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.

We’re dying to know if you’ve tried this new Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara . A Sephora exclusive, this new space-age looking wand is supposed to curl and separate every lash because the round sphere at the tip of the precision wand can reach every lash and adapt to all eye shapes.

Have you tried it?

If not, are you going to shell out the $27 to give it a whirl?

Givenchy Summer Escapade Collection hit counters last month with these limited edition, must-have products:

Prismissime Mat & Glow Compact Face Powder
9-shade compact employs a variety of matte finish bronze hues that swirl together to add a
bronzed effect, plus shimmering golden tones to highlight and provide warmth.
Shades: Natural, Sunny  (Limited Edition)
Price: $50

Glitter to Go Fresh’n Shine Body Gel
Enhanced with golden and pink tones to enhance and enliven a tanned, flushed glow, this
cooling potion is perfect for drawing attention. Packaged in take-everywhere sachets, they’re
destined to be the beauty staple of the season.
Price: $35  10 monodoses (Limited Edition)

Tan To Go SPF10 Sun Powder Spray, Instant Natural Tan
The lightweight formula provides uniform color, SPF 10 and antioxidant protection from green
tea extracts. In light or deep hues to provide a healthy tan glow, this highly portable beauty tool
gives the perfect finishing touch.
Shades: Sandy Tan, Amber Tan (Limited Edition)
Price: $45

Pop Gloss Crystal Lip Gloss
Complete with volumizing iridescent accents, the juicy cherry or glittery gold glosses provide a
slick of seasonal color.
Shades: Tahiti Coral, Ibiza Pink (Limited Edition)
Price: $22.50

Prisme Again! Eyes Eyeshadow Quartet
In sand-and-sea-inspired hues of gold and azure, this palette allows for infinite looks.
Shade: Summer Escape (Limited Edition)
Price: $49.50

Rouge Interdit Shine Ultra Shiny lipstick
More than a lipstick, this fashion accessory takes on a new look for spring: An elegant sheer
tube that delivers the ideal glossy finish to lips and gives women a little je ne sais quoi!
Encased in a jewel-inspired tube that mimics the shine within, this new lipstick is available in
twelve shades, ranging from nude to bright.
Shades: 12 shades
Price: $26

Very Irrésistible Givenchy Summer Cocktail
Highlighted hair. Breezy chiffon. Everything gets lightened up in anticipation of summer, even a
signature scent. Inside this hot-pink accented flacon lies a fragrance that captures the
freshness of the season, thanks to added notes of crushed mint leaves, while maintaining the
olfactive scent of the original rose-infused Very Irrésistible Givenchy fragrance.
Price: $52  100ml (Limited Edition)

Very Irrésistible Givenchy Fresh Attitude for Men Summer Cocktail
The addition of spicy-sweet Star Anise takes this men’s scent to a bright new level perfect for
summer nights. Reminiscent of black Licorice, this featured note combines with Peppermint and
Grapefruit for a lighthearted yet masculine experience.
Price: $52  100ml (Limited Edition)

Be sure to grab these limited edition items before they’re gone for good. Givenchy Summer Escapade Collection is available at Sephora stores and online at Sephora.com .

Givenchy has surprised us with their Spring 2008 Makeup Collection—creating a concept that stands out from others—called Denim Fétiche.

Without hesitating we can think of six life-changing pairs of jeans—including that one pair with the embroidered flower pocket that we wore until the pantlegs were four inches too short, refusing to believe we had grown out of them (we must have been 8 or 9), and our beloved Levi’s 501 hand-me-downs from our cousin Marc that were perfectly worn-in, making us the envy of all our friends (this was seventh grade when 501s were Shrink-to-Fit—three sizes too big and hard as cardboard before their first eleventy-billion washes)—but as the memories flood back there seems to be a favorite pair for every year of our life.

For the Givenchy Spring 2008 collection, creative director Nicolas Degennes brings fashion and beauty together in new ways. Representing our faithful jeans that allow us to be chic, casual, sexy or sophisticated, this collection offers a range of looks to satisfy every mood.

Accessor’eyes Limited Edition Powder & Cream Eyeshadow Quartet ($49.5): Two eyeshadow quartets in Black Denim and Indigo Denim (each set contains three customized applicators).

A tip from Nicolas: Apply the creamy texture under the powdery texture to intensify the colours. Run your fingertip over it gently to give it a sheen. Don’t be afraid to use this fourth tool – your fingertip – to blend, smooth and invent new effects.

Captiv’eyes Limited Edition Intense Volume Mascara Magnetic Look ($25): In a new shade—Purple Black

Rouge Interdit Limited Edition Satin Lipstick Irresistible Color ($26): In glamorous Mauve Fetish and Stylish Purple.

Perfect Again! Corrector Set Perfect Complexion ($38): A palette of correctors and highlighters to create flawless skin.

A tip from Nicolas: To correct dark areas, brown spots or redness on the skin or touch up the inner corner of the eyes, first apply the darkest beige corrector and then pat gently with the sponge applicator loaded with the lightest shade. Don’t be afraid to layer the three products.

Also launching with this collection are the following new shades:

Pop Gloss Crystal: Pop Rose 403

Pop Gloss: Violet Vitamine 458

Magic Khôl: Black 1, Indigo Blue 4

Vernis Please!: Rouge Interdit 118, Fatal Plum 120

Subli’mine Sculpt Light: Exact Caramel 656* (*Colors may vary in different markets)

Prisme Again! Blush: Loving Pink 02

Givenchy Spring 2008: Denim Fétiche will be available beginning January 2008 at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores and online at saks.com.