Dior

It's been interesting to read your comments to yesterday's post about the no mascara trend. It seems like many of my readers already skip mascara, though just about everyone agrees that some sort of eye defining is absolutely essential. Apparently, the people at Dior aren't worried we're going to stop worrying about our lashes as they just released a new lash primer, DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum.

I admit lash primers, Dior or not, don't top my list of must-have products. But many brands now offer these mascara enhancing items and several of them have been finding their way into my dressing room. That was the case with DiorShow Maximizer, and I have to say I really like it.

While I can't support or rebuttal any of Dior's claims that this is an active serum with long-term results of extra lash growth and vitality, I like the way DiorShow Maximizer works under any of my mascaras and give them an extra oomph- just a little more length and volume, while the brush/comb keeps the lashes separated and ensures an even coating. So really, it might be mostly about the applicator, at least volume-wise, but there's a clear difference and that's what matters.

One thing I wouldn't do is apply the primer and then leave the house without mascara. The product is white and clearly visible even when dry, so it's not a good leave-in lash conditioner.

Bottom Line: Not essential but nice to have.

DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum ($28) is available from Dior counters at various department stores and Sephora. A press sample was provided for my consideration by the company.

All photos are mine.

I don't often think of chypres as joyous perfumes. Elegant? Yes. Sexy? Definitely. Classy? Always. But they don't usually speak of a summer day and clear blue sky the way Diorella does for me. The other surprising thing about this classic Dior is how despite the ripe fruit notes (peach and melon, both usually send me running for my life), Diorella is nothing like a B&BW body spray or anything of the sticky juvenile genre. Of course, this is not the only Edmond Roudnitska creation that uses these same elements in a beautiful, chic and understated way: Le Parfum de Therese, composed by Roudnitska and launched under Frederic Malle's Editions de Parfum label is another beautiful variation on this theme.

Diorella hides the oakmoss and cheekbones behind its welcoming smile. The greenery is somewhat softened by citrus and flowers that also keep the ripe fruit from crossing the line. There's also a very interesting contrast between the reserved and elegant sillage that meets the nose and the air around its wearer and the lush sexiness that is only revealed when one is dangerously close to your skin- the fuzzy peach texture and human muskiness are a lot dirtier than the well-dressed and accessorized Diorella looks appears to those who don't know her well.  It's a little like wearing the most exquisite set of sexy lingerie under a prim and proper twin set.

Like all the classic Diors, Diorella has been reworked and reformulated too many times to keep track, especially in the last decade. The most current version of  EDT (exclusive to Saks and Dior boutiques, at least on our shores) has very little in common with the 1972 original. It makes me want to kick someone where it hurts due to the lack of respect to both the late Roudnitska and to loyal customers who kept buying Diorella for over thirty years. Vintage bottles can still be found here and there. This review is of the EDT in the old houndtooth packaging.

Images:
Diorella perfume ad from the 1970s illustrated by Rene Gruau vintageadbrowser.com
Dior dress photographed by Henry Clarke, 1955 myvintagevogue.com

I picked Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss 522 Intimate Bronze from Nordstrom's beauty exclusives as an addition to the Ready-To-Wear palette, figuring the tiny pans of lip color in the compact will run out first and because I wanted an additional color that goes well with the bronze theme of the set.

Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss in Intimate Bronze is a perfect fit. It's a delicate color, somewhere between a light pink bronze and rosy mauve, depending on the light. With my coloring it looks like a warm nude, something to wear when I want to neutralize the pink tone of my natural lip color. The shimmer is very fine and reflects the light more than actually adding fire.

The gloss is soft and moisturizing, making for a comfortable wear and helping keep the lips soft and moisturized. Its staying power is average minus, but someone with pale lips might see more of the pigment after the shine is gone.

Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss 522 Intimate Bronze($26.50) is a Nordstrom exclusive, but rumor has it this color was seen at some airport duty-free stores in Europe. It's no longer available online, as the pre-sale is over, but Nordstrom stores are still supposed to have it in stock.

