Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | Trafalgar trio

The last grouping I have to show you from the new Dior 5 Couleurs Collection for Fall 2014, is the stunning Trafalgar Trio – you might say that I saved the most impressive for last. In the 50’s, M. Dior would send out scarlet coloured designs during catwalk shows (the precursor to runway shows) to ‘wake up’ the audience and get their attention; he called these designs his ‘Trafalgars’. With deep vibrant red as the dominating thread of this trio, there is something both classic and fierce about wearing this shade on eyes, lips & nails; a colour that has always been synonymous with both passion and empowerment is given a fresh new twist here for 2014.

You can read my full reviews on the other 5 Couleurs releases here:

Fashion illustration by René Gruau for Dior – 1947 (source)

Rouge Dior #869 Rouge Massaï (CAN $36.00) | Finding the perfect red shade for one’s skin tone is almost as difficult as finding the perfect nude, but once located, it becomes a thing of utter bliss. The combination of both cool (blue tinted) and warm (orange tinted) tones found in #869 Rouge Massaï make this almost a universal red and the absolutely right one for me in particular. Served beautifully by the Rouge Dior richly nourishing formula, it applies in a highly colour saturated and creamy manner, with just enough shine to give lips a lush look. As this is a very pigmented hue, proper prep beforehand will minimize any bleeding or feathering into any lip lines – a clear waxy pencil like No Bleeding Lips (reviewed here), does an amazing job of keeping everything in place. Lasting power is impressive as well, going long past the 8 hour mark before any significant fading, although some touch-ups may be necessary after eating and/or drinking.

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | Rouge Dior #869 Rouge Massaï

5 Couleurs #876 Trafalgar (CAN $61) | Built around the central red hue, this exquisite palette is a study of how the unexpected can come together in a beauty product, and make you fall in love with colour all over again. A breakdown of the colours, starting clockwise from the top left:

a ballerina pink hue in a satin finish, lightest pigmentation of the 5 but still easily built up for visibility
soft white with pale pink reflects, fairly well pigmented
deep red with a magenta gleam for depth, incredible pigmentation whether applied dry or dampened
dirty plum hue with a pink/lilac gleam, excellent colour saturation and blendability factor
antique gold in a satiny formula and with a soft finish, easily intensified when applied damp

I always felt that a strong red colour for eyes worked best primarily in an editorial shoot, but then Dior’s #876 Trafalgar palette came along and blew that theory to bits. To begin with, every single one of these 5 shades applies like a dream; by using the pale pink as an all over wash on the eyelid with the white lightly dabbed at the inner corners, followed by a faint hint of the red at the outer third of the crease for depth and a spot of colour, yields a soft yet still visually unique daytime look. For a completely unexpected twist on the classic smokey eye, the 2 bottom shades combined with the central red hue make for an arresting yet still so totally wearable look. The touch of magenta running through this red shade turns it into a serviceable colour think: the warmth of brown with the impact of black, but in … red. With almost no powdery residue upon swirling my brushes through any of the shades & each offering a wonderful blendability, staying power (on primed lids) is amazing as well – going long past the 12 hour mark, although the 2 lighter shades will have a tendency to fade first.

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | #876 Trafalgar

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | #876 Trafalgar, with flash

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | #876 Trafalgar, swatched dry

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | #876 Trafalgar, swatched damp

Dior Vernis #853 Massaï (CAN $26.00) | A tribal red hue with hints of berry in the base in a highly pigmented crème formula, with both cool and warm undertones – enabling #853 Massaï to suit basically all complexions across the spectrum. Self-levelling and ending in a mirror-like shine, this shade is at once vibrant and richly dark, a truly decadent red: sophisticated and oozing loads of sex appeal … simply sublime. Bonus: non-staining upon removal (provided you apply base coat first). Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | Dior Veris #853 Massaï

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | Dior Veris #853 Massaï, in sunlight

Upon first receiving this entire collection, I confess that my beauty-loving heart skipped a beat when I looked at the #876 Trafalgar palette. Apart from the central red hue (as if that wasn’t enough, right?), I also couldn’t stop staring at the gold and plum shades, but that first look was quickly followed by the thought: “how wearable are they, really?”. Very, as it turns out. All I’ll say here, is that you need to swatch this for yourself to truly understand. Red lipstick is a staple every woman should have in her makeup wardrobe but as mentioned above, finding that perfect shade is not always easy – at least it never has been for me. Until now. Yes, I’ve probably said that before with other brands, but with this combination of cool/warm red tones and ultra-moisturizing formula, I’m in heaven with #869 Rouge Massaï. Finally, red nails – you either love them or hate them, and since I place in the former category (plus, is there really anything sexier than a red nail?) I’ll tell you why I have totally fallen for #853 Massaï: this is a luxurious red, deep & rich but still vibrant, super glossy, & basically non-staining (a major selling point when dealing with red hues). Enough said.

Available now at all Dior counters, find more information via: