In New York last week, I had an amazing opportunity to meet Nicolas Degennes, artistic director for Givenchy makeup, over breakfast with a small group of beauty bloggers.

In celebration of his new India-inspired collection, Nicolas explained his inspiration behind the pink and orange hued collection. “I wanted to create a collection with blazing, extravagant colors,” says Nicolas, “In India, it’s so natural to be daring!”

I was mesmerized by Nicolas’ passion for beauty and life and clearly see how he translates his vision to his makeup collections. With Magic Kajal, a carbon black jumbo pencil to be used to line the inner eyelid, Nicolas says “It’s going to make your eyes stronger and more alive.” By allowing the liner to blend freely, smudging subtly as the day goes on, your eyes will tell the story of your day. (If smudged liner is not your thing, add a bit of translucent or colored powder along your lower lashline to keep the Magic Kajal in place.)

Other must-have items from this collection:

Limited-Edition Precious Sari Glitter Eyeshadow

• Maharani Silver
• Maharani Gold

Limited-Edition Sari Glow Iridescent Blush

• Maharani Orange
• Maharani Pink

Givenchy Spring-Summer 2009 Maharani Collection is currently available at Givenchy counters nationwide and online at Sephora.com.

Currently, my husband can’t get enough of these LAB Series products.

For several months he’s been obsessed with the Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF15, which I could not be happier about. Knowing that he’s protected with an SPF while he’s in Hawaii makes me feel a teeny-tiny bit better about him being gone. (For those of you that don’t know, my husband spends over 50% of his time in Hawaii for business.)

What he likes about the Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF15 is that it doesn’t leave his skin feeling greasy or sunscreen-y, even in the humid Hawaii weather. Also? With a brand made specifically for men, his friends can’t harass him about his “beauty products”.

LAB Series Skincare for Men is available at department stores and online at labseries.com.

How sweet is this mint-colored Ice Castle ring from Anthropologie?

Very sweet.

With Swarovski crystals topping a faceted tower of vintage resin, this ring is springtime on my finger.

Ice Caste ring from Anthropologie, $80.

I have a little thing for red bags.

Red shoes are groovy, too, but red bags and I are sweet on each other. Always have been.

These days I’m lusting for this red leather Furla ‘Afrodite’ bag. She’s gorgeous, no?