All photos are mine.

The one item that stood out to me when browsing Nordstrom's pre-sale anniversary exclusives was the Fall Ready-To-Wear palette. It has the glow of soft fall light in the early afternoon and every color is pretty and wearable. It's probably one of the products that will accompany me during late summer-early fall travel, because when one is too jet-lagged to color-coordinate, a palette that offers a full look is priceless.

There are two face colors here- a blush and a three-tone bronzer. I think their pans are too small and I don't bother to swipe a good brush over them individually (not to mention to customize the bronzer), I just mix both items together for a natural sun-kissed look. I tried to swatch the blush and bronzer and got reminded why I hate doing this with cheek colors- the result on my arm looks too much like a skin condition. So you'll have to take my word that both are nicely pigmented without looking clownish, the blush is a pretty medium rose and the bronzer is a warm medium-light tan (at least when all three shades are combined. If you don't mind using a small brush you can probably adjust the levels of brown and gold).

I've always loved Dior eye shadows and these four are no exception. The finish is satiny and smooth (far less metallic than the current singles), even the light colors are very pigmented (another area where Dior trumps most other brands) and blend perfectly. You will notice how the colors look different when swatched than they are in the pan. The darkest one was was the most surprising- on my skin it looks bronze and not brown. The lightest is beige in the palette but has a cooler tone on the skin.

I wasn't too excited about the two lip gloss colors, but they are actually very pleasant and flattering. The light shimmery one is almost clear with a touch of pink- it can be layered over a darker lipstick but I was surprised how nice it looks on its own, especially when using the entire Ready-To-Wear palette for a full look. The warm rose shade is even better- it looks delicious on the lips. The mini lip brush that comes in the palette is the most useful accessory there and the only one I'm using. A tiny blush brush and the standard sponge applicator are nothing to blog about.

Dior Fall Ready-To-Wear Palette ($54) is a Nordstrom exclusive for their anniversary sale. While it's no longer online for pre-sale (I ordered the palette weeks ago and received it last Thursday), it should be available at your local store starting today.

All photos are mine.

Dior Addict is a guilty pleasure. It's like a semi-trashy chicklit book or an episode of Giuliana & Bill. You know you shouldn't but it's too much fun. Dior Addict is loud, sweet and has no problem announcing its presence with big and bold notes- citrus, somewhat screechy orange blossom and a big sugary vanilla base with a hint of coconut. It's like a treat you buy on the boardwalk, knowing well it's all empty calories but you enjoy every shameful bite.

I never owned a bottle of Dior Addict- only samples and a quick spray at Sephora, just because. But recently I realized I had none left and a quick search found a bottle of the pure parfum on eBay. I didn't even know they made Addict in this concentration (it's probably discontinued at this point), so I had to have it. The extrait  is more or less the same as the EDP, but the harsh plastic note that usually appears before the drydown is missing and making the fragrance a bit smoother. The base is creamier and you actually smell the sandalwood, even though I don't buy the claim it's Mysore.

Addict is obviously a far departure from the classic Dior perfumes. Of course , even the iconic ones are no longer what they used to be (thank you, IFRA and cost reduction-focused perfumery). It's closer in character to some of the Poison flankers, especially Pure Poison, and seems to be aimed toward a generation that wouldn't wear Miss Dior. The ad campaign was loud and vulgar (the above is actually the tame version. In the original the bottle is tucked into her underwear she's in the process of taking off) and couldn't be more different than the gorgeous Rene Gruau illustrations from vintage ads.

Still, some days are more Jersey shore than the Hamptons. A frozen custard from Rita's and Dior Addict feel just right.

Dior Addict ($75, 1.7 oz EDP) is available from Sephora. I'd recommend an online search, though. Some retailers have it for nearly half the price.

