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Filed In: Dior
Dior · Diorskin 002 & 004 Nude Air Luminizer Spring 2017 Colour Gradation Collection
Thank God for the Spring collections which have been steadily arriving to break up the Winter blah-ness, and I have to say that these new Diorskin Nude Air Luminizers sure know how to make a gloomy day glow. Shade 001 which was released as part of the Fall 2016 Skyline Collection (previously reviewed here) became an instant hit as a result of the stunning radiance it imparted to skin, becoming a beloved fave with everyone who tried it out. For Spring 2017 the brand has added 2 more shades to the lineup, extending the reach of this lovely product to an even broader selection of skin tones.
Each Luminizer comes with its own mini kabuki brush that’s actually quite effective for application, helping to buff the product into the skin for a seamless finish. The texture of the powder is incredibly fine-milled, with the shimmer coming across as luminous and never overdone.
002 Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer (CAN $68.00) | A pearlescent hue with pink undertones in the base and the lighter of the two shown. More obviously suited for fair complexions, I’ve been loving this applied on my light-medium skin as it gives a bright pop of colour without any skin tone clashing.
004 Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer (CAN $68.00) | The darkest of the four hues available, this is a gorgeous bronze/tan hue with a complex shimmer base containing both cool & warm undertones, making it also suitable for a wide range of complexions. Something tells me this shade is going to be simply awesome applied once my skin has a light tan going (hopefully soon…)
I currently have 3 of the 4 Luminizers to show, and it’s clear even before swatching that they’re each distinct from one another. Of the three, shade 001 is probably the most universal and easiest to wear for a broader complexion range.
And just because I was curious, I pulled out the two Illuminating Powders from Dior’s Glowing Gardens Collection (Spring 2016) for comparison. As seen in the swatch below, they’re both very close to Luminizer shades 001 & 002, and while there are slight differences in colour, the texture is relatively identical, perhaps being a few degrees less intense.
In a beauty world filled with highlighters, these Dior Nude Air Luminizers are the Goldilocks of the beauty world: just right. The texture is in a word: stellar, while the glow they provide skin is positively ethereal. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m a huge fan and the fact that I tend to reach for these more than any others in my arsenal, speaks volumes. Enough said.
Available exclusively at Sephora until May – all Dior counters as of January 15
PR samples/All opinions my own
Dior · Rouge Dior 962 Poison Matte
A dark lip for Winter may not exactly be groundbreaking, but this past August (2016) when Dior showed a “blackened” hue down the runway for their Autumn/Winter 2016 collection, I became not only transfixed, but perhaps even a little obsessed with the image (below) of Kendall Jenner and her super glossy deep lip shade. I HAD to know what was used and how quickly I could recreate it. Never mind that it would probably take hours of precision work; I had never seen anything as mysterious/dangerous/sexy and wearable … yes, I said wearable … as this look created by beauty wizard Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior. The star product? Rouge Dior Lipstick 962 Poison Matte — a toxically beautiful shade that’s appropriately named, and inspired by the brand’s legendary Poison fragrance.
So imagine my disappointment when I sent the call out to get my hands on this intoxicating beauty, only to learn that it hadn’t been released yet and may possibly never even make it here. The horror. Then, a ray of light: one fine day, Poison Matte arrived at my door and I was off to channel my inner femme fatale.
When Dior first released their iconic Poison fragrance in 1985, it became a monster — in every sense of the word. A hit of leviathan proportions, this venture into dark & brooding territory was not only a departure for a brand known for its classic aesthetic, but the scent itself was groundbreaking: at once uniquely compelling and insanely overpowering. I personally loved it and saved up to buy a bottle, which I totally cherished (and sprayed liberally, much to the irritation of anyone who came within a 10-foot radius of me). That deep aubergine bottle with a shape alluding to Eve’s infamous Garden of Eden apple, held a place on honour on my vanity table for years, and will forever be immortalized in my memory.
Kendall Jenner for Dior AW16
Peter Philips, Dior AW16
Rouge Dior 962 Poison Matte (CAD $43.00) | A deep aubergine hue with blue/grape undertones, in a formula that’s not exactly matte in the strictest sense of the word, but not shiny either — more of a velvet finish, in fact. The texture is creamy rich and glides effortlessly along the lips, although it does take a bit of work to get it perfect. As with all dark shades, a little advance prepping will ensure the best application, and to that end it’s best to ensure lips are thoroughly exfoliated first in order to remove any dry patches/flakes, then completely moisturized with balm — just make sure to blot any excess balm first before going in with your application. For a crisp look, a liner is absolutely mandatory, both before lipstick application and after for touch ups, although I’ve been loving the deconstructed effect given by applying Poison Matte to the centre portion of the lips, then using my finger to blend it out towards the edges.
To recreate the AW/16 über-glossy & vampy look, I followed Peter Philips’ advice and first used a black eyeliner to line and fill in my lips (which was lightly blotted to lighten up some of the blackness), then applied a few layers of Poison Matte with each blotted between application, and topped off with a clear gloss. The final look is what’s seen in the swatch below — and which looked KILLER for all of 5 minutes. Then, it all started to migrate into my lip lines and became pretty much a hot mess. Going back to the drawing board, I started all over again but this time I incorporated one of those clear lip liners to prevent feathering and … eureka! Success!
PS: please note that the product shots were taken outside on a super sunny day, hence the “sweat beads” seen on the lipstick bullet — all of which disappeared a few minutes later.
There’s something that’s just so damn empowering about a dark lip; it basically tells the world that you’re “owning it”. And in a society that’s all about instant gratification, I’m embracing the fact that Poison Matte takes that extra bit of effort to make it look this dazzlingly glamorous; it forces one to slow down and actually enjoy the beauty process … if the frustration of not getting it perfectly even doesn’t get to you first, lol. As the Spring/Summer 2017 collections start rolling in, we’re about to become inundated with a plethora of nude lippie shades — why not step out of the box and wear something that’s just a bit more wicked? Who’s with me?
Available at Sephora, The Bay & select Dior counters
PR sample/As always, all opinions are my own
Fragrance Spotlight: Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming
Having been trained in classical piano (I even taught for 12 years), I appreciate harmony & composition — two major components that are also necessary for the creation of a fine scent. The latest member of the Miss Dior family, Absolutely Blooming created by Dior perfumer François Demachy, is one such lovely ode … complete with an exquisite bottle to match.
As a sidenote, with Christmas just three days away (OMG), this little jewel will be a big hit for that fragrantista on your list. Oh, and how perfectly delicious is Natalie Portman in the ad campaign image? Which reminds me: must acquire a pink velvet sofa …
Natalie Portman for Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming
Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming (CAN $119.00/50 ml) | The press kit for this fragrance intrigued me from the start:
“Fresh and sexy, Natalie Portman is a timeless, yet different Miss Dior. The camera runs sensually up her legs, revealing the stunning figure of a dancer. Clad in a little black dress, the new Miss Dior teases and casts steamy glances. She is fiery and playful, confidently seductive. As enticing as ever, she stretches like a cat at the window of a Parisian apartment, or lounges on a pink couch. Janis Joplin sings a heart-rending song of love in the background. She is the absolutely irresistible heroine of a new fragrance with a sassy charm”
I think it was the part of the stretching cat … or no, the Parisian apartment that grabbed me. Could also be the pink couch. Basically, this one little blurb was enough to get me going. Then, I tried the scent itself and it I was ooh-la-la-ing all over the place. Without wasting words, this is the floral I always wish I could wear — and now I can (if that makes any sense). The breakdown of notes:
- Tangy Red Berries (top notes)
- Grasse and Damascus Roses, Peony Accord (heart notes)
- White Musk (base note)
As someone who has tended to shy away from anything floral, I initially hesitated to dive into Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming (certain florals have been known to trigger and instant migraine with me) which is why I was pleasantly surprised by how beautifully this fragrance meshed with my body chemistry. The combination of berries, roses, peonies and white musk notes has been masterfully blended to produce a scent that is at once joyous, flirty, feminine, sensual and just a hint rocker … which basically reflects the multi-faceted woman of today. A floral that doesn’t scream syrupy daintiness? Ummmmm …. absolutely.
Available at The Bay, Sephora & select retailers nationwide
PR sample/As always, all opinions are my own
Dior · Splendor 2016 Collection Diorific Mat Lipstick & Golden Diorific Lipstick
The last few holiday collections have seen Dior put out lipsticks that come with this glam golden packaging (like luxe mini barbells, no?) and this year’s crop for the Splendor 2016 Collection also includes new matte versions. Laced with a healthy dose of creaminess in the formula for an absolutely comfortable feel, the four shades I was kindly sent to test hit all the right notes for me: quality, performance & visually appealing. In other words, totally display-worthy.
Previously reviewed from this collection:
Dior Splendor 2016 Collection · Diorific & Diorific Mat Lipsticks
Dior Splendor 2016 Collection · Diorific & Diorific Mat Lipsticks
Dior Splendor 2016 Collection · Diorific & Diorific Mat Lipsticks
Housed in luxurious ribbed gold casings that have a nice heft to them, I recieved four out of the five limited edition shades created for this collection and have had fun playing with them over the last few weeks. When I first opened up Golden, much “ooh-ing & ahhh-ing” ensued, as I happen to have a personal weakness for shades that have a subtle bling like this. As to the matte hues, surprisingly none of them are actual mattes in the sense that they don’t come to that flat, light-absorbing type finish; think more along the lines of velvet/satin, and you’ll get a better idea. One thing the matte shades all have in common, is an extremely comfortable feel and good pigmentation. Regarding wear time, duration will depend on the shade chosen, with the deeper hue lasting the longest as well as leaving a light stain behind.
CAN $46.00/each
065 Golden | warm yellow/nude gold with very fine complex shimmer. Can be worn alone for a subtle touch of glamour or layered over other lipsticks.
560 Ravissement Diorific Mat | soft rose hue with a good mix of both cool and warm undertones to make it wearable across a broad range of skin tones.
440 Charm Diorific Mat | a warm leaning peachy nude shade (but can still be made to work against cooler skin tones) which leaves a nice natural-looking flush to lips.
880 Fascination Diorific Mat | a lush mulberry hue that makes an elegant statement and manages to look edgy at the same time. Can also be blotted down to a lighter stain.
Dior Splendor 2016 Collection · Diorific & Diorific Mat Lipsticks
There just something about pulling out a luxurious little tube of lipstick like this that makes one feel so sophisticated, wouldn’t you agree? Maybe it’s just me … At the end of the day, it’s results that count and if I were to pick favourites here, then my vote goes to the two extremes: Golden, for its sheer yet impactful wash of colour, and Fascination for being at once vampy & killer sexy. TIP: how about any one of these shades as THE most luxurious stocking stuffer ever? Right?
Available at The Bay, Sephora & select Dior counters
Press samples/As always, all opinions are my own
Dior · Infinity Fusion Mono, Precious Embroidery & Smoky Sequins Eyeshadow Pallettes, Splendor 2016 Collection
The Dior Splendor 2016 Collection is in a word: spectacular. Take for example both the Precious Embroidery and the Smoky Sequins eye shadow palettes and their exquisite sequin-pattern detailing — so meticulously rendered, that you’d be excused for mistaking it as the real thing. Sitting quietly in the background, but no less impressive, is the Infinity Mono Fusion Eye Shadow that is breathtaking whether worn solo or as part of the team. Then there are the colours themselves, imbued with the festive spirit of the holidays but staying away from the usual blingy silver & golds. Oh Dior, you’re slaying. Or is that ‘sleigh-ing’?
Previously reviewed from this collection:
Dior · Infinity Fusion Mono, Precious Embroidery & Smoky Sequins Eyeshadow Palettes
Dior · Precious Embroidery & Smoky Sequins Eyeshadow Palettes
Dior · 776 Precious Embroidery Eyeshadow Palette
776 Precious Embroidery Eyeshadow Palette, limited edition (CAN $73.00) | I swear, it took all my willpower to actually put a brush to these palettes …
Precious Embroidery is the more warmer leaning of the two, but theres a versatility to these shades that in turn makes it universally wearable by all skin tones. All five hues have shimmer of varying degrees, some slightly more complex than others, and each displays an excellent level of colour saturation and excellent blendability. You can always intensify the colours by applying them using a dampened brush, although the colour payoff is equally impressive applied dry. Wear time over primer is solid, staying true until removed without creasing or fading. The shade breakdown (going clockwise from the top left):
- pink beige/taupe
- pearly white
- champagne (centre)
- rich brown with burgundy reflects
- café au lait
Dior · 776 Precious Embroidery Eyeshadow Palette
Dior · 776 Precious Embroidery Eyeshadow Palette swatches
Dior · 776 Precious Embroidery Eyeshadow Palette
Dior · 066 Smoky Sequins Eyeshadow Palette
066 Smoky Sequins Eyeshadow Palette, limited edition (CAN $73.00) | What appears to be the cooler-leaning of the two palettes, turns out to be just as equally wearable by all complexions across the board. As with the previous group, all five hues have a shimmer that can be dialled up or down, depending on whether they’re worn dry, damp, or layered. Once again, each has a beautiful colour payoff, a buttery smooth application, and a very easy blend factor. The shade breakdown (going clockwise from top left):
- bright silver
- ice-white pearl
- oyster (centre)
- ebony with blue reflects
- steel grey (complex blue shimmer)
Dior · 066 Smoky Sequins Eyeshadow Palette
Dior · 066 Smoky Sequins Eyeshadow Palette swatches
Dior · 066 Smoky Sequins Eyeshadow Palette
Dior · 751 Infinity Mono Fusion Eye Shadow
751 Infinity Mono Fusion Eye Shadow, limited edition (CAN $40.00) | Cream-to-powder eye shadows are nothing groundbreaking, but if you’ve yet to try the Dior version, then you’re totally missing out. Infinity is hard to describe in words; depending on the light, it may appear platinum then a quick angle change and it morphs into something golden, hard to pin down but gorgeous nevertheless. The shimmer is ultra refined with the texture like silk; I usually prefer using my finger for application of these types of products, but a variety of both synthetic & natural-bristled brushes works easily here as well. You have about a minute of play time to blend or buff it out before it sets — then it’s good to go for the duration. As my lids tend to get oily, I never skip primer but if yours are on the drier side, then go ahead and apply this straight up; I’m betting it won’t budge.
Dior · 751 Infinity Mono Fusion Eye Shadow
Dior · 751 Infinity Mono Fusion Eye Shadow swatches
It’s been a few seasons now that Dior has gone back to the drawing board where their eyeshadow formulation is concerned, and since then the brand has not only turned the formula around & improved it, but continues to positively evolve with each release. Creative and Image Director for the brand, Peter Philips, was inspired by the artistry and precise detailing seen in the atelier’s haute couture work, and taking his cues from that incredible craftsmanship, these multi-faceted shades were born. A tad pricey they may be, but the quality goes a long way in offsetting that snag. To sum them up: beauty in motion, or at least in makeup form.
Available at The Bay & select Dior counters nationwide
Press samples/As always, all opinions are my own