Dior | Bain de Mer & Escapade Eyeshadow Palettes, 5 Couleurs Polka Dots

Taking a cue from the effervescence of bubbles, Dior’s Summer 2016 Polka Dots Collection is whimsical, colourful, and simply perfect for easy-breezy Summer days … or nights, for that matter. The first items out of the gate are Bain de Mer & Escapade, two gorgeous eyeshadow palettes – one inspired by the vividly raw beauty of the Mediterranean, and the other reminiscent of a sunset against sandy dunes. Either way, neither of these lovelies are to be missed.

Dior | Bain de Mer & Escapade Eyeshadow Palettes 5 Couleurs Polka Dots

366 Bain de Mer, limited edition (CAN $73.00) | As as a general rule, Dior 5 Couleur Eyeshadow Palettes are meant to be worn in the following manner (but that’s just a guideline; you’re always free to explore and experiment as desired):

the top two + centre shades = best for a lighter daytime look
the bottom two + centre shades = best for a more dramatic evening look

All five shades of the Bain de Mer palette have a buttery smooth texture and excellent pigmentation, with the two deepest shades displaying the highest level of colour saturation. All have a smooth & soft shimmery finish without any chalkiness at all, and blend with total ease. The shade breakdown:

top left – mango, coral undertones
top right – champagne nude
centre – soft apricot
bottom left – icy blue, warm undertone
bottom right – intense turquoise

Dior | 366 Bain de Mer Couture Colours Eyeshadow Palette

Dior | 366 Bain de Mer Couture Colours Eyeshadow Palette swatches

536 Escapade, limited edition (CAN $73.00) | The more ‘neutral-looking’ of the two palettes but made modern with a fresh new twist. As with Bain de Mer, the Escapade palette displays the same wonderfully smooth texture with all 5 shades, and there is no powdery kickback experienced upon swirling brushes across their surfaces. Applying any of these hues with a dampened brush will provide a much deeper colour impact, as well as emphasize the soft shimmer. The shade breakdown:

top left – sandy beige
top right – pale pink, white based
centre – icy white
bottom left – melon, golden orange undertone
bottom right – soft brown, coppery undertone

Dior | 536 Escapade Couture Colours Eyeshadow Palette

Dior | 536 Escapade Couture Colours Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Dior | Bain de Mer & Escapade Eyeshadow Palettes 5 Couleurs Polka Dots

If there’s one thing I’ve been noticing with the last few Dior collections, is that they have not only stepped up to the plate with each eyeshadow palette release, but continue to improve on that by introducing some beautiful colour groupings. Bain de Mer is what I wanted the 2012 Swimming Pool palette to be; this turquoise shade is EVERYTHING and looks amazing either on its own (I love it along the lower lash line) or blended with any of the other colours for a softer look. When worn together, the Escapade shades perfectly emulate the colours of a beachy sunset, with that melon hue also making for a unique highlight shade as well. My verdict? Both palettes are absolutely stellar and so worth investing in. Plus, how can you resist those adorable polka dots on the packaging?

Both Bain de Mer and Escapade 5 Couleurs Polka Dots palettes will be available at Dior counters (except Sephora) as of May. Find more information via www.dior.com