2002 ad: imagesdeparfums.fr
A boardwalk amusement park: jerseyshoreguide.com

This one was Karla's fault. She swatched the new Summer 2010 Dior eye shadow quint, Ready-to-Glow a few weeks ago and I promptly headed out to buy it. This palette is just that gorgeous.

The colors are cool(ish)-to-neutral except for the peach that is decidedly warmer . I can wear each and every one of these colors and have found all of them to be flattering and versatile.  I don't wear more than two or three of them together in the classic highlighter-crease-lash line method, but that's a personal preference. Since the texture is so soft and blendable I'm sure you can make four or even all five work together, I just never feel the need to do it.  The pigment is rich and strong, the finish is extraordinarily shiny, but despite the high voltage the softer colors can also work for day if used with a light hand and blended well. Of course, the possibilities for a sexy evening look are many.

Performance-wise, I'm highly impressed with this Dior quint. I always use a lid primer, so there are no creasing or longevity issues. When I use a spectacular base (the one from Kanebo Sensai), the finish stays fresh all day long with no fading.

Bottom Line: Actually worth the price.

Dior 5-Colour Iridescent Eyeshadow - Ready-to-Glow ($58) is available at Dior counters everywhere as well as from Sephora.

All photos are mine.

Introducing a limited edition collection of Dior Vernis shades not to be missed!
704 Nirvana - deep turquoise
887 Purple Mix - sultry purple
804 Perfecto - cool slate grey
997 Blue Label - edgy navy
824 Underground - rich brown-taupe

wear alone or mix and match shades with:

Rock Coat - provides a smoky finishing top coat.

Available this month for a limited time at The Bay for $24 each for the polishes and $22 for the Rock Top Coat.

Look for my Nirvana and Rock Coat swatch next week!

The new Dior Addict Lipsticks are here and I was excited to try them and compare them to the ones I already have! I have to say that I find them moister feeling and they have a lot of shine for regular lipsticks.  I wouldn't say they were highly pigmented though, even seemingly bright colours like the ones above did not show up as strongly on my lips as I would have expected but since I like a sheer lipstick anyhow (less work to put on)  I'm very happy with them!

864 Couture looks bright in the tube and is a beautiful berry pink on me
652 Tango looks pinky coral in the tube but more pink on me - this has quickly become a favourite everyday colour for me!

Have you checked out the line yet?  What other colours do you think I need?

The new Dior Addict Lipstick collection is made up of 56 mouth-watering shades that have an ultra-hydrating formula not to mention amazing colour and shine!

The key ingredient, Mirror Jelly brings shine, volume and hydration to the lips and is made up of two components: polymers that provide a long-lasting, second-skin effect with exceptional hydrating and softening properties and silicone oil, which creates a light, smooth texture. In addition, a significantly lower level of wax (25% less than a standard lipstick) creates a light-reflecting, voluminous effect. 

Collection Shades: Tulle #214, Beige Casual #222, Basic #253, Rose Déshabillé #260, *Lingerie #322, Nude #333, Miss Dior #343, Blush #353, Créateur #445, Parisian Chic #454, Singulière #465, Vintage #525, Bobo #530, Tailleur Bar #535, Baby Rose #561, Diorkiss #578, *Must-Have #579, L.A. #586, Spotlight #612, Granville #621, *Androgyne #626, Miami #635, Millie #680, *Icône #681, Gibraltar #682, *Beige Dandy #712, New York #714, New Look #745, Rock’n Roll #750, *Fashion #753, Paris #762, Reflet #763, *Rouge Podium #773, *Londres #783, Stiletto #797, Smoky #811, Couture #864, Collection #865, *Arty #872, Fashion Week #881, Red Carpet #963, Fourreau #971, Rose Shocking #972, Perfecto #991
*not at Sephora
Sephora Exclusives: Urban #178, Diorissime #249, Garçonne #330, Pink Chérie #368, Tokyo #422, It Pink #554, Model #564, Taffetas #566, Backstage #583, Show #778

Holt Renfrew Exclusive: Insoumise #983

All I know is that I spent a lot of time, money and energy building up my Dior Addict collection and it looks like I have a lot more work to do!  It's tough to be a beauty hoarder!

