Givenchy’s Artistic Director, Nicolas Degennes, imagined a “Romantique” mood when he created the makeup collection for Autumn 2009.

The dominant theme is vivid pink, a translucent, shimmery version that elevates the girly tone to an utterly chic and decidedly elegant effect, contrasted with shades of grey, beige and gold. A fresh, natural complexion recieves a texure contrast with uber-glossy lips and shimmery eyes. This dichotomy is also reflected in the striking packaging. Classic black cases are accented with the collection’s signature pink tone and metallic silver touches. The final result is simintounsly modern and timeless.

Prismissime Eyes 9-Colors Eyeshadow – Poetique Blues, $53

Prismissime Eyes 9-Colors Eyeshadow – Poetique Browns, $53

Gloss Poetique Natural Color-Enhancer Lip Gloss Poetique Rose, $45

Phenomen’Eyes Poetique Grey Lavender, $28
Parad’Eyes Liner Poetique Lavender (violet blue), $27
Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick Poetique Iris, $27
Rouge Interdit Shine Lipstick 23 Poetique Camelia, $27

The Les Poetiques Collection is limited-edition and available at Sephora and Sephora.com

Nicolas Degennes Interview With Marta Walsh

I’m so excited to share with you my interview with Nicolas Degennes, Givenchy’s Le Makeup Artistic Director for Beauty Interviews. Here it is:

Nicolas Degennes is Givenchy’s Le Makeup Artistic Director. Nicolas is the brilliant mind behind Givenchy Spring 2009 Maharani Makeup Collection and of Givenchy’s many other beautiful makeup. I met Nicolas at a Givenchy breakfast in New York City and was absolutely mesmerized with his speech. Nicolas made me fall in love with Givenchy, makeup, beauty, and being a woman. I had to share my life changing experience meeting Nicolas with you.

Nicolas Degennes.

In this interview Nicolas Degennes takes us back to Paris at age 16 where the love for art and beauty began for him, his philosophy about makeup, memorable celebrity collaborations such as with Monica Bellucci, Kristin Scott Thomas and Liv Taylor. Some of the must-have Givenchy products in every woman’s makeup bag, and where he finds his biggest inspirations in life.

Givenchy Spring 2009 Maharani Makeup Collection.

Marta Walsh: When did your fascination with beauty begin?
Nicolas Degennes: My passion with makeup and the arts began when I was a child. I left Paris at the tender age of 16 to follow my dream to study the arts, music, theater and photography. While exploring my fascination with arts in a fresh and inspiring environment, I befriended a great makeup artist in New York who introduced me to the world of makeup. Beauty and makeup became my newfound passion, and I have been working in this field ever since.

MW: What were some of your first big breaks in the beauty industry?
ND: One of my memorable breaks was working as a makeup artist for the American band, On Stage, in France. I began to travel widely, working as a makeup artist in many countries. I was hired by the French TV Channel Canal +, and was quickly promoted from head makeup artist to the channel’s Artistic Director. Meanwhile, I worked on everything from the Cesars (the French Oscars) and the Cannes Film Festival to music videos and films.

MW: What is your makeup philosophy?
ND: My philosophy is that makeup is freedom… Freedom to become whoever you want to be in that moment…to experiment…to create…to express…What have been some of your most memorable celebrity collaborations so far, and which celebrity would you like to do makeup for in the future?
In the past, I have worked well with Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, Kristin Scott Thomas, Fanny Ardant, Charlotte Rampling, and of course, Liv Tyler. Working with Liv for the past few years has been wonderful because what started as a working relationship has now become a friendship. These women may be celebrities, but they are real women who create and inspire, as I believe all women do, so I don’t have any one person in mind that I want to work with, as all women continue to inspire me.

MW: What was the creative process like behind Givenchy’s Maharani Spring 2009 makeup collection?
ND: I was greatly drawn to the exoticism and beauty of India during my travels. I was attracted to the energy, spirit and vibrancy of colors as seen in Bollywood films, so I wanted to create a collection blazing with colors that paid homage to Indian beauty.

MW: Which Givenchy makeup products are must-haves in every woman’s makeup bag?
ND: Phenomen’Eyes Mascara is a must-have because it revolutionized the way women apply mascara and maximized the results they can now achieve, as the wand grabs each and every lash. Right now, I am also loving the Magic Kajal Eye Pencil, which is like a crayon and gives you an intense black line, inspired by Indian women using kohl. And skin is always very important, so the new PhotoPerfexion Fluid Foundation I created (launching April 09) gives women a very natural, flawless complexion, as if they have been touched up.

