Dior · Oud Ispahan & Summer 2019 Lacquer Sticks

 

I was recently invited to visit Dior’s spectacular new counter at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy (Montréal), where with the help of their fragrance specialist David, I was matched with my perfect scent, Oud Ispahan. When that was done, I then had the opportunity to test out a customized Dior Prestige facial treatment — which was ah-mazing, by the way. Rounding out today’s post are the new Summer 2019 Lacquer Sticks, because why not?

 

 

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Both the entire selection of colour cosmetics and skincare ranges are well represented at the new Dior counter — including the exclusive Prestige Light-In-White Collection. Surprisingly, however, I was more drawn to the stunning new fragrance counter and their impressive array of matching home accessories (candles, soaps, home scents).

The range of Maison Christian Dior fragrances is available here, with options that include personalization (you can have the bottle engraved), exquisite gift wrapping, as well as uniquely customized gift boxes.

This fragrance counter seems like it goes one forever, no? Having this many options can almost feel overwhelming, but thankfully there’s always a specialist on hand to help make the decision easy-peasy.

Another unique feature of this new Dior counter, is that it also carries the exclusive range of Élixir Précieux — pure concentrates that can be worn alone (but go lightly, as these babies are potent), or mixed with your selected fragrance to add a whole new dimension of scent.

To sweeten the deal further, this Dior counter also offers treatment services with their very own private space, where I received one of the best facials in recent memory. No, but seriously; my skin was basically glowing.

 

When presented with a fragrance selection as vast as this, it helps to know which notes you’re most drawn to and upon meeting the fragrance specialist, all it took was a few simple questions to pick out some possible contenders. My preferences run towards anything vanilla, oriental, or woody, and the one that checked off all my boxes, was Oud Ispahan.

Oud Ispahan Eau de Parfum (CAN $285.00/125 ml) | Created by Dior’s in-house master perfumer François Demachy in 2012, this is an aromatic oriental but one that happens to also be unisex in nature. The Labdanum top note moves into a delicious heart of Turkish Rose, Patchouli & Saffron, finally being rounded & grounded by a base of Cedar, Sandalwood, and Laotian Oud.

According to M. Demachy, “Oud Ispahan is like opening the doors of an Oriental palace with ochre walls and being struck by its fragrance. The smoky scent of burning wood blends with that of sweet floral water on washed hands. That’s the scent of this smooth atmosphere, where rose, frankincense and resin linger. The perfume is velvety and sensual, like the roses of the Orient“. I literally could not agree more with this description; the first sniff of this scent made me imagine the Taj Mahal with its ornately detailed Harem room, plumes of incense wafting gently on the breeze and lushly redolent roses everywhere.

As someone who happens to love masculine-leaning scents that have heaping loads of mystery to them, it was a given that I’d be attracted to Oud Ispahan. Oud may not be everyone’s cup of tea as the wrong proportion of this ingredient can be rather overpowering, so tempering it with rose was a brilliant touch. The initial spritz reveals a soft incense-like note, which then begins to evolve into a more smoky floral heart, finally coming to a creamy woody-earthen tone that lingers like a soft caress along the skin. As I said: this fragrance definitely pushes ALL my buttons. As to the sillage (staying power), that will depend on your own body’s unique chemistry, but I personally find that Oud Ispahan wears beautifully on me, staying long enough to enjoy but never irritate.

Dior Addict Lacquer Stick Summer 2019, limited edition (CAN $46.00/each) | For Summer 2019, Dior introduces a new finish to their Lacquer Stick formula, adding opalescent shimmer to the creamy texture for an extra dose of shine & impact. Housed in the brand’s iconic navy cases with bands of translucent purple to set them apart, these combine the best of many worlds: colour, a balm-like feel, and the wow factor of the shimmer — which lays smoothly and without any gritty feel, I might add. Staying power is shade-dependant, with the darker hues obviously lasting longer, but all leave lips feeling nicely nourished throughout wear.

  • Bronz’Authentic – cool pink with opalescent shimmer
  • Bronz’Exotic – soft peach nude with pink/gold shimmer
  • Bronz’Shamanic – mulberry with prismatic shimmer

Wrapping things up, I must say that the Dior counter space at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy in Montréal, has definitely brought it; the new treatment room gives you a wonderful place to explore (which I highly recommend), while the staggering fragrance selection is literally swoon-worthy, not to mention a fabulous option if you’re looking for a unique personalized gift. Finally, I’m having a total moment with these new Lacquer Stick shades and I’m loving the pop of brilliance for Summer — so fun! By the way, if you’re on the hunt for something different to buy dad for Father’s Day, how about one of the new Maison Christian Dior fragrances? Then you can borrow it too — you’re welcome.

Available at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy

 

 

Kindly provided by Dior for my unbiased consideration

 

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