Givenchy | Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation: Review and Swatches

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and the product featured was provided for review.

For some reason, I completely missed the release of Givenchy's Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation last year so I was surprised to learn about the brand new Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation (C$62 for 30 ml). Described as a "skincare-infused, long-lasting matte foundation", the Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation promises a blurring coverage that lasts up to 24 hours. As someone with combination skin and enlarged pores, I'm always excited to test out blurring, mattifying foundations. To read my thoughts on this one and to see some before and after swatches, click......

Givenchy | Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation

Packaging:

The Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation comes in a sturdy frosted glass bottle topped with a lacquered black cap embossed with the 4 "G" Givenchy logo in silver. The foundation dispenses from a standard pump dispenser. I've tried a lot of high-end foundations before and have to admit that Givenchy really nailed the packaging with this foundation. Something about the simple typography and the minimalist design feels so elegant and luxurious.

Givenchy | Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation in "1-N95"

Formulation:

Made with 97% natural origin ingredients including nasturtium flower extract, achiote seed extract, and pink kaolin clay, the Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation has a lightweight and creamy liquid consistency. The foundation is heavily fragranced with a floral scent, it's not noticeable when initially dispensed from the bottle but once spread on the skin, the scent is very strong. It's not a dealbreaker for me but the perfume-level intensity is probably a deterrent for those that are sensitive to fragrances.

With a medium but buildable coverage, the Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation is fairly easy to blend but the finish can be streaky even with a good foundation brush. The first time I tried the foundation I paired it with a radiant daytime moisturizer. The foundation turned a bit patchy and the finish never set to a true matte finish (see below). When I tried the foundation on lightly prepped skin (toner and light serum), it did set to a powdery matte finish but the formulation really emphasized every fine line and textural imperfection on my skin. There was also noticeable creasing around my nose, eyes, and smile lines. 

Givenchy | Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation in "1-N95"

I will admit that the shade I have here (1-N95) is definitely too light for me and that may have contributed to the uneven finish, but nevertheless, the Prisme Libre formulation is not forgiving. Maybe it would perform better over a different moisturizer or a specific primer but in my opinion, a good foundation should work just fine on its own. Ultimately, I think the Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation lacks a cushioning agent in its formulation so instead of gliding over the skin and providing a blurring, smoothing coverage, the pigments sit directly on top of the skin, clinging onto any crevices and fine lines. Overall, this is not the foundation for me but if you have fewer textural imperfections, it may be worth a try.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), C9-12 Alkane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Silica, Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Pullulan, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Parfum (Fragrance), Potassium Sorbate, Maltodextrin, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, Kaolin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Tocopherol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illite, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Citric Acid, Tin Oxide, [+/- Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides)].

Availability:
Givenchy is available in stores and online at Sephora and Holt Renfrew.