NEW Diorshow Plum N Volume Mascara & On Stage Liner

Next weekend I’ve organized a girl’s trip to Niagara Falls and we plan to hit the casino, enjoy drinks on the patio and maybe do some shopping. In my travel bag you’ll find a couple Dior On Stage Liners ($35.00 ea) and the blue Plump ‘N’ Volume Mascara ($37.00) for a pop of fun summer color.

These must-have pigments make it easy to create trendy looks and unleash your inner artist. With the flick of a felt tip pen and a coat of sensational color, you can achieve cool graphic lines and long eccentric lashes.

The Liquid Liners have a flexible tip drenched in smooth, high-intensity matte color that doesn’t skip or fade. The thin point makes it easy to draw sharp wings for the perfect cat eye and you can shape, extend and widen your lines with one fluid motion. I love the fast-drying formula. It stays put the minute you apply it and the fluidity provides ultimate control for neatness and precision.

When drawing intricate lines or patterns try to make corrections quickly because once dry, the pigment does not budge! The color lasts all day and even withstands heat, humidity, perspiration and runny eyes so feel free to cry at that romantic comedy.

Dior’s mascaras are my favorites and these waterproof shades are daring and bright. The spindly brush enhances the fabulous formula by grabbing each hair, separating, extending and thickening to create that coveted flasies effect. Squeeze the tube to load the wand with exactly the right amount of pigment and pump up the volume with no clumping.

These limited-edition shades are vibrant and versatile. Coat just the tips or use different colors on the upper and lower lashes. The mascara is also available in coral and purple at Dior counters nationwide.

Dior Foundation Review

A few weeks ago I had breakfast with Dior to preview the new makeup, skincare and fragrances. Among the pretty pigments and irresistible scents, there was a new line of foundation called Forever Undercover which inspired me to round-up a few of the brand’s best formulas.

Finding a foundation that suits my complexion always seems like an impossible task. I’m probably more likely to land on the moon or win the lottery than I am to find an exact match, but in pursuit of flawless skin, I will persist! Today I’ll be reviewing color, texture, application and longevity to determine how these products compare.

First up is the Diorskin Nude Air Serum ($66.00) which has a velvety, fluid texture. This liquid makeup is designed to feel “light as air” with an undetectable film and soft-focus glazed pigments that provide a sheer, radiant finish. The medicine dropper applicator deposits the perfect amount of color where you need it most while vitamins, minerals and cranberry oil revitalize, nourish and hydrate. Dior has also added “Oxygen Activ Technology” for breathable freshness and no caking.

There are only 9 shades available in this collection so I tested number 50 Dark Beige which is the second deepest hue. The color is too warm for my complexion but it layers thinly and the liquid-y consistency applies very silky. Although this foundation provides light coverage, it still corrects and evens skin tone for a natural effect with SPF 25.

The Dior Airflash Foundation ($72.00) is quite unique since it dispenses as a light spray to create an air-brushed glow. Before application, shake the can for 5 seconds to mix the pigments and then spray directly onto the face or in the hand at a 20 cm distance. With this method things can get a bit tricky. Similar to an aerosol spray, the pigment rises into the air which makes it easy to inhale or ingestion. It can also get onto clothing if you aren't careful and I experienced mild throat and nasal irritation. When spraying it onto my face (with closed eyes) application was a bit difficult and inconsistent. That being said, the silky liquid is easy to blend and the lightweight texture seems to melt in effortlessly and evaporate with no visible texture. The color appears dewy and healthy (like a second skin) with no heaviness or caking and the coverage is sheer to medium with buildable saturation.

The Diorskin Forever Fluid ($64.00) is probably one of the brand’s more popular foundations. There are 28 shades available - I have 45 Hazel Beige with a neutral undertone for easy matching. This formula provides a full-coverage matte finish for excellent blemish coverage and tone correcting. It is a bit heavier and thicker than the foundations above but it seems to last longer (up to 16 hours) and camouflages imperfections for a flawless effect. The consistency is smooth, comfortable and flexible so skin appears refined and luminous.

The new Forever Undercover Foundation ($64.00) provides maximum complexion control and 24 hour touch-proof, kiss-proof, life-proof coverage. This is the type of makeup you can dance all night in without sweating off and you don’t have to worry about touch-ups. The color does not dry right away so you have time to blend seamlessly and once set, the finish is velvety smooth and matte. The high concentration of pigments covers everything including blemishes, redness and irregularities for flawless skin that feels light, hydrated and comfortable. The color does not settle into lines and appears very natural with no greasiness. Compared to the other formulas, this one is by far my favorite! I have the shade 045 which looks a bit darker in the bottle than it does on the skin so I suggest swatching all possible matches.

