Here at Solo Lisa headquarters, the lead-up to Christmas always follows a certain rhythm. After American Thanksgiving and Black Friday have passed, I light my favourite Frasier Fir Thymes candles so the whole condo smells like evergreen trees and put on Christmas music while I write my cards. I also start playing with the limited edition samples and gift sets that cross my beauty blogging desk, which usually include something special from Dior. Over the years of reviewing Dior's holiday beauty collections, I've come to expect certain signatures: Luxe gold packaging; formulas that deliver rich pigments and superior wear; dramatic shades; and lots of glitter, metallics, shine, or all of the above. The Dior holiday 2017 Precious Rocks collection is no exception. Let's take a closer look, shall we?
Of the samples I received, my favourite products are Diorific Matte Fluid in 005 'Charm' (a dusty, natural-looking rose pink) and 007 'Desire' (a bright coral); each retails for $47 at Dior counters nationwide. Diorific Matte Fluid was actually launched last year as part of the holiday 2016 Splendor collection, and it's returned this year with 4 shades available. Look how pretty the packaging is! Its resemblance to a cocktail shaker was what inspired me to raid the bar cart for my photo shoot props.
Each vial houses an intensely pigmented shade that goes on creamy and dries down to a velvety matte finish. I recommend using the flat side of the sponge-tip applicator to fill in lips and the blunt tip to dab a teensy dot of product on each cheek—that'll be more than enough product to blend out into a natural-looking flush. The colour lasts all day on cheeks, and while it does transfer from lips to the rims of coffee cups and drinking glasses, it boasts impressive staying power and feels comfortable. This is the sort of versatile product that you can pop into your work tote to go from the office to holiday festivities quickly, and it eliminates the need to match your blush's undertone to your lip colour (which can be tricky and require brushes, a full palette, etc.). Love!
As you can see from the swatches above, you can blend out Diorific Matte Fluid as little or as much as you want, for an intense jolt of colour or a blotted-down stain effect.
Diorific Vernis nail polish ($34) is available in 4 jewel-toned shades this year, shown here in 745 'Grenat' (a classic, creamy deep red that has the slightest hint of a cool undertone) and 998 'Amethyst' (a deep purple). If you've never tried a Dior nail polish, prepare to be swept off your feet by one of the best formulas and brushes on the market. The nail lacquer dries down to a glossy, professional-looking finish even sans top coat. The densely bristled, paddle-shaped brush fans out to create even cuticle lines and cover the entire nail bed. I have yet to try 'Amethyst', but I did post a picture of 'Grenat' on my Instagram. And even though it'd been months since I'd posted a #manimonday, other than one cuticle mishap my nails didn't look bad at all—that's saying a lot considering what a klutz I can be with at-home manis!
Two more notes about Diorific Vernis before we move on. First, the brush shape seems to have changed slightly compared to the silver-capped, regular Dior nail polishes I'm used to. The bristles are less densely set and fan out much wider. The application experience is still stellar, but the brush does pose a slight learning curve if you're used to the old Dior brush. Second, 'Grenat' is a gorgeous classic red. I tend to avoid wearing reds because they can pick up on the red undertones in my hands and make them look lobster-y, but this one doesn't do that. If you can relate to this nail polish dilemma, you have to pick up 'Grenat'.
The luxe gold case is familiar, but what's inside is completely new: Diorific Khol Lipstick ($46)—shown here in 991 'Bold Amethyst'—boasts a crayon-like tip, as well as a formula that uses khol for an intensely pigmented, cream-to-powder finish and a plant-based butter to soften lips. I love how effortlessly this lipstick glides on and the precise lining job the bullet is capable of, especially since the colour is so intense that any mistakes are very apparent. (Besides, how many women remember to tuck a lip brush into their evening clutch for a party?) Using a clear liner around the edges of lips to prevent any bleeding or feathering is strongly suggested. 'Bold Amethyst' is admittedly a bit dark for my taste, but there are 4 shades available in total and the coral and fuchsia in the range look like they're much more my speed.
And that wraps up my coverage of the Dior holiday 2017 collection! I have to admit, I'm pretty excited for the party season to rev up if only so I can rock some of these gorgeous shades. What about you? Is there something you see that you or someone on your list would love?
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