Gotta admit, I have a mild case of the back-to-reality blues after all the excitement of the wedding and mini-moon, but what better way to cushion the transition than by diving headfirst into Dior fall 2016 beauty? I've been itching to play with the new collection as soon as the nuptials were over, and for good reason. First, there's the limited edition Skyline collection for fall 2016, which is inspired by architecture and the interplay of shadow and light across the Parisian skyline. Then there are the new permanent additions: think user-friendly, no-brush-required textures, products that combine multiple steps in one, and novel shades of old favourites.
I know I say this of every Dior post, but I think this might be my most epic yet. Grabbing a snack and/or a coffee before you start reading is definitely advised!
Eyes
Every limited-edition collection Dior launches features at least one gotta-have-it eyeshadow palette, with embossing so lovely that you wince at the thought of swiping a brush across it. This time around, the Dior 5 Couleurs Skyline eyeshadow palettes ($73 each) feature a pattern directly inspired by the scaffolding and structure of the Eiffel Tower.
The colours of Dior 5 Couleurs eyeshadow palette in 506 'Parisian Sky' remind me of mint chocolate. They're the softest, most harmonious blend of browns and taupes, with a touch of dove grey and mint.
806 'Capital of Light' is its framboise and cassis-tinged sister. The colour in the top left corner looks sort of like a dull brown in the palette, but swatches as the most incredible shade of gunmetal grey with a touch of taupe. The colours in this palette are definitely more intense than those of 'Parisian Sky'.
Looking for inspo on how to get the most out of your 5 Couleurs palette? Check out this post featuring the top tips from Diorshow national artist Pascal Grand'Maison.
I've used pencil, powder, and gel on my brows, but Diorshow Brow Chalk in 003 'Dark Brown' ($40) was a new one for me. This slightly chubby, twist-up crayon features a broad, flat tip that seems quite intimidating at first.
A little trial and error proved me wrong though; the Brow Chalk's tip is surprisingly ergonomic. Use the sharp edges to draw in feathery, hair-like strokes and blend out as much or as little as you please. The colour is a bit warm if you're an Asian with naturally black hair like me (I prefer the cool charcoal of Dior Sourcils Poudre Powder Eyebrow Pencil 093 'Black'), but if you have reddish-brown dyed locks, this limited edition is a wonderful option.
Finally, there's Diorshow Pro Liner Waterproof eyeliner in 062 'Pro Grège' ($36), which will be a permanent colour addition to the Pro Liner Waterproof line. Remember how obsessed I was when I reviewed the black version of this liner in June 2015? Picture that same waterproof, budge-resistant formula and user-friendly chisel tip (hello, perfect cat eye), but in a shimmery bronze that's subtler than black yet no less striking. Perfect for daytime wear.
Lips
If you've been favouring a lot of sheer, moisturizing lip colours with a hint of tint like I have, you'll be very pleased with Dior's fall offerings. Dior Addict Lip Glow 005 'Lilac' ($41)—first introduced as a limited edition with the spring 2016 collection—is now a permanent addition. Plus, Dior has introduced Dior Addict Lip Glow Pomade 001 'Universal Pink' ($41). It has the same colour-enhancing effects and vanilla mint scent as the classic Lip Glow balm, but in a squeeze tube. What's more, the oil-gel texture has plenty of slip and very little stickiness and a slight plumping effect.
Dior is also adding 5 new permanent shades and 1 limited edition to its lineup of Dior Addict Lipstick ($43 each): 927 'Sophisticated' (a sheer muted copper, limited edition); 752 'Fusion' (a face-brightening, "my lips but better" pink); 987 'Black Tie' (my fave of the bunch, a dark plum rendered less intimidating and more flattering by the formula's sheerness); and 316 'Incognito' (a nicely balanced nude with just the right hint of pink). For more about Dior Addict Lipstick, check out this detailed review I did in September 2015 when Dior re-launched the formula.
Face
The Lazy Girl in me is so, so excited by the face offerings in Dior fall 2016. Forgiving, goof-proof textures? Products that make doing your face as simple as drawing and blending out with fingertips? Yes, please! First up: Dior Fix It Colour Backstage Pros in 200 'Apricot', 300 'Yellow', and 400 'Green' ($45 each) combine colour-correcting concealer and primer into a single step via an easy-to-use product.
So how do colour correctors work? It all comes down to colour theory and the belief that to counterbalance one colour, you use the opposite colour on the colour wheel to neutralize it. Therefore green (which is opposite red on the colour wheel) will counteract ruddiness in the cheeks or blemishes, while yellow and apricot counteract purple and blue, respectively. (Think dark spots, scars, and undereye circles.) If you have stubborn pigmentation problems that not even the thickest of concealers will hide, blending on a thin coat of colour corrector before a skin-matching concealer often helps.
If you already have good skin, or if you're so fair that most foundations and BB creams can look mask-like on you, colour correctors can hide minor imperfections without looking as "done" as a full face of makeup. I used to apply colour-correcting powder or a green-tinted SPF moisturizer in lieu of foundation. Talk about the ideal no-makeup makeup.
Highlighting and contouring can be intimidating if you're a newbie. You know what isn't intimidating? The limited edition Diorblush Light & Contour Sculpting Stick Duo Shadow & Light ($48). These double-ended, super-chubby crayons make it as simple as drawing on your face and blending with clean fingers.
There's even a diagram on the box that shows you exactly where to place the highlight and contour shades.
Diorblush Light & Contour comes in 2 shades, 001 'Soft Contour' and 002 'Medium Contour', but each of them can build in intensity to match most skin tones. I find an entire swipe of the contour shade to be too much for my fair skin, so I lightly dab it on my face in small circles, as though it were a giant Bingo marker, and blend that out for a more natural effect.
I haven't had as much time as I'd like to experiment with Dior Flash Luminizer Backstage Pros Radiance Booster Pen in 005 'Honey', 002 'Ivory', 003 'Apricot', and 800 'Pearly Pink' ($52). From all appearances, they look, feel, and behave like YSL's Touche Éclat, except the thick paddle-shaped brush on Dior's version feels much more soft and luxe, like a real makeup artist's concealer brush.
Another luxe Diorskin cannage-embossed compact! This time, it's Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer ($68), a soft luminizing powder that gives skin a hit of light wherever you apply it."
Nails
I'm all about pale pink nail polishes lately, so I was pleased to see that the fall 2016 limited edition shades of Dior Vernis ($33 each) are a richer, more sophisticated take on the neutral nails trend. 848 'Skyline' is a deep hue that looks chocolate brown in some lights and takes on a burgundy tinge in others, while 112 'Minimal' is a creamy beige ideal for days when you just want to lighten up. I can't wait to wear both shades with everything this fall, as soon as I remove my wedding gel mani.
Phew, that concludes Dior fall 2016! (For now anyway—there's more next week!) Did you see anything you like?
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