For travel I’ve been using Dior’s Fix It 2-In-1 Prime & Conceal ($45.00) for face, eyes and lips. There are 3 shades available (Light, Medium and Dark) inspired by backstage makeup techniques. This skin perfector is handy for touch-ups and erases under eye circles, fills pores, corrects blemishes and covers dark areas. It also primes lips for color and I love how easy it is to swipe on for a revitalized, restful effect. The creamy texture is easy to blend and layer so I keep it in my purse.

The Dior Forever Undercover Concealer ($42.00) is a one coat camouflage that provides waterproof wear for up to 8 hours. You can apply it prior to foundation to cover redness, hyperpigmentation and acne or use it to sculpt and accentuate facial contours. It covers dark circles with a high dose of concentrated pigments and instantly brightens dull, tired skin.

Dior is available at The Bay, Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart and Holt Renfrew

Dior Precious Rocks Holiday Collection Review

Dior has captured the essence of the holiday season with scintillating ruby tones, prismatic brilliance and refined glamour. The artistic packaging is very Hollywood chic - featuring sophisticated shapes and reflective gold embellishments that resemble stylish ornaments.

Uncapping the beautiful Diorific Khôl Lipstick ($46.00) is a magical experience and as you pull it out of your handbag, the unique shape and vivid color is mesmerizing.

There are 5 trendy shades available and Bold Amethyst is the deepest, most seductive hue – perfect for creating dramatic intrigue and rich, vampy looks. The color transmits like smoky midnight plum with a powdery matte finish that hugs the lip contour to amplify definition and fullness. For neatness and precision, the pointed bullet design lines, shapes and accentuates with no feathering. The ultra-pigmented, long-wear formula last for hours and the lush texture is light, moisturizing and softening – infused with nourishing butters.

The Diorific Vernis Nail Enamel ($34.00) is the prettiest polish I’ve seen – very unique and high fashion. Grenat is an irresistible bright fuchsia that looks ravishing at holiday parties and Ruby is a shimmery, multidimensional pink. The lacquer is vibrant, long-wear and smooth with a creamy formula that applies opaque and glossy for professional results.

The Diorific Matte Fluid Lip & Cheek Color ($47.00) makes me excited to celebrate Christmas so I can wear it to all my events. The velvety formula drenches lips in saturated color with a luxurious matte finish that looks femininely striking. Blend it onto the cheeks for a soft, faded flush – similar to the effect you get after being out in the cold, when skin appears healthy and naturally rosy.

The applicator is small but effective and the ruby-pink applies full-coverage and lacquer-like.

This limited edition collection also includes beautiful eye shadow palettes and all of these gorgeous items make incredible gifts! The holiday makeup is available at Dior counters nationwide.

Dior Rouge Liquid Lip Stain & Rouge Dior Double Rouge - Matte Metal Lipstick Review

When you shimmy into your little black dress and slip on your favorite pair of sexy pumps, the perfect finishing touch is a powerful lipstick and an intoxicating fragrance. Bold, feminine lip color is elegant and seductive which is why the Director of Dior Makeup has created the new Liquid Lip Stains and Matte Metal Lipsticks.

The stains are encased in chic, slender tubes with an elongated window that reveals the color within. There are 29 intense shades and 3 distinct finishes - Matte, Electric Metal and Pop Satin. To “push the limits, experiment and shock people a bit” there are also 4 extreme shades including a dramatic Black Matte, Oxblood (rich chocolate brown), Fab Satin (deep sensual plum) and Hologram (a multidimensional cyber silver) that can also be worn as a top coat.

Left to right: 828 Dressed To Matte, 574 Lively Matte, 442 Impetuous Satin and 515 Scandalous Metal.

The featherweight pigments produce highly saturated, vibrant color that glides on smoothly for ultimate dispersion that lasts up to 12 hours. A nourishing blend oils and lush gelling agents provide a creamy, moisturizing texture to keep lips healthy, supple and comfortable. I like that the rich formula deposits the perfect dose of pure color that molds to my lip contour to create shape, volume and definition without feathering.

The applicator is quite standard and small enough to get right into the corners to create sharp, neat lines. The pigment is so light that it feels like you’re applying a gloss but the effect is strikingly vivid - similar to a lacquer. The Lip Stains retail for $43.00 each at Dior Counters nationwide and a few exclusive shades are available at Sephora.

The Double Rouge Matte Metal Lipsticks ($43.00) fuses two popular trends to deliver a gorgeous ombré effect. The matte outer ring combines with the metallic core to create a sophisticated finish and the optical illusion of volume. The shades are expertly matched and balanced for the perfect color contrast. The highlight catches the light to create a luminous sheen and the deeper shade boldly accentuates. Below I have Poison Purple (with a shimmery golden pink core) and Dressed to Kill (burgundy-wine with a brilliant gold center).

