Givenchy Very Irresistible Body Veil

RRP: £22.50; however, available on www.cheapsmells.com for a mere £12.95.

--What does the promo say?--
"A delicately iridescent lotion rapidly absorbed without leaving a greasy film. Resulting in an immediate sensation of perfectly soft and smooth skin gently fragranced, with a hint of shimmer."

--Packaging--
I have seen this in a variety of different packaging, from a cylindrical pump to a squeezy plastic tube. Nevertheless, they all come in the same shocking pink, with the Givenchy logo in gold. I am pleased to see, however, that the overall design of the packaging for the cylindrical pump and the Art Deco angular pump seems to have had a lot more thought put into it, while the squeezy plastic tube was uninspiring and seemed to collect a lot of lotion in the lid.

--Application--
After showering or bathing, rub the lotion liberally onto your dry torso, arms, and legs. Allow to dry before dressing.

--Scent--
Rose-scented. A bit mumsy and homely - an impression belied by the Gaultier 'Madame'-style packaging. Very light and not overbearing, but still very pleasant. However, it is not especially memorable and the scent does not seem to tally with the Givenchy image.

--Appearance--
The promotional material claims that this is slightly shimmery; however, this was not really obvious and I would only say that it's a cream colour. There is no visible residue on the skin.

--Texture/consistency--
Perfectly creamy and smooth: not runny, lumpy, sticky or irritating to the skin. It also absorbs quickly, so certainly measures up on that score.

--Longevity--
Poor - although skin remains soft, the fragrance fades far too quickly.

--Value for money--
Even when used liberally, this scent doesn't last the distance, which doesn't bode well, especially when coupled with its general forgettability. However, it is certainly affordable, and if you still like the sound of it, at least it won't break the bank.

perfect partners
Givenchy Very Irresistible Eau de Toilette, available in both 50ml and 75ml, from £20
Givenchy Very Irresistible Bath Gel, £18

Mascara Phenomen'Eyes by Givenchy

RRP: 26 euros/$27/£17.50
no. of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"What it is:
A revolutionary new mascara designed to grip at lashes starting at the roots.

What it does:
Givenchy Phenomen'eyes Mascara perfectly curls and separates lashes. It has a high-tech, patented round sphere at the tip of the precision wand that reaches every lash and adapts to all eye shapes. It's a Sephora exclusive.

What else you need to know:
The result? A beautifully fanned-out panoramic effect, holding the curve of your lashes perfectly in place."

--Packaging--
A chunky, edgy, black and silver package with an Aztec-style square design adorning the lid.

--Application--
The Sephora website recommends the following:
"-Holding the brush horizontally, draw the lashes from the outer corner of the eye outward.
-Holding the brush diagonally, catch hold of the lashes at the root and push them upward and outward.
-With the wand upright and brush downward, gently draw the upper lashes upward.
-Holding the brush diagonally, push the lashes from the inner corner of the eye toward the nose.
-Without overloading the brush with mascara, gently brush the lower lashes.
-You can also make the same movement on the upper lashes.
-With the brush upright, catch hold of the upper lashes at the root and push them upward."
Despite the tiny thistly brush just looking like it's about to poke you in the eye, it's surprisingly easy to use. Top stuff.

--Appearance--
There is an immediately noticeable difference in curve, length and separation after using this. Even the boyfriend noticed. It really does provide a faultless appearance. I'm starting to think that there is such thing as a perfect mascara (even if it does only come in 2 colours...).

--Texture--
Smooth, with no clots or clumps, and no irritation to the eyes.

--Longevity--
Comes off easily - but only when you want it to.

--Value for money--
This is about as much as I'd be prepared to pay for a mascara, but it's worth every penny (or cent). However, you'd better be quick - for the Europeans and Americans, this is available exclusively at Sephora, but only until September 1st...in Britain, it's coming exclusively to Harrods on September 5th.

perfect partners
Givenchy Shadow Show Mono Eyeshadow, from 17 euros 10
Givenchy Parad'Eyes Liner, 27 euros 10

Givenchy Magic Khol

RRP: £9.50
no. of shades available: 10

--What does the promo say?--
"Eye Liner Pencil. With a magic wand!
A touch of khol along your lashes, above or below your eyes, and there you are transformed as if by magic.
Suddenly, your eyes look bigger, their color dramatically more intense.
The result is sensual, mysterious, spellbinding!"

--Packaging--
Pretty standard really - there's nothing 'different' about it, but then again, just HOW different can you make a kohl eyeliner look? Black pencil, with the end of the pencil being the same colour as the liner itself, and product info written on the pencil in white.

--Application--
See my previous eyeliner pencil entries. There's nothing difficult about applying this particular eyeliner.

--Appearance--
A pretty good line, but it doesn't really have the edge over any cheaper brands.

--Texture--
Perfect - not too soft, not too hard.

--Longevity--
Again, not bad, but nothing to boast about.

--Value for money--
The extra you pay for this is likely just for the brand name. Save a couple of quid and go for the Bourjois instead.