MW: Givenchy’s Phenomen Eyes Mascara is truly innovative new mascara. How does it work to give us the best lashes in the world?
ND: The incredible results of Phenomen’Eyes are a combination of the spherical brush and the formula. The round brush allows for you to grab every lash, including the tiniest corner lashes, and it also grabs from the very root, lining the lid. The formula is wetter than most, so you have maximum play time with your mascara to get your lashes perfect before the formula dries. Phenomen’Eyes offers a faultless way of applying mascara, curling and separating every lash to instantly outline and enhance the eyes.

MW: How would you describe your experience as Givenchy’s Le Makeup Artistic Director?
ND: It is a challenge, but at the same time exhilarating. I have been in this role for 10 years now and found that time moves quickly when you are living your passion.

MW: What makeup look do we expect to see at Givenchy in the upcoming season?
ND: My inspiration for my Summer 2009 collection is a sunny greeting from paradise! The monsoon season… Those summer days when rain and the warmth of the sun merge sensually together to caress the skin with shimmering, pure drops of light, bringing all of the senses to life. This season’s palettes create a glowing and luminous complexion with lots of shimmer and shine, capturing the glistening of the sun and glimmer from water.

NW: You talk a lot about the concept of freedom when it comes to women, makeup, and beauty. What are some simple steps a woman can take to find this freedom?
ND: Makeup is ever changing. Women should feel free to try new things; makeup is the freedom of expression. I can’t stress enough, please don’t be scared when applying makeup. Do what you feel because makeup is freedom.

MW: What are some of your biggest inspirations in life?
ND: I have always had the urge to be present with time. My inspiration derives from my personal experiences in life. I’ve developed a strong attachment to Asia and Morocco, so it is during my time spent in these places that my makeup and my passion for life is ignited and inspired. I am also greatly inspired by science-fiction. There are no limits to my imagination, and I am continually listening and watching the innovations in the world.

MW: What other passions do you have besides helping women look beautiful?
ND: Currently, I am working very hard on planning an exhibition this coming April in Paris, which will celebrate my work over the past 10 wonderful years at Givenchy, and a compilation of personal works of art as well. I am excited to be sharing my art and work with the world.

It was a pleasure to interview Nicolas Degennes you can find out all about the newest Givenchy collections at the official website: www.parfumsgivenchy.com and also check out Nicolas website!

Watch Marta’s video blog for today presenting the new Givenchy Spring 2009 Makeup Collection also knows as: Givenchy Maharani Spring 2009 Makeup Collection.

Givenchy Maharani Spring 2009 Makeup Collection was created by Nicolas Degennes, Givenchy’s Le Makeup Artistic Director.

Products:
Givenchy Prismissime – 22 Maharani Apricots.
Givenchy Magic Kajal Eye Pencil.
Givenchy Sari Glow Iridescent Blush in 44 Maharani Orange.
Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal in Rose By Night (Givenchy Holiday 2008 Collection).
Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in 40 Maharani Rose.
Givenchy Precious Sari Glittering Eyeshadow in Maharani Silver & in Maharani Gold.

On my recent trip to New York City, I had breakfast with Givenchy! Yes, Givenchy, sounds a bit like ‘breakfast at Tiffany’s’ right? Needless to say, that day changed my life. I know, I’m a bit over dramatic, but it’s true. If you had the opportunity to meet and hear Givenchy’s Le Makeup Artistic Director Nicolas Degennes I’m sure you too would  fall in love…with Givenchy, with makeup, beauty, and being a woman.

Nicolas Degennes presented us with Givenchy’s Spring 2009 Makeup Collection or the Maharani Spring 2009 Collection and walked with us through his inspiration journey when creating this beautiful collection. Which in case was India.

Nicolas’ philosophy about makeup and beauty is all about freedom. The freedom to express yourself with makeup and be what you want to be, and the freedom to play with makeup. He told us many times at the meeting to please touch the makeup, feel it, don’t be afraid to play with it and make it your own!

I’m wearing Givenchy today: Prismissime – 22 Maharani Apricots. Shade #5 from left to right on my eye lid and a bit on my crease, and shade #1 from left on my brow-bone and inner corner.

