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
