Dior Vernis | Bleuette & Lilac Glowing Gardens Spring 2016

The love Monsieur Dior held for his gardens is legendary, having inspired many haute couture gowns in the past, not to mention having trickled into the brand’s present-day beauty lineup. The Spring 2016 Glowing Gardens Collection features so many lovely ‘blooms’, but none prettier and possibly more wearable even, than Bleuette and Lilac – two pastel hues that evoke the freshness and vigor of the season but somehow still manage to keep things modern. Dior sorcery, is what I call it.

For those unfamiliar with the Dior formula, let me state right here that this is one of my absolute favourites. Application is effortless and so easy to work with, laying down in a completely self-levelling way and coming to a high-impact shine thanks to the Gel Effect finish. The brush is also one of my favourites, being slightly tapered and with a dense tip, displaying an excellent flexibility and splaying perfectly along the nail with every swipe. To maintain the finish, it’s best to use the brand’s Gel Coat (top coat) since it has been created to work in tandem with these polishes, and will keep the polish chip-free for longer.

Dior Vernis | Bleuette & Lilac, Glowing Gardens Spring 2016

301 Bleuette (CAN $31.00) | A mid-sheer baby blue shade with a hint of green in the base (adds a touch of warmth), filled with that ‘secret shimmer’ that Dior does so well – you know; the type that you only notice once it’s applied and you can see in direct sunlight. Shorter nails will find that there’s decent coverage with two coats, but longer nails will need a third for full opacity. Non patchy and totally streak-free, there’s this unique translucency to Bleuette that I absolutely love and I’m certain I’ll be wearing this shade all Summer long (for real).

Coats: 3 (thin), plus top coat

Dior Vernis | 301 Bleuette, Glowing Gardens Spring 2016

491 Lilac (CAN $31.00) | A true lilac shade, made somewhat cool-leaning due to the blue tint in the base. Bearing the same ultra-fine ‘secret shimmer’ as Bleuette, full opacity is reached by the second coat, laying down in a smooth and streak-free manner. For someone who usually avoids anything pinkish, I am completely taken with Lilac; this will look spectacular as a pedi shade against a light tan.

Coats: 2, plus top coat

Dior Vernis | 491 Lilac, Glowing Gardens Spring 2016

Of the four shades in this collection (the other two are Garden and Pivoine), these are the only ones released here in Canada, but I’m ok with that as they’re both absolutely gorgeous. I am so completely drawn to Bleuette‘s aquatic beauty, that I don’t mind that it needs 3 coats for full opacity; this is a totally backup-worthy shade. I can’t deny that Lilac may be easily duplicated colour-wise, but formula? That’s a whole other perk and worth picking up just for that quality alone.

Both Bleuette and Lilac are limited edition shades and still available, although the Summer Collection is about to hit counters so I wouldn’t wait too long to grab them.

Available at The Bay and all Dior counters nationwide. Find more information via www.dior.com