Founded in Paris in 1952, GIVENCHY has become one of the most beloved haute couture fashion houses in the world. Created by legendary designer, Hubert de Givenchy, the house of GIVENCHY has taken both the fashion world and the beauty world by storm.
But with so many iconic beauty icons, it can sometimes be tricky knowing which ones to narrow it down to – especially if you’re yet to indulge yourself in the absolute luxury of GIVENCHY. But that’s where this edit comes into play; I’ll be revealing the best of the best GIVENCHY fragrance, makeup and skincare icons that you’ll need to add to your collection or to the top of your wishlist (if they’re not already there…)
1. Audrey Hepburn’s Signature Scent
The Icon: GIVENCHY L’Interdit Eau de Parfum
Why It’s An Icon: You can’t talk about the GIVENCHY L’Interdit fragrance without mentioning the icon behind it: Audrey Hepburn. Why? Because L’Interdit wouldn’t be the same without Hepburn as the scent was originally created exclusively for her use. Thankfully, it was officially released to the masses in 1957, despite Hepburn’s initial joking rebuke that Givenchy wasn’t allowed to commercialise it (‘L’Interdit’ translates to ‘I forbid you!’)
Centring around precious white flowers crossed with dark, sexy woody tones, L’Interdit made fragrance history upon its official release; Hepburn was the first-ever actor to be the face of a perfume.
The L’Interdit scent we enjoy now is slightly different after new formulations, but its essence remains the same. It was reinvigorated in 2018 when actor Rooney Mara took over as the face of the fragrance. (Fun Fact: Mara is set to play Hepburn in an upcoming biopic on the star. That’s what you call perfect casting.)
And frankly, I forbid you from saying that L’Interdit isn’t a fragrance icon: it is, and always will be.
2. The Irresistible Signature Scent
The Icon: GIVENCHY Irresistible Eau de Parfum
Why It’s An Icon: GIVENCHY Irresistible is a very recent launch in 2020 so it’s done well to gain Icon Status in such a short amount of time. But, if you’re already familiar with the scent, you won’t be surprised that it has.
The face of this woody-floral fragrance is British model Fran Summers, who’s a regular at GIVENCHY’s fashion show. And you’ll find nods to GIVENCHY’s fashion heritage throughout the scent. Made in France, the Irresistible perfume features a multifaceted square flacon, which is adorned with a textured pink ribbon as the top to honour Hubert de Givenchy’s love of fabric.
But, if you’re yet to try this icon, you’ll likely be wondering, what does GIVENCHY Irresistible smell like? A modern classic, Irresistible celebrates the Turkish rose. GIVENCHY’s particular rose note is harvested at first light in the Isparta Mountains of Turkey. But before you reach this captivating rose note, you’re first met by a dazzling blend of juicy, crisp and sweet pear and ambrette, before the ultra-romantic rose note rises to the surface alongside soft, powdery iris. As the fragrance settles, it unveils a snuggly, sensual blend of cedarwood and skin-caressing musk.
3. The Suave Signature Scent For Gents
The Icon: GIVENCHY Gentleman Eau de Parfum
Why It’s An Icon: This is yet another recent launch for GIVENCHY, but it’s already gained pride of place amongst their top-sellers. Launched in 2018, the GIVENCHY Gentleman fragrance is all about the clash between its main notes: iris, black pepper and wood.
It kickstarts with spicy black pepper packing a punch whilst aromatic lavender adds a touch of soothing sweetness to the scent. Warmed through by smooth Peru balsam, iris successfully finds the line between strength and delicacy by adding a powdery touch to the scent without ever feeling too sweet – and never ‘parma violety’. The woody tones of patchouli pairs with the rich, sexy tones of black vanilla in the base, offering a timelessly refined signature that fragrance fans around the world just can’t seem to get enough of. And just look at that super sleek black lacquered bottle, it lets you own a piece of the haute couture brand.
4. The Best-Selling Pore-Blurring Powder
The Icon: GIVENCHY Prisme Libre Mat-finish & Enhanced Radiance Loose Powder in 1 – Mousseline Pastel
Why It’s An Icon: Taking the top spot as the No. 1 best-selling loose powder across the likes of France, the UK and Spain, the cult-status Prisme Libre powder is instantly recognisable. Designed in 2006, the iconic powder has reigned supreme for well over a decade. And we have Nicolas Degennes, the GIVENCHY Makeup and Colour Artistic Director at the time, to thank for that.
As you can tell from its sculptural case engraved with the iconic 4G logo, the Prisme Libre Loose Powder is no ordinary makeup powder. It features a harmony of four complementary shades to mattify, blur and illuminate. Kissing your skin with its soft, airy texture, it adds a gorgeous glow to your skin for six hours. The fine texture ensures you never look cakey – it doesn’t even look like you’ve got a powder on. This is thanks to light adaptable pigments that provide lasting luminosity by adapting to the light of any environment.The powder sets the rest of your makeup in place whilst making sure shine stays away.
Out of all the shades, the classic Mousseline Pastel shade continues to be the top-seller here at Escentual.
5. The Classic Red Lip
The Icon: Le Rouge Interdit Intense Silk in 37 – Rouge Graine
Why It’s An Icon: For a lot of people, you only have to mention the word ‘GIVENCHY’, and their mind will instantly jump to the Le Rouge lipstick line – mine, included. Over the years, GIVENCHY Le Rouge has seen a number of shade variations available in a selection of finishes, but shade 37 – Rouge Graine always comes out on top. It’s the most iconic Le Rouge shade for a signature GIVENCHY red.