You can snag one of these babies for $31 at Dior counters everywhere. Stay tuned for swatches!

Dioressence in its older versions comes from a time and place where people didn't buy perfume as an afterthought while shopping at the mall. It smells very French and womanly in the best way possible, and one can  feel the connection Dioressence has to Miss Dior- according to Luca Turin, perfumer Guy Robert got the idea for the formula when washing his ambergris-smelling hands with a Miss Dior soap. While none of the vintage bottles in my possession gives a strong ambergris note, I can understand the inspiration behind it.

Dioressence could be described as Miss Dior's Casual Friday outfit. This is what she wears when out of her pencil skirt and seamed stockings. It's greener and wilder, especially once the aldehydic opening calms down. Miss Dior's leather and smoke are replaced with (controlled) sweetness, but there's still enough oakmoss there to keep things interesting.   My bottles (EDT and parfum concentration) are from different years, and as is the case with all the classic Diors, it's hard to make heads and tails between the versions. One bottle has clearly a lot more spicy carnation and powdery flowers, while another is strong the chypre structure.

I love them all and tend to layer them together randomly. I find Dioressence surprisingly easy to wear, despite what some call funky notes- there's no dead rodents for me, just joy, exuberance and tasteful sensuality.

Dioressence has undergone several reformulations. I've smelled the EDT (the parfum has been gone for years now, at least in North America) from the mid 2000s a few times and found it utterly forgettable. Word on the various boards is that the most recent version- one that came out in the second part of 2009- is actually better and resembles the original. I haven't tried it yet- my local Saks seems to still keep the previous tester and the Dior SA can't talk perfume to save her life.

Vintage Dioressence ads from around 1981- okadi.com and paperpursuits.com.

Lipsticks and cellphones have one thing in common- their technology improves every year. Most major brands have recently come up with new formulas that look better than ever, feel incredibly soft and give the lips some much needed TLC and nourishment. Dior's most recent contribution is Sérum De Rouge Luminous Color Lip Treatment.

They aren't kidding about the "lip treatment" aspect of this lipstick. While the pigment is rich and the coverage is very good, there's some serious soothing and hydrating going on. Sérum De Rouge feels like a very luxurious lip balm while you're actually wearing a creamy lipstick with a slight sheen. It's not very long lasting and the texture is so soft that I highly recommend using a lip liner even if you get one of the lightest shades, just to keep things firmly in place and remember to reapply after your coffee or snack.

I wish there was a larger color variety. Rosewood Serum (no. 740) was the only shade out of the eight that looked good on me. If you wear pink, coral or beige you'll have better luck. On my pigmented lips and olive skin tone, Rosewood, a brown based rose,  is a lovely natural, "my lips, but better" color. I wear it as a nude and often top it with a dark gloss to spice things up.

Bottom line: I'm ready for a red one.

Dior Sérum De Rouge Luminous Color Lip Treatment ($32) is available from Sephora and Dior counters at most department stores. I bought it at my local Bloomingdale's.

All photos are mine.

If you are looking for Dior's top 10 nail shades - 5 classics and 5 trend setters - you can find them exclusively at Holt Renfrew!

Dior Vernis - $24 - will be available in:
108 Ivory, 253 Pink Icing, 483 Pink Kimono, 545 Psychedelic Orange, 668 City of Gold, 671 Graphic Berry, 886 Aztec Chocolate, 903 Black Ink, 987 Smoky Plum, 999 Red Royalty

The colours for the new Dior Vernis have a glossier sheen than ever before.  Each pigment was formed and micronized to produce optimal colour when applied to the nails.  Its new formula also includes a cocktail of active ingredients to amplify brightness and shine, aligning the pigment and pearlescent elements in the same direction to reflect every glint of light.  They contain a formula enriched with silicon and proteins to treat and beautify nails by reinforcing the keratin, making the nails stronger and harder with each application as well as a combination of polymers and resins that perfectly complement the keratin to fuse with the nail, helping it resist chipping.

