Collections: Which One to Buy? | A Mom in Red High Heels - Beauty & Style Tips for Moms said, on November 10th, 2009:

    [...] Makeup and Beauty Blog shows us the gorgeous Givenchy Holiday 2009 Collection. Is it worth the cash? Find out her thoughts. [...]

  36. 36. J said, on November 10th, 2009:

    I like the liner and the highlighter, but I wont be forking out for them =/

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