Once you get the hang of applying the color, it is quite simple to create a mesmerizing ombré lip. I start off by touching the center shade to the middle of my lips and then using the pointed edges to fill in the outer perimeter with the matte shade. If you swipe both colors together, the darker shade may cover the highlight to create one solid color or a mosaic wash of light and dark. It also helps if you wipe off the metallic core after each use to keep the colors separated as they do tend to smear together. The luxurious formula is light, silky and highly pigmented – offering versatile coverage, hydration and optimum coverage.

After your makeup is done and you are dressed-to-impress, a flattering fragrance is a must! Miss Dior is described as “a perfume that smells like love” with a stirring composition that is elegant yet rebellious. The bottle adds the perfect touch of femininity to your vanity with thick structured glass and a playful silver bow.

Miss Dior is a mix of seduction, high-fashion, style and refinement. The scent is constructed of honeyed Damascena Rose, sparkling Blood Orange, Mandarin and Bergamot contrasted by a sultry base of Pink Peppercorn and Guyanese Rosewood. These robust ingredients blend to form a wonderful aroma that is ideal for day wear or an evening out. You can smell the freshness mingled with light sweetness and deep complexity - creating the perfect balance. The 100 ml bottle featured here retails for $165.00 and the fragrance is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora and Dior Counters nationwide.

Dior Addict Lip Tattoo Review & NEW 5 Color Eye Shadow Palette

The new Dior Lip Tattoos may have been inspired by the trends and techniques of experts backstage at the hottest runway shows but the durable pigments are also perfect for modern woman tackling their hectic schedules with style.

This new generation of ink provides an ephemeral lip tattoo in a variety of trendy colors ranging from pale nude, universal cherry and bubbly gum pink with luminous finishes. Once applied the formula (which is 50% water) evaporates leaving behind vibrant color and a nourishing dose of emollients that provide light moisture, softness and a refreshing hint of menthol. The texture is so weightless that it doesn’t feel like lipstick at all and the tinted ink transparently fuses with the lips to boost their natural color.

Because of the moisturizing blend of water and oil, the liquid glides on cool and soothing with a juicy wash of color. The more you apply, the longer it takes to dry, but once it does the effect is similar to a pretty stain. The red is most vivid but all of the shades start out quite sheer and can be slightly enhanced for more saturation. Although they aren’t full-coverage, the tints accentuate the lips and provide brightness and comfort with little transfer. I don’t quite get a full 10 hours of wear but they do hold up well and fade nicely. The Lip Tattoos retail for $36.00 each and are available exclusively at Nordstrom.

The Dior 5 Color Eye Shadow Palettes are classic and the new color collections have been reinvented to deliver stronger pigment and richer effects. 357 Electrify has a unique intermingling of color designed to play up the eyes with silky summer hues. The shimmery pink with peachy undertones contrasts beautifully with the range of glistening blues while the silver adds a sheer wash of glittery sparkle to the areas you’d like to enhance. Although I still recommend a good primer to amp-up the pigment, I definitely notice an improvement in color pay-off and the texture is incredibly smooth, lightweight and satiny with no creasing. The palette retails for $72.00 available at Sephora and all other Dior retailers.

I love glamorous lashes but I don’t usually have the time or patience to glue on flasies. When it comes to mascara, it seems like there is a new product launched every week so it takes a lot to impress me and most of the time I don’t even review them. That being said, the Diordshow Pump’N’ Volume Mascara is fabulous! Instead of a traditional brush (which all seem to do the same thing), this one has short, spindly bristles that grab each hair to effectively lengthen and thicken. Squeezing the flexible outer tube makes the high-density formula ideally fluid so the brush receives a load of product to generously coat the hairs without clumping. The effect is thick, voluminous lashes that look stunning! The mascara retails for $37.00 

Dior Addict Lacquer Stick Review

Dior is a trendsetter when it comes to revolutionizing style and the new Lacquer Sticks are effortlessly chic. Inspired by fearless young women who like to experiment with makeup, this unique lipstick-lacquer hybrid combines rich pigment, comfort and liquid shine in one easy to use formula.

Available in 18 show-stopping shades the lacquers are sheathed in elegant plum tubes and the slender sticks are perfect for maneuvering around the lip contour.

The texture is smooth and ultra hydrating with a blend of 5 lightweight, nourishing oils chosen for their radiance boosting abilities. The vibrant color glides across the lips with a fondant-like effect and melts to form a lush, reflective finish. The brightest and deepest shades seem to emit the most color payoff and each lacquer is 44% more transparent than a classic lipstick resulting in sheer to full coverage with the versatility to be enhanced or blurred.