The deep velvet rendition of the dark and sexy Rouge Graine lip colour is dressed in an opulent red case that begs to be touched. The velvet casing echoes the lipstick’s powdery matte finish, which glides over your lips for a rich, vivid pop of ultra-matte colour whilst feeling featherlight.
The best bit? It doesn’t *just* look good; it also prioritises comfort using ultra-thin powders and emollient oil to guarantee soft, flexible and long-lasting colour for up to 12 hours. GIVENCHY know how to make a statement in the beauty world, combining comfort and performance with chic aesthetics.
6. The Stays-Put-All-Day Glowy Base
The Icon: GIVENCHY Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation in 1-N95
Why It’s An Icon: A trailblazing skin-caring liquid foundation, Prime Libre is globally adored. Offering intense hydration and flawless coverage in one, this Prisme Libre edition is the first-ever skincare foundation in the Prisme Libre collection.
Made with 97% natural origin ingredients, it offers numerous skincare and makeup benefits around the clock; we’re talking 12-hour glowiness, 12-hour correction and 24-hour hydration. Available in a wide range of shades and undertones, the radiant liquid foundation glides across your complexion for a perfected-skin finish. But it also cares for your skin too, so you can experience beautified skin even without a swipe of your trusty foundation. The non-comedogenic foundation enhances your skin’s natural glow and hydration levels, while pores and imperfections are refined over time.
7. The Skin-Loving Lippy
The Icon: GIVENCHY Le Rose Perfecto in 37 Rouge Graine
Why It’s An Icon: Le Rose Perfecto has to be one of the dreamiest couture lip balms you can get your hands on. I mean, just look at its gorgeous swirled design. Eagle-eyed fans, however, will notice all shades bar one has a marble effect. 01 – Pink Irresistible is the unique shade in the mix; this iconic pink adapts to the pH of your skin for a made-to-measure colour.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the Le Rose Perfecto lip balm *just* looks good, though. I haven’t even started on the formula. Another skin-loving addition to GIVENCHY’s makeup portfolio, the 95% natural Le Rose delivers colour and care in one. Designed to offer up-to-24-hour hydration, an 8-hour plumping effect and 8 hours’ wear, this is a lip balm that goes a step further. The creamy, melting balm delivers comfort too, thanks to pink pepper extract that protects against the effects of dehydration, which sits alongside nourishing rose oil, soothing shea butter and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid.
The icing on the cake? It takes the best bit of a lip balm and pairs it with the best bits of a lipstick – namely, the design. Following an update, Le Rose Perfecto is now even more couture as its genuine soft-pink leather nods to the House’s bag and accessories collections.
8. The Volumising Mascara
The Icon: GIVENCHY Volume Disturbia Volume & Curve 24 Hour Wear Mascara
Why It’s An Icon: GIVENCHY are masters of mascara. But what’s the best GIVENCHY mascara? Well, there’s a lot of competition but I’d have to say it’s the lash-loving, volume-boosting Volume Disturbia Mascara. Created by Nicolas Degennes, it delivers every single thing you want from a mascara: intense pigment, all-day wear, and lash volume and lift.
The go-to mascara for many beauty lovers, Disturbia adds up to 93% more volume to thin lashes with just one application – and yep, this volume stays put for 24 hours. It’s even enriched with vitamin E, which boasts protective properties to care for your lashes with each wear.
But it’s not just the buildable, clump-free formula that’s impressive. The design is too. Disturbia’s GIVENCHY-exclusive silicone hollow brush coats the lashes from the base right through to the tip using micro bristles. This state-of-the-art bristles expertly comb the lashes whilst precisely and evenly delivering the perfect level of pigment with no clumps in sight.
9. The Premium Anti-Ageing Moisturiser
The Icon: GIVENCHY Le Soin Noir Creme Legere
Why It’s An Icon: The Le Soin Noir collection is the most luxurious and the most premium skincare range that GIVENCHY has to offer. Combining cutting edge actives with ultra-pampering textures, the Le Soin Noir range is the height of luxury.
Updated for 2021, the GIVENCHY Le Soin Noir Creme Legere offers the same revolutionary anti-ageing benefits as the beloved Le Soin Noir Creme, but with a lighter, airier texture. Just like the rest of the line, the key active – black sap of vital algae – works to smooth wrinkles, fine lines and skin texture. It does this using the regenerative properties of vital algae, which boost the skin’s defences for a fresh, youthful glow. This star active ingredient epitomises GIVENCHY’s commitment to the world of skincare; it took 25 years of research for Givenchy Laboratories to harness its exceptional powers.
And the 2021 reformulation continues to showcase GIVENCHY’s skincare prowess. Originally, the iconic anti-ageing moisturiser had a deep black texture – we had the black sap active to thank for that. Now, GIVENCHY have found a way to integrate this star ingredient into a white pre-emulsion phase for a luxuriously rich white cream texture – pretty impressive, right?
10. The Ruly Brow Tamer
The Icon: GIVENCHY Mister Brow Groom – Universal Brow Setter
Why It’s An Icon: I hope the fact that I’ve included this in my list of GIVENCHY icons won’t raise any eyebrows – it deserves to be here. Yes, it’s a brow setter, but it’s not your run-of-the-mill brow product that’ll leave your eyebrows feeling clumpy and glued down. Instead, Mister Brow has gained its position as one of the most respected brow gels thanks to its non-sticky formula, invisible finish and brow-thickening actives. It will tame, hold and define even the most rebellious of brows.
