Dior Addict Fluid Stick

The newly launched Dior Addict Fluid Stick line, is a true innovation and something of an optical illusion as well. What at first glance appears to be a lipstick housed in a luxe lucite casing, is actually a unique new hybrid product with the pigmentation of a lipstick, the easy wand application of a gloss and the high gloss shine of a lacquer. Bearing names inspired from Dior’s history and available in a range of 16 shades, there is definitely something here to suit every taste.

The technology behind the new Dior Addict Fluid Stick is equally impressive – according to the company:

“Intense, long-hold pigments, like “markers”, are encapsulated in beads of gloss. Colour and shine meld into one, for maximum impact immediately upon application. Unlike a gloss, Dior Addict Fluid Stick contains no wax that could weigh down its texture. It is simply formulated with water … as soon as the texture is applied, the water evaporates, leaving bursting colour …”

To begin with, I love how you can see the colour of each shade from the outside of the case (eliminates plenty of guesswork). The spongey wand shape is designed in such a way as to almost mimic a lipstick’s application, with a wider portion for broad sweeps of colour and a pointed tip for more precision work. The initial feel upon application needs to be experienced first hand: slightly cool and effortlessly gliding across the lips, totally weightless and non-sticky. Incredibly, the shine seems to almost “develop” within a few seconds of application, becoming totally self-levelling and leaving behind a glassy finish. I can honestly say that apart from the initial feel (an odd sensation, probably because I was expecting something so colour-saturated to feel more dense), you almost forget that you’re wearing anything at all – and a quick press of the lips is enough to re-juvinate the colour throughout the wearing. The lighter shades are definitely not as long-lasting as the more vibrant hues, which is to be expected, but the level of pigmentation remains commensurate and there’s no denying the completely hydrated and moisturized feel to the lips long after all traces of product is gone.

NOTE: with the exception of the following 4 shades (and 1 exclusive to Sephora), the rest will remain as permanent:

#239 Frisson
#479 Magique
#753 Open Me
#995 Intrigue
#269 Tiny Pink (Sephora only)

Dior Addict Fluid Stick

Dior Addict Fluid Stick #338 Mirage (CAN $36.00) – warm nude shade with just enough peach tint in the base to add gorgeous colour to the lips. While not as highly pigmented as the others shown here, lasting power was still excellent – approx. 4.5 hours before fading. Upon initial application, there’s some settling into natural lip lines, but within minutes this shade self-levels and covers beautifully.

*This was the shade worn by Jennifer Lawrence at this year’s Oscars (reviewed here)

Dior Addict Fluid Stick #338 Mirage

Dior Addict Fluid Stick #551 Aventure (CAN $36.00) – a warm-leaning and totally luscious coral, with a red influence in the base. Pigmentation is insane even at first swipe and lasting power goes well beyond the 5 hour mark, leaving lips lightly stained and thoroughly moisturized after that.

Dior Addict Fluid Stick #551 Aventure

Dior Addict Fluid Stick #575 Wonderland (CAN $36.00) – a fuchsia hue with maraschino cherry tints in the base, that’s both cool & warm leaning – meaning it will suit a wide variety of complexions. Once again, pigmentation is totally amazing: one swipe provides enough colour for excellent coverage, with long-lasting staying power and a juicy pink tint to the lips once the glossy part has faded.

Dior Addict Fluid Stick #575 Wonderland

Dior Addict Fluid Stick #754 Pandore (CAN $36.00) – a vibrant red hue that is ultra saturated in colour and with the longest staying power of the four shown. Interestingly, this shade of red can most likely be worn by both warm and cooler-toned complexions – it seems to have morphing abilities, and the stain left behind on the lips is an evenly tinted red rose – just gorgeous.

Dior Addict Fluid Stick #754 Pandore

While I absolutely love the old-world glamour feel of applying a lipstick, I tend to stick with easy-to-use glosses on a daily basis – but that option can be less than exciting, especially for a makeup aficionado. With so many brands now releasing hybrid lip products such as these, Dior has still managed to create something original with Dior Addict Fluid Stick, starting from the colour range – to the eerie texture (believe it or not, my lips actually felt confused). From the 4 here and before swatching, I would have said that #338 Mirage would be my favourite (and it’s seriously an amazing alternative to wearing a plain old neutral), but I honestly cannot choose between them. Good thing I don’t have to, either.

Available exclusively now through The Bay (Canada), these will launch at all other Dior counters as of May 1st. For more information: