Givenchy · Essence of Shadows Collection Fall 2019

Inspired by analog photography (as in traditional film photography vs digital), Givenchy’s Essence of Shadows Collection for Fall 2019 is all about exploring the relationship between shadow and light, done in finishes that are fresh and absolutely relevant for today. Personally, I love how everything seems to straddle the line colour-wise between the seasons … mainly because I’m 100% in denial that Summer is coming to close.

Follow @ommorphia YouTube ♦ Instagram ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter ♦ Pinterest ♦ Bloglovin’

Le Prismissime 9 Colors Eye Palette, limited edition (CAN $76.00/each) | Available in 2 colour ranges, each holds 9 hues that range in finish from matte to brilliant, and come housed in the brand’s black lacquered casings with the 4G logo on the exterior, complete with a full-sized mirror on the inner lid and iconic ‘stud‘ closure (no useless brushes included, thank you very much). The new talc-free formula is said to deliver long lasting wear (easily 12+ hours), with intense high-impact colour. The texture on all — even the metallics — is stellar, laying down smoothly and displaying minimal fallout (always tap any excess off your brush first), with an excellent blendability as well. All colours stay vibrant and crease-proof throughout wear, provided a primer is applied first.

02 Essence of Browns | Inspired by the colour effects of old-fashioned photography, this palette is the warmer leaning of the two and draws on a sepia-toned range of hues. The selection of rose, beige, and plum tones have a nice mix of finishes and can be made to work for both day & night with ease.

01 Essence of Greys | Recreating the grey monochromes of analog photography, this palette is the cooler leaning option of the two. Interestingly enough, there are no mattes amongst the 9 hues (with the exception of the top left shade, which is more satin than matte — but close enough), and I actually don’t mind, since the varying levels of shimmer give these shades a multi-dimensionality that can be otherwise lacking with straight-up mattes. You can always add an opaque black liner to ground things, although I’m loving the effect without.

Rouge Interdit Vinyl, limited edition (CAN $42.00/each) | For this collection, Givenchy reinvents their Rouge Interdit Vinyl lipstick with two unconventional ‘nude‘ shades. Still in keeping with the photography theme, the colours are muted and almost faded, as though seen through a filtered lens. The texture on both is unbelievably creamy, with a featherlight feel upon the lips that also imparts a full sense of hydration throughout wear. Coming to lush shine at the finish, longevity is about what you’d expect for something as emollient — 2-3+ hours, give or take — although I’ll take any excuse to whip one out in public and reapply. Speaking of which, application is totally goof-proof with no mirror needed. Not bad, huh?

20 Shadow Pink | rosewood with tone-on-tone pearly effect
19 Shadow Purple | pearly pink playing over a grey/mauve base

Givenchy has been totally killing it with recent launches, and I must say that this collection speaks to me on so many levels; for starters, there’s the superb performance and quality of these pieces, with packaging that doubles as art. Secondly, the colours are what I usually reach for and are all very wearable for a broad range of skin tones. Finally, there’s the photography connection, and considering how passionate I am about that field, well that just sweetened the deal a millionfold. Fair warning, however: limited edition … you know that that means.

Available at Sephora & Holt Renfrew Ogilvy