Dior DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Makeup SPF 25

Dior foundations  never let  me down. Even the ones I think won't work for my skin do  ( Like the DiorSkin Nude Creme Gel one which I  ended up using  much of last winter) . The new version of DiorSkin Forever- DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Makeup SPF 25 , is no exception.

The new foundation comes in both a powder and liquid and I've tried both without primer underneath.  Shade shown is 020.

Both are good coverage, semi- matte , and feel imperceptible on skin. The liquid is a thicker formula than many of the "your skin but better" foundations out there. This gives  good coverage, medium to full. Concealer is still needed on any big problem spots but that's all. It really does feel like nothing on and  skin looks soft and smooth.

The powder is much the same. Good coverage and a smooth, perfected finish . It feels like silk  on skin. This one has lighter coverage than the liquid  but is still  good  .

The formula for both is said to work with what skin needs and where it needs it. Oilier spots get mattified and drier get hydrated. I hyave oily skin and found both formulas to be great. They stayed matte all day on most of my face except the nose/chin and nothing keeps the oil back there. But it doesn't look dry or cakey. It just melts into skin.

Both are also long wear  and I have had great luck on that end as well. No touch ups needed through the bulk of the day, just a T -Zone blot. They coverage stays true. Dior says is in non transfer( which I would agree with) and waterproof ( can't say on that one).

This one is going right to the top of my tops list alongside DiorSkin Nude Natural Glow  which has been a long time favorite.

DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear Foundation Liquid $ 46.00
DiorSkin Forver  Extreme Wear Foundation Compact $ 48.00

Available at Sephora.com and all Dior outlets.

Dior Deluxe Holiday Palette ( 2011)

Dior as always has some beautiful, gift worthy holiday palettes coming soon.  The big one is the Dior Deluxe Holiday Palette.

This palette , according to Dior , "features the essentials for creating any beauty look, from fresh and glowing skin to smoky eyes to bold lips. On the left side of this chic clutch is a Creme de Rose Lip Balm, and a multi-toned Diorskin Nude sculpting powder."

"The center features essentials for an modern smoky eye look: A dark aubergine eyeliner, a medium plum eyeshadow, and a petal pink lipgloss to compliment. The right side of the palette is the opposite look: nude eyes and intense lips. A taupe and pale pink eyeshadow pair with a rich, universal red lipstick. A Mini Diorshow Iconic Mascara pulls the entire look together."

$77.00 and on counter in October.

Dior Blue Tie Palette

Another beauty of a palette from Dior- The Blue Tie containing 4 eyeshadows and one lipstick tucked neatly under a silver flip lid.

This is one of those you can't help but love since it's so pretty. The compact is heavy and has the Dior Cannage embossing. The shadows make a great smoky eye but the lightest blue( top right corner) can be worn daytime on it's own .

$ 70.00 and LE.

Miss Dior Cherie Blooming Bouquet

Miss Dior Cherie Blooming Bouquet is a Nordstrom exclusive new Dior fragrance. 

Blooming Bouquet , as one would imagine,  is a floral. It's a soft, pretty  floral with notes of peony  and rose at the top, along with a little citrus zip (sicilian mandarin essence) that works it's way into  a sparkling slightly powdery floral by the drydown. Bottom notes are white musks and patchouli but to my nose they play  but a small part in this bouquet.

It is very pretty and easily wearable anytime. It's sweet and feminine but more than simply a fruity floral scent.

Of all the Miss Dior Cheries , I think this is my favorite.



Available ay Nordstrom during the Anniversary sale that begins on July 15. It's LE and  $64.00  for 1.7oz EDT Spray

Fifi Fragrance Awards Consumers Choice Voting Open

The Fifis, the  fragrance industries biggest awards , are having  their  consumer vote again this year.  You get to have your say in fragrance of the year in mens and womens. It's a good size list on each side with some fabulous choices. Head over  to the voting page at http://fragrance.org/ballots2011consumer/login.php
to cast yours through May 12th.

You will need to leave a name and email, for voting purposes only .

If you feeling like sharing, leave me  a comment with your vote choices.

Mine-  In women's, Dior J'Adore L'Or -truly one of the best things I smelled last year.  In Men's ( but also listed  in the women's category) Tom Ford Azure Lime. So good and  very unisex. I'm glad it was in both categories or it would have been a tough call.

