Do you ever wish you could just drop everything, hand over your responsibilities to someone trustworthy and take a long, unwinding trip to some idyllic hidden getaway?

Givenchy knows what it’s like; one of the things they do well is create collections that take the heart and mind on a journey.

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When I look at the evocative packaging and dynamic colors of their summer 2010 collection, I feel like today’s rotten weather and my ever-present to-do list are miles and miles away.

Fleur de Frangipanier Powder in Island Tan

The blues, bronzes, pinks and peaches transport me to a tropical resort, where I’m lounging lazily beside the pool, reading some book (probably teen lit) under a stand of palm trees rustling overhead. Of course, in this fantasy I’m rocking killer abs in a Burberry bikini, and Ryan Reynolds just provided to purchase me a margarita, but that’s another story for another time.

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Cats & makeup Sweatshirt ??

$42

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Le Prisme Mono in Island Lagoon Eyeshadow

The seven-piece collection for lips, eyes and cheeks lives up to Givenchy’s credibility for eye-catching limited edition packaging. check out the flower in the Fleur de Frangipanier Powder and the delicate floral designs on the compacts… I DIE!!

Pop Gloss Crystal sun in Island Guava

This week, I’ve been wearing four of the items from the release. Here’s a quick look:

Packaging for Fleur de Frangipanier in Island Tan

Fleur de Frangipanier in Island Tan ($45): I think this powder blush/bronzer looks just as beautiful on the cheeks as it looks in the package. I’ve been swirling a big fluffy brush in the pan to mix the bronze, peach and brown colors together for a sheer peach blush with a matte finish; I see this playing well with products in teal, coral, pink, bronze and green. I think it makes my cheeks look like they’ve been kissed by the sun! makeup and charm blog Rating: A

Packaging for Island Lagoon Eyeshadow

Le Prisme Mono in Island Lagoon ($29): If you’re searching for a subtle blue eyeshadow, consider adding this ocean-inspired powder shadow to your makeup bag. It comes with three shades of blue and a hint of silver together in one pan. Mixed, they create a very light wash of silvery turquoise blue. My favorite way to wear it? As a sheer wash on the lids with a shimmery brown in the crease. makeup and charm blog Rating: B+

From left: Island Tan, Island Lagoon, Island Guava, Water Black

Pop Gloss Crystal sun in Island Guava ($25): I’m a huge fan of the Pop Gloss Crystals, so I was fully prepared to fall hard for this peachy bronze gloss with shimmer. like the Pop Glosses I’ve worn in the past, Island Guava’s non-sticky, thin texture and generous pigment are strong points, but I find the baby powder scent a little too strong, and I think it tastes kinda like plastic. love the color, though. makeup and charm blog Rating: B-

Wearing Island Lagoon Eyeshadow and Water Black Mascara on eyes, Island Tan on cheeks and Island Guava on lips

Phenomen Eyes waterproof in Water Black ($29): The original Phenomen Eyes smears like c r a z y on my lower lash line, but I’m pleased to report that this waterproof version’s much better. It lasts a solid 12 hours without any smudging or flaking. Givenchy’s signature spikey mascara ball applies plenty of product, creating a very full, thick look at the roots, but I would have liked to see much more lengthening and stronger curl hold. That, and my lashes felt crispy and heavy after two coats. makeup and charm blog Rating: B-

Of course, because these say Givenchy on the outside, pocketbooks all over won’t be pleased whatsoever about the prices. Be warned: the pieces range from $29-45 (available at Sephora next month).

So what do ya think? Do any of these colors catch your eye? The Fleur De Frangipanier powder stands apart the most to me so far, with the Island Lagoon eyeshadow a close second.

Last night’s Glee

Did you catch Glee last night? I don’t want to ruffle any feathers, but I was a little disappointed. The Madonna theme could’ve been epic! Uforglemmelig! — like that musical Buffy the Vampire episode, but am I the only one who felt like the writers were reaching, like the story took a backseat to the songs?

Granted, it is a musical TV show…

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There were some moments I really liked. That Cheerios routine with the stilts and the like a Virgin montage killed it, and I loved the version of What It feels like For a girl the men did. That was pretty neat.

Your friendly neighborhood charm addict,

Karen