The striking pureness of the richest hues is definitely comparable to a lacquer but the finish is light and moist, similar to a balm with the vividness of a lip cream. The luminosity creates a beautiful, volumizing sheen and the spectrum showcases the coolest trends of the season including: pastel, neon, classic and wild.

With normal wear the lacquers hold up for a few hours but like most lip products they transfer during meals and fade with direct contact. Even as the color wears away, the formula continues to condition dry skin and keep your pout supple with no stickiness. Reapplication is easy and you can adjust the intensity to suit your needs.

The Lacquer Sticks retail for $43.00 each available at Dior counters nationwide including Sephora and Hudson’s Bay.

Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette Review

It's almost time to put away the winter clothes and break out your spring wardrobe so today I'm exploring seasonal trends with the elegant 5 Couleurs Shadow Palettes from Dior. What initially caught my attention (aside from the stylish puffed fabric design with intricate stitching) are the expertly coordinated color combinations. Each flattering collection is designed around the signature shade in the center with the versatility to create 2 stunning looks: light and neutral or sultry and sophisticated.

The finely milled, silky formula is lightweight, radiant and soft for sheer to medium coverage and the intensity can be enhanced by layering over primer. The top pigments in each palette are ideal for sexy day looks while the bottom shades create dramatic smoky effects perfect for a night out. The shimmery finish is refined and soft for mild luminosity that isn’t glittery or overdone and each shadow applies effortlessly with little to no fallout.  

Carré Bleu is my personal favorite because I love the balance of icy blues and grey tones against the deep navy which can also be used to sculpt, define and accentuate the lash line. The vivid contrast and cool color scheme is beautiful on all skin tones.

For sophisticated subtlety, the Montaigne Palette combines beige, peach and cream shadows with smoldering bronze. The colors may be sheer and reserved but they enhance the eyes just enough for everyday elegance and with a streak of sharp black liner, the effect is quite exquisite!

The 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palettes retail for $72.00 each at Dior counters nationwide including Sephora and Hudson’s Bay.

Dior Color Gradation Spring 2017 Makeup Collection Review

Dior is a leading trendsetter when it comes to style so it’s no surprise that the spring makeup collection features unique pigments that are elegant and bold. The range focuses on avant-garde gradients, striking color clashes and radiant skin to showcase the season’s vibrancy.

The new selection of Rouge Dior Matte Lipstick is eclectic and stunningly eccentric. The shade 502 Radical is a pale grey that has gained increasing recognition as the edgy new “it” shade of the beauty community.  Paired with the right eye shadow this daring hue looks lovely and I like when brands push boundaries to expand our options. Although grey may not be office appropriate just yet, it is definitely suitable for a night out. 951 Absolute is a sophisticated, signature red that is very Hollywood glam. The pure color and lack of harsh undertones makes it flattering on most complexions. 810 Distinct is a chocolaty brown that is neutral yet still very deep and rich.

Although the lipsticks have a solid matte finish, the texture is creamy and smooth for excellent glide and consistent, full-coverage application. The pigments are highly saturated and enriched with mango butter, hyaluronic acid and lipid-restoring properties for hydration, suppleness and comfort. They retail for $43.00 each.

The Nude Air Luminizer is available in 4 shades including a universal powder suitable for all skin tones. The luxurious formula is infused with refined, light reflecting shimmer that creates an iridescent candlelight glow rather than a glittery mess and the finish is ultra silky. I prefer to use the kabuki brush (included with the compact) to highlighting my legs, arms, shoulders or décolletage because it disperses the particles and illuminates the body. The Luminzers retail for $68.00 each.

003 is a stunning golden hue with buildable pigmentation. A light dusting provides a subtle effect and more layers give you a glamorous glow.

002 is a cool tone with saturated champagne shimmer and a rose gold base.

The spring collection also includes a Lip Scrub ($41.00) and berry Lip Glow ($41.00) which work well together for a rejuvenating treatment. The scrub is not grainy or rough but it gently exfoliates with sugar granules and the lush texture melts in to provide layers of moisture with a fresh pink tint. Lips feel supple, smooth and protected from harsh weather.

The Color Revival Balm with SPF 15 ($41.00) reacts to your body chemistry to create a special shade that enhances your natural lip color. It has become a new staple in my purse because the sheer berry tone makes my lips appear full and pouty plus the conditioning butters nourish, revitalize and soothe parched skin for hours of creamy hydration.

You can find these great products at Dior counters nationwide including Sephora and Hudson’s Bay.