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Crystal Nude in Sweet Peach- Summer 2011

Dior Ultra Gloss Crystal Nude in Sweet Peach # 047 is  part of  Dior Electric Tropics Summer  line

It's a jelly, with a very sheer  peach tint. It's been ages since I used a Dior gloss( Their lipsticks-huge favorites ). This gloss is so smooth and  hydrating. It feels fab on lips, non tacky,  with a lot of slip  and makes a great top coat over a deeper shade or  one of the brighter oranges that are so hot this season but  not everyone's cup of tea. 

$ 27.00 at all Dior counters

New Dior Addict Lipsticks

The original Dior Addict lipstick was very much a favorite. I still have one in Lunar Brown and it's still a color I love. Dior just gets lipsticks so right. Last years Rouge Dior Haute Couleur is still at the very top of my favorite lipstick list.

For 2011 they have redone the Addict line. It's more moisturizing and more sheer than the original formula. These are not quite a gloss lipstick but they have that quality to them. Shiny,  semi sheer,  with soft shimmer and they keep lips moist. They also have good coverage.  The case is now clear  instead of the signature blue, with a silver tube.

Dior Addict comes in 56 shades  ranging from pale pink to bold red. I lean towards the lighter shades so that's mostly what I  have here. Favorites  are New York- a brown tinged  plum, Beige Casual- a  nude , your lips but better shade, and Beige Perfection-  a peach tinted nude beige.  Many shades are similar  especially in the light pink range . With the  number of shades there will truly be something for everyone and  they are perfect for the lighter , warmer days ahead.

 Shades shown left to right:

Diorissime 249 , Beige Casual 222, New York 714, Nude 333, Smoky 811, Tulle 214.

The full line is up now at Sephora and at Dior counters. (Some shades are exclusive to Sephora ). Retail is $ 28.00

Duran Duran and Kate Moss- New Video for Dior Addict Lipstick

 Not sure what it says that that the day I met Simon and Nick  of Duran Duran was one of the best ever, but in my defense it was also my first day ever at fashion week , so  put the two together and yes,  it goes on the best ever list. I mean, I have been a fan for , ok not saying how long, but you get the idea. LONG. And I told them so, and they were gracious and sweet,  bless their hearts.

So how excited was I to hear they partnered with  my also beloved Dior to do the music for the  videos  of  the new Dior Addict Lipstick?  Their new single All You Need Is Now dropped in December and is good. Really good. That song with a mash up of few Duran older gems forms the music for the new video starring Kate Moss  along with some fabulous Parisian scenery, one gorgeous Rolls Royce  and Dior  baubles and shoes.

I know nothing else about these new lipsticks, but I do know that I loved the orginal Addict ones.  Shade Lunar Brown  was and still is an all time fav, even if it too old to use now.

So Dior and Duran= sign me up.

You can view the two , very short, previews at these links.

More info when I get it. In the meantime , enjoy.

http://etoilerouge.fr/DIOR/teaser2.html

http://etoilerouge.fr/DIOR/addict2/addict-2.html

Christian Dior Couture Spring 2011

The only words to describe the Dior couture show this week are the big adjectives. Amazing, stunning. It was those and more. I  was wowed with just a glimpse.

The quality of light in the fabrics at time reminded me of a painting. The exquisite detailing, the big sashying skirts.  The headpieces by Stephen Jones.

The makeup  was fabulous as well. Porcelain doll faces, absolute precise lines.  Over the top ,but this is couture. Pat McGrath worked her usual magic using Dior Ara Red #999 for those lips. I loved the bold eye colors , but they were not Dior, so no details.

 I can only hope that at least one Oscar attendee dons one of these gowns for us to see. Since Natalie Portman is the face of Miss Dior Cherie, we'll see.

All images: Style.com

Dior J'Adore L'Or Essence de Parfum

One of the best fragrances I tried all last year only came to my nose right at Christmas. Dior J'Adore L'Or was released in October but being limited so far to only Nordstrom it was some time before I had a chance to test it. I've owned the orginal J'Adore since it came out . This goes one or maybe three, better.

This is  new fragrance, an additon to the Dior J'Adore line but different from the original. It's an Essence of Perfume, so it is based more on some of the key notes of J'Adore and uses higher quality  absolutes. The main notes of Rose de Mai and Jasmine are taken from flowers grown especially for Dior  in Grasse, France.

 L'Or goes on a bit like an oil , it stays on skin a little longer and has a silky texture.