I'm happy to hear that the formula has been improved, it did find that some of the colours in the old formula chipped on me!  I had a mani done yesterday with Psychedelic Orange (I'm trying to fool myself into thinking it's spring already) and I was impressed at how glossy they really are!  The most interesting part to me though is the brush.  It seems wider then before but is also tapered at the end so I could see this really improving my application technique!

You can also find the nail care products:
Ridge-Filling Basecoat - $24
Top Coat - $22
Creme Abricot - $27

Christelle take note - this is the kind of bar that you won't have to do the walk of shame home from in the morning!

Dior's age-defying range Capture Totale is celebrating its silver anniversary with more innovations and discoveries to improve the line.  The new fundamental discovery in 2011 is that the influence of stem cells is not limited to the epidermis, as we now believe, but extends to the dermis as well, the area where all deep-set and visible signs of aging originate.  Dior has partnered with the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine with the aim to elucidate the deep causes of skin aging and to develop, for the future, an ensemble of new solutions based on stem cells

Today, to target stem cells, all of the Capture Totale products feature a new synergy of super-activated ingredients in the Longoza-Cellular Complex - all of the great historic active ingredients that ensured the success of Capture Totale, backed by a newcomer - TP Vityl which plays the role of a super bodyguard for the stem cells.  The Dior Capture Totale lineup includes:

Dior Capture Totale Serum - 30ml - $140 - 50ml - $195
Dior Capture Totale Creme Multi-Perfection - 50ml - $135
Dior Capture Totale One Essential - 30ml - $100
Dior Capture Totale Radiance Restoring Serum Foundation SPF 15 - 30ml - $85

You can check them out at your local Dior counter.

Nudes, brights and metallics - we've got it all here to give your fingers and toes some love!  Up for grabs is:

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque in Or Rose and Or Blanc - from the winter collection
OPI Nail Lacquer in Just A Little Rosti At This - from the winter Swiss collection
Essie Nail Lacquers in Ballet Slippers, Wicked, Aruba Blue and A List - from their best sellers
Essie Grow Faster 5 Day Grown Treatment
Borghese Nail Lacquer in Puccini Pomegranate
Dior Vernis in Ivory
Chanel Le Vernis in Pearl Drop - from the Spring collection

Loving the smoky, sexy feel of Dior Spring!  Grey eyes and pink lips are one of my favourite combos so I am all over this collection!
Dior Cannage Palette - Dawn Grey - Holts Exclusive - $62
5-Colour Eyeshadow - Gris-Gris - $58
5-Colour Eyeshadow - Soft Pink Design - Not at Sephora - $60
Eyeliner - Smoky Grey - $26
Diorshow 360 Mascara -  090 Black - $39 - your Diorshow goes high tech with a revolving lash-styling brush for volume, curl and length - what it does is automate the ideal eyelash makeup technique - zig-zag application, manual wrist rotation, straight and spiral motions - I made the girl at the counter demonstrate it for me and it's very cool!  There is a button that controls which direction you want it to go in and it doesn't make the embarrassing buzzing noise that the osculating mascaras do!
Rouge Dior - Spring Pink - Not at Sephora - $36
Rouge Dior - Chic Pink - Not at Sephora - $36
Serum de Rouge - Pink Coral Serum and Pinky Mauve Serum - Not at Sephora - $40

Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss - Trianon Silver - Sephora Exclusive and Pink Veil - $31

Dior Vernis - Pink Boa - Not at Sephora - $24
Dior Vernis - Gris Montaigne - $24

On counters in February but I have seen it out all ready at The Bay, and not a minute too soon!  What will you be picking up from this collection?