Is it Fall already?? I’m still working on Summer… or is it Spring?! Givenchy released these cool new Rouge Interdit Vinyl Lipsticks earlier this year, but as usual they didn’t arrive in Singapore until last month. These are permanent though, so there is no better time than the present to take them out for a test drive!
Givenchy makes some of the most luxurious lipsticks in the market, and I’ve always loved the soft tactile feel of their Le Rouge [reviewed here] and Le Rouge A Porter [reviewed here] cases, so the new angular acrylic case of the Givenchy Rouge Interdit Vinyl was quite a change. It is rather reminiscent of Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noir Lipstick [see here] and probably appeals to a younger demographic. The luxe touches are still there though, with the grained ribbon etched along the side of the tube and inside of the case. A handy ribbon at the end of the tube allows you to link a few of these lipsticks together as you wish, or hang it on a key chain / bag tab, etc. The case snaps in place with a satisfying click so you won’t have to worry about it coming apart when you’re on the move.
Givenchy Rouge Interdit Vinyl joins the class of lip-loving balm-like lipsticks that has been trending since last year. Givenchy’s rendition is formulated with black rose oil that is touted to keep lips moisturised for hours. The key though is a special silicon resin that forms a film over the lips, that smoothens out lines rendering that glossy look. When I first heard “vinyl”, I had expected full-on intense pin-up girl look. However, these are quite the opposite. I have shade 07 Fuchsia Illicit which is a medium bright fuchsia with a sheer base. The color is buildable, and I am able to achieve about medium opacity with 2-3 swipes. It never gets to full opacity though, and is probably the sheerest of all the balm-like lipsticks that I’ve tried to date; instead there is a jelly-like translucent finish to the Rouge Interdit Vinyl.
There is quite a bit of slip to this lipstick which allows it go on silkily, and stays perfectly comfortable on my lips throughout. As expected though, it goes away with the slightest touch whether eating or drinking. If left alone, it lasts a good 2-3 hours before starting to fade, and does feather out so a liner is needed if you like things precise. There are 16 shades to choose from, ranging from beige to berry, there is even a black one that is meant to be layered with the other shades to darken! For full swatches, hop on over to Jerlene’s lovely blog to view!
There are also a couple of new-ish permanent additions, including this Givenchy Liner Couture in No. 2 Brown from the La Revelation Spring 2016 collection. The brush is a moulded pointed tip which makes drawing a perfect line easier for beginners, and is sufficiently stiff to allow for precise work whilst being soft enough to be comfortable. This new brown shade is a lovely hazel brown which is dark enough for everyday wear, and a softer take than black.
I found the ink flowed easily and a single swift swipe was sufficient to get a medium hazel line. If I put a bit more pressure into the tip and slowed down a little, I was able to get more ink out for a darker cocoa brown. Givenchy Liner Couture stayed on well throughout the day, even on my oily heavily hooded lids, so definitely give this one a try if you are looking for a good liquid liner and nothing else works for you!
I am a huge fan of the cult-classic “spiked-ball” Phenomen Eyes Mascara and was curious to try out the new Givenchy Noir Couture Volume Waterproof Mascara. This comes in a sexy white casing with an inverted stud exterior. The brush itself is interesting with the figure-8 shape that contains a mixture of shorter and longer bristles designed to add volume and define lashes. The formula contains silica micro-beads filled with keratin to protect and nourishing rice peptides to strengthen lashes so you will get longer and fuller lashes if you continue using this mascara.
Givenchy Noir Couture Volume Waterproof Mascara is able to catch all my wimpy lashes, thicken and lift them up. The comparison shot above features 2 layers of the mascara and I feel like I can probably do with a 3rd layer but it is starting to clump up which is easily resolved by combing out with a fine lash comb. Whilst I do like the effect of the mascara, I found the brush to be too big for my small Asian eyes, and the 2 bulbous part of the brush is able to catch my lashes well but the middle narrowed “neck” of the brush misses quite a bit of lashes and if I try to get even closer I would invariably jab myself in the eye or lid. So I have to move the brush up and down the length of my lid more times than I normally would to make sure I get everything. This is probably not a big problem for those of you with longer lashes though!
Are you loving these balm-like lipsticks? Tell me which is your favourite!
This post featured products that were kindly provided for my consideration. Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.