  

The fragrance is a powerhouse white floral , stunningly beautiful and well done. The kind I perfume I hope for . To my nose there is mostly  the jasmine and a good bit of tuberose.  The rose in hinted at  just enough. It's creamy, floral, warm and soft.  At the drydown there is a tiny bit of tonka and vanilla but overall it stays all white floral for me. It dries down to stay closer to skin but gives off great sillage  and lasts very long.

Dior J'Adore L'or comes packaged beautifully in a gift type box and is available at Nordstrom for $ 95.00 for 40ml bottle.

Best of Beauty 2010

It's time for the best of the year , a look back at my top favorites. It's not always easy to slim the list down as I like so many products. But these that follow were the tops, or at least the ones that came immediately to mind. Most were reviewed here before so a link is there if you wish to read the original post. Please share your "best of" for the year in the comments. I'd love to know what's on everyones list.

Dior J'Adore L'Or- Full review coming soon on this as I only tried it at Christmastime.  An updating of the original J'Adore with a focus on purer , high grade essences and rose absolute and jasmine from Dior's own fields, this powerhouse white floral is beyond beautiful. So well done, and a bit more of an oil than as it's an essence of perfume rather than a  straight EDP.

Annick Goutal Ninfeo Mio- Another hit from the great house. Love at first sniff and few others came close to it all year. It's not like anything else out there and for Spring and Summer weather,  so beautiful, fresh and  green.

Clinique Acne Solutions  Liquid Makeup - Kept my skin in check all summer, the hottest on record here. Not as matte as I usually use but it worked so well at keeping acne  down and helped oilies as well, while also providing great coverage and good looking skin.

Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage- A genius idea. Cools, soothes , brightens and de-puffs all at once. Not it is not quite a miracle worker, you don't suddenly lose all puffiness etc.,  but it does make a difference and feels so good on. Anytime your eyes are tired or irritated , reach for this.

Dior Rouge Dior Haute Couleur Lipsticks- There were a lot of fabulous new lipsticks this fall, one from most major brands. I liked or loved  most , but the best to me was the new Dior. It feels like air on your lips but packs pigment and moisture and simply looks like lipstick should. 

Ellis Faas Makeup - Everything in this new  this year line but especially the Eye Lights metallic eye shadows.  With innovative colorways and packaging,  this became a huge favorite.

Origins Zero Oil Cleanser- Most amazing oily skin cleanser ever. Yes ,really. Did wonders for my skin in the super hot summer heat. Kept using all fall and into winter  even. Not harsh but cleanses well and helps bat down that pesky over oiliness. Zero Oil indeed. Maybe not all of it, but enough.

Chanel Les Khakis nail polish- The polish everyone at Fashion Week in Sept. 2010 was either talking about, wanting or wearing. I got more compliments on my Khaki Vert toes than I ever expected. I also didn't expect the  polish to look so good, but somehow it was perfect. The two other shades didn't move me as much but I still like them.

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger - This new line  grabbed a lot of reader attention and deservedly so . Deeply repairing for damaged and very dry hair, it's that good. 

MAC Venomous Villains- One of the most hotly anticipated collections of the year . This was simply fun but also had some great colors. I know people who wanted it simply because it was Disney, but most of us I think wanted it because it was Disney and MAC.  The decals/logos were well done and I love having at least one lippie sitting out where I can see it.

Honorable mentions go to :

 1. Clarins Extra Firming Foundation-  they do know foundation as well as skincare there .  Super coverage, firming, radiance. Hits all the marks.

2. Atelier Perfumes- a new, niche line  of old  style cologne  scents modernized and better.  

3. Maybelline Age Rewind The Eraser Foundation - A drugstore foundation that truly competes with the high end lines.

Dior Diorskin Nude Creme Gel Compact

  The DiorSkin Nude foundation line is one of my all time favorites. The DiorSkin Nude Natural liquid  is a winter staple and in my 2009 post on it , I called it one of the best ever.   The powder version- Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Sculpting Powder- is a summer staple. Easy to use and perfecting on skin.

Now we have a new addition, Diorskin Nude Creme Gel. Was I excited ? Yes.  This one is hitting all the marks as well.  The foundation is very light and imparts a light to medium finish. It manages good coverage while still being a more sheer formula than it's predecessors.  The formula is a cream in the compact but it's not greasy ( no oil or heavy hydrators in there) and goes on easily with the added puff. Even though it  dries to a powder like finish, you still have plenty of time to blend and the finish is not dry at all , and really not overly powderlike.  My skin looks very perfected, smooth and even.

For the normal to oily skinned like myself, it's lovely. Drier skin will have to give it a test but it should be ok.

The foundation according to the box is infused with Mineralized Water. This gives glow and radiance . Your skin, but better basically.

Available now for $ 48.00

Dior Rouge Dior Haute Couleur Lipstick

Dior's Rouge Dior is a new  luxury lipcolor for fall. Housed in a snazzy new case with the cannage pattern, the new lipstick comes in 32 new shades developed by Dior creative director Tyen.

Rouge Dior feel incredibly good on the lips. It sits lightly yet has plenty of pigment so it looks full and lasts very well ( a bit remained even after a dip in the pool). Lips have moisture but it's not slick . This is full coverage, true lipstick but with a soft edge.

The formula is creamy and moisturizing as well treating lips  with "tinted and extra-plumping hyaluronic spheres which instantly soften, lift and replenish lips to express the incredible depth of tones and radiance for each of the line’s couture-inspired shades. While the larger hyaluronic
spheres stay on the surface of the lips to fill in wrinkles, micro-spheres go deeper to plump the lips from below the skin’s surface"

My favorite shade is Beige Indecise ( 298), a true light nude beige with no pink. I also really like Sensual Bronze ( 411) which is  a medium brown .

With the comfort factor and large shade range, there should be a Rouge Dior for everyone.

On counter in October and will retail for $ 30.00


Shades: Mazette #028, Diorama #066, Mitzah Lilac #264, Beige Indecise #298,Pink Junon #349, Elegant Pink #351, Pink Baiser #361, Pink Songe #365,Sensual Bronze #411, Samarcande Brown #434, Andalouse #435, Red Muse #444,Pink Caprice #475, Bright Amber #513, Bronze Zerline #522, Rare Amber #526,Pink Cocotte #551, Dolce Vita Pink #555, Blazing Red #638, Rouge Blossom#644, Diorling Pink #647, Devilish Pink #678, Mirza Mauve #713, Zinnia Red#743, Favori Red #752, Star Fuchsia #766, Mysterious Mauve #786,Indiscretion Mocha #815, Hypnotic Red #862, Fantastic Plum #874, Daisy Plum#976, Ara Red #999.

Dior Miniaudiere and Holiday Color 2010

Dior Miniaudiere  and  Holiday Look 2010

“Black is the most elegant and surprising color,” Christian Dior said.  Can't argue with that.

Dior has  outdone themselves with the holiday miniaudiere. I adore this and it reminds me of several vintage pieces I have . I love that it has an inside lid done in gold. That's a very vintage touch.

The color trend for holiday from Dior is yellow gold, bronze gold and silver black. It's all sparkle and radiance.

The details:

Star Product – Dior Miniaudiere:
Paying tribute to the evening purse of the moment, the Dior Miniaudiere features couture details like a vintage kiss clasp, a gold plaque engraved with the Dior logo and a black patent leather finish embossed in the iconic Dior houndstooth pattern.

Available in two color harmonies: Grey or Pink tones.

Retail $80.00 (Grey Golds, Saks Only), (Pink Golds, All other stores)

The Holiday Collection:

-Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Five Golds #001
-Dior 5-Colour Iridescent in Endless Shine #529 (except Sephora)
-Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen in Gold Edition
-Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss in Pink Stiletto # 234 (except Sephora)
-Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss in Black Lame #992 (Sephora Exclusive)
-Dior Vernis in Czarina Gold #916 (except Sephora)
-Dior Vernis in Timeless Gold #226

On-Counter: October 2010

Dior Holiday Palettes 2010

Dior is busting out the pretty holiday palettes once again, most done in the signature Cannage pattern. 

The details:

Red Cannage Travel Eye Palette:

This deluxe holiday palette features four versatile eyeshadow shades: gunmetal ,silver, smoky brown, shimmering taupe and light pink. Retail: $44.00

Availability: Department stores, Nordstrom & Bloomingdale’s.

Red Cannage Travel Lip Palette:

This chic red patent palette makes the perfect holiday beauty accessory. Featuring  burgundy and berry lipstick shades and a light pink gloss, lips go easily (and stylishly) from day to night. MSRP: $44.00

Availability: Department stores, Nordstrom & Bloomingdale’s

Black Cannage Eye Palette:
Create smoky, show-stopping eyes with this must-have palette. Featuring shades of midnight blue, gunmetal silver, shimmering taupe and white highlighter in Dior’s silky iridescent eyeshadow formula. Retail: $44.00

*This is  Sephora Exclusive

Dior Deluxe Travel Palette:
Travel in style with this sleek red patent cannage palette, featuring a mini Diorshow Extase Mascara, a mini pink Ultra-Gloss, a medium pressed powder, a blush and six eyeshadows. An inside mirror makes application and touchups easy. Retail : $75.00

Availability: Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Sephora

Dior Mini Brush Set:

This elegant, couture-designed travel case contains four miniature, must-have
brushes for cheeks, eyes, lips and foundation. Retail: $60.00

All on-counter: October 2010

Emmy Rossum in Dior Beaute

A lot of celeb looks cross my desk and some grab my attention more than others. I loved the eye look on Emmy Rossum for The Wildlife Conservation Society Gala in NY.

She really just glows and it's possibly the best I've seen her look. It's a a great idea of how fab beige /taupe/browns can be on eyes , and that peach blush- perfection.

All makeup by Dior and makeup artist Shab Siarezi .

Eyes: Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Earth Reflection, Dior Liquid Eyeliner in Brown, Diorshow Iconic Mascara in Black

Skin: Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen in #002 and #003, DiorSkin Airflash Spray Foundation #200

Cheek: DiorBlush in Peachy Keen #553

Lips: Dior Addict Lipcolor in Undressed Pink #219

Dior Escale aux Marquises

The next in Dior perfumes Escale line is Marquises and was inspired by Dior's house perfumer Francois Demachy’s travels in French Polynesia .

The Escales are generally light and fresh scents. They don't last as long as I'd like but that's not unusual for citrus scents which the previous two were. While I haven't yet sniffed Marquises, those previous ones Escale a Portofino and Escale a Pondichery are both favorites. Pondichery in fact is one I have been reaching for a lot all winter, spring and will right into summer.

Escale aux Marquises with notes of Tiare and Blood Orange, has my name on it as well.

This one doesn't launch until fall and will be a Nordstrom exclusive at first.

Full note list :

Top notes of Vanilla Absolute,Blood Orange Essence
Middle notes of Pink Peppercorn Extract
Bottom notes of Tahitian Tiare Flower

Prices will be: $66.00 for 2.5 oz, $87.00 for 4.25 oz

Dior Serum de Rouge Lipstick

Serum de Rouge is the new, deeply moisturizing and conditioning lipstick from Christian Dior. I got my chance to try one at a counter a few weeks ago. These are very creamy but have good pigment. Most of the colors are fairly neutral . In other words, very wearable.

The Serum part is the active skincare ingredients . Said to be 10 times more than other lipsticks. There is mango butter to soften and ingredients to boost collagen levels among others. That makes Serum de Rouge a perfect winter lippie. You get chic color and can fight the drying aspect of cold and wind.

I loved the creamy texture and definitely want to pick up at least one. It doesn't hurt that these are packaged in a slim wand done up with the elegant Dior cannage pattern.

$ 32.00 at Dior counters

Dior Escale à Pondichéry

Next up in the Escale line of fragrances from Dior is Escale à Pondichéry. The first was Escale a Portofino, a lovely astringent citrus.

Pondichery is the name of a seaside town in India , sea destinations seeming to be the inspiration in this line.

This new scent is tea based. India is know for it's amazing tea and the aroma permeates this fragrance. Although black tea is listed as the main note, to me it has more of a more a green tea smell. Now I love green tea perfumes, so that works for me.

There are not a lot of notes here as befits a light , summer wear cologne type fragrance . The green tea and citrus notes are there right off. I get lots of bergamot and some lemon. After awhile the more wooded notes come in- cardamom and sandalwood. They are not strong here. The Jasmine sambac note adds a nice white floral touch , again without being strong.

The drydown is very much tea and a touch of sandalwood. By then the tea has taken on a bit of a deeper note but it's still more green than black. Overall it's very pretty . In this heat it has been a refreshing scent and I am able to re -spray throughout the day.

The sillage here is pretty good, lasting power medium.

If you like citrus, tea, fresh and light perfumes, than give this a try. It is also defintely unisex.

By the way, if you care about such things, the bottle is very elegant with the Dior iconic quilting.

Escale à Pondichéry will be available at Nordstrom exclusively I believe, shortly. It is not yet on the website. It came out earlier this year in duty free shops.

2.5 oz will be $ 65.00

Diorshow Brow Styler

New from Dior is the Diorshow brow styler. This has one shade for everyone and a super fine point.

I don't use brow pencil all the time, and I haven't tried this yet, but I do think it looks worth investigating. The few brow pencils I have tried haven't thrilled me.

It's exclusive to Sephora for now and is $ 28.00