I’ve lined eye lids with one of the best eye pencils I’ve ever tried, Magic Kajal Eye Pencil! It is rich in pigment, glides on easily on skin, and lasts all day. Really, you have to try this! Nicholas Degennes told us at the meeting that in India both men and women wear an eye liner such as the Magic Kajal Eye Pencil to protect them from the sun!

On my cheeks, I’m wearing Sari Glow Iridescent Blush in 44 Maharani Orange which looks amazing on my somewhat olive skin.

Lips: I applied Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal in Rose By Night (Givenchy Holiday 2008 Collection) first, then I applied Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in 40 Maharani Rose. I like to apply a sheer color lip gloss first as my primer before applying a darker shade of lipstick, my lipstick then glides easily on my lips, its color is not compromised, and I’m left with super glossy highly pigmented lips. In this step I’ve created an exquisite shade of pink, which I call: Sunset Pink, because it reminds me of an exotic sunset on the beach somewhere. Looks like I took Nicolas’ advice and had some fun with my makeup today! 

Givenchy Spring 2009 Makeup Collection is available at Sephora.com

 Talking Makeup is excited to give you a sneak peek to the new Givenchy Holiday 2008 Collection.

Nicolas Degennes has captured the brilliance of a starlit night in his sweet sexy and dazzling Holiday 2008 Makeup Collection, designed for women who like to get all dressed up for a sophisticated evening.

The collection offers a porcelain complexion sculpted by touches of glowing light; silky, sensual, shimmering skin; shades of fresh pink and provocative purple; and intense, bewitching black eyes.

Even the customized boxes and cases sparkle, with golden graphics on a lilac-colored metallic background. This variation on purple evokes the intensity of the night, creating real fireworks!

Prisme Again! Blush Glow
Liven up dull skin with a pop of vivid color on the cheeks. Each shimmering color cube, in shades of pink and coral, are enhanced with white and pink shimmer particles to create a rosy glow. Shades: 71 Glowing Rose (Limited Edition) Price: $40.

Mister Bright Touch of Light Pen
Make imperfections fade into the background while drawing attention to luminous skin and beautiful facial contours. With one click of the sleek pen, a fluid fusion of concealer and highlighter is deposited onto a soft-birstled pen; minuscule particles of pink mother-of-pearl perk up a wan complexion, while its reflective properties provide an optical illusion that draws attention away from lines, spots and shadows. Use a touch on the inner corners of eyes to illuminate, sweep away dark circles with a flick of the brush, or dot all over the face to create an ethereal glow. Shade: 71 Dawnlight. Price: $31.50.

Pop Gloss Crystal Lip Gloss
Shimmer and shine draw attention to a full pout. This season, subtly enhance lips with a rosy-pink tone infused with golden and white shimmer, or go for drama with a shot of blueberry-tinted gloss heightened with mother-of-pearl particles in pink and white. Shades: 443 Rose by Night, 444 Plum by Night (Limited Edition). Price: $23.50.

Rouge Interdit Shine Ultra-Shiny Lipstick
For more shine than lipstick, more color than gloss, reach for this unique creation that leaves lips soft and gleaming. Each tube is emblazoned with golden twinkles, and is available in two party-ready shades: a pinky-beige tone that gives off an understated vive, or a punch of vibrant raspberry for a sophisticated look. Shades: 02 Nude Shine, 07 Rose Shine. Price: $26.50.

Phenomen’Eyes Mascara High-Precision Panoramic Mascara
Reach for this customized-for-holiday version of the revolutionary mascara to coat each lash to its fullest, curviest and longest potential. This limited edition offering deposits subtle golden and lilac sparkles to add a special glow to lashes. Shade: 751 (Limited Edition). Price: $27.

Very Couture Palette
The aesthetic that commanded the Givenchy runway – an abundance of black accented with silver metal grommets – was the inspiration for this uptown-urban, rocker-chic compact. Tomboy-touch on the outside, it zippers open to expose a decidedly girly assortment of makeup selections.

A quad of vibrant pink and purple eyeshadow hues is nestled beside a color-coordinated fresh pink lip gloss, accompanied by a combination of perfecting face powder and blush, plus a black mini mascara tube. It even contains diminutive versions of deluxe applicator brushes, to make it simple to create and touch up a stunning, lively look. (Limited edition). Price: $45.

Available: From November 2008 at Sephora and Sephora.com.