Scarlet Seduction

Rouge Dior holds a special place in the history of Dior. When it was first introduced in 1953, the collection of 8 universally flattering lipstick shades was, Christian Dior declared, a way for women to "dress their smile" in the sumptuous shades of Dior's couture fabrics. 1500 shades have come and gone since, and 60 years later, the lipstick is celebrating its anniversary with a revamped 32 shade range and improved formula. (Think lip-plumping hyaluronic acid, rock samphire extract to stimulate cell renewal and combat chapped lips, and a texture akin to lip balm.)

Four iconic shades emerge as true standouts, each with their own complementary or matching nail polish. After all, Christian Dior may have believed in a woman dressing her smile, but a 21st century woman is interested in dressing her tips as well!

Rouge Dior Grège 1947 blends grey and beige into a warm, peachy nude which complements the moody oxblood hue of Dior Vernis Nuit 1947 very well. Trafalgar—a vibrant coral red—is a nod to Dior's trick of sending a bright dress down the runway to shake up a boring show, a trick which he called "Trafalgar's blow." Darling is a bright, happy pink and an allusion to Dior's "Chéries," the muses who inspired him.

But my favourite among the bunch is 999, a classic red with its own matching Dior Vernis. This tribute to Christian Dior's first lipstick, simply called 9, is a sophisticated statement maker. One can't help but feel a tie to the well-heeled women of the past and a connection to the infamous couturier himself when wearing it, even if it's just with jeans and a white tee.

These Rouge Dior ($36) and Dior Vernis ($25) shades are available at Dior counters nationwide.

P.S. I'm really trying to hold up my promise to tell you about Dior's incredible